Windows 7 build 7600 arrives in a torrent of RTM speculation (update: it's not RTM)

In a powerful wave of anticipatory man-drool, Windows 7 build 7600 has made its way to the file sharing services. What's interesting here is that the major jump in build revisions from the current 72xx builds suggests, but does not guarantee, that 7600 is the Release To Manufacturing (RTM) build rumored for a July 13th release (yes today) -- the same Windows 7 build that will be handed out by Microsoft to it partners in the run-up to Microsoft's October 22nd consumer launch. If it is the RTM build then we'd expect to hear some kind of announcement with the kickoff of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner conference in New Orleans later today.

Update: Just to be perfectly clear, the official Windows blog has posted confirmation that 7 has not reached RTM yet, but is poised to do so second half of this month.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[EGOvoruhk @ Jul 13th 2009 3:56AM]

Before today, I was seeing rumors that the RTM was going to be delayed because of an activation bug

[arkweld @ Jul 13th 2009 5:46AM]

you mean the fact that you have to activate an XP/Vista install and then have to install and activate a W7 upgrade?

That bugs a lot of people.

[Kelmon @ Jul 13th 2009 5:57AM]

Words fail to describe how much I hate Windows Activation. If it worked properly then I'd have no issue with it but I've had to call Microsoft's Indian Call Centre on a few occasions over the years and its annoying, not least because you can be damned sure that the pirates aren't having the same problem. It's always the legitimate customer who has to suffer the problems...

[Ethos @ Jul 13th 2009 6:27AM]

How does it not work? Input cd-key then activate.

[Kelmon @ Jul 13th 2009 6:49AM]

"How does it not work? Input cd-key then activate."

It doesn't work when the Activation process informs you that Activation could not be completed and you then need to call Microsoft for an Activation Code, which is a damned long number to quote over the telephone. By and large the average user shouldn't have a problem but if you upgrade your computer or run Virtual Machines then you can fall foul of this. I've also had this problem with an Activated instance of Windows XP that then failed a Windows Genuine Advantage check when installing Internet Explorer 7, which then invalidated the Activation and meant another call to Microsoft.

Believe me, I'm not the only one who has been through this. To be honest, I've not had a problem with the people at Microsoft (they've always been polite and handled the call fairly quickly) but it is an unnecessary hassle that does nothing to prevent piracy. As I said, all it does in inconvenience the legitimate customer.

[Beastage @ Jul 13th 2009 6:55AM]

Well, everything has some issues, I activated about 20 windows machines with 1 glitch like that.

[mbentley @ Jul 13th 2009 7:42AM]

just a suggestion for those of you who hate reciting your entire product key to the automated computer over the phone when trying to activate, just say a bunch of jibberish and after a few times, it will just skip past the automated key entry and send you directly to a customer service rep. definitely much faster reciting to a person than the slow computer. you still have to recite the key but it might save a few minutes.

[Kelmon @ Jul 13th 2009 8:06AM]

@Beastage

True - I'm not saying that it is a frequent problem, just one that does exist. Personally, I think the whole concept of Activation is fundamentally flawed because it doesn't reduce piracy and just inconveniences legitimate users. If it doesn't reduce piracy then what's the point of it?

To be fair, this isn't just Microsoft's problem. The likes of Adobe are doing this as well for their own software with about as much success in reducing piracy. I wish they'd just stick to license codes or stuff the whole idea.

[TRAFFICBLOWS @ Jul 13th 2009 8:26AM]

@ mbentley

also, it's intolerable without using a speakerphone

[Michael Smith @ Jul 13th 2009 9:10AM]

Activation may not stop piracy for the commercial pirates or for the computer literate teenage hack, but I'm sure it educates and deters your typical sharing of software between your otherwise honest folk and the less computer literate.

[John Doe @ Jul 13th 2009 10:37AM]

Hey, does anyone know what's the difference between the 7100 and 7600 builds?
I know 7100 is a little buggy, but have they rectified those in the new build? Hope so.
I am tired of the 'Windows Explorer has stopped working' bugs. Hope the new build has those fixed. Also, does this one have 'DreamScene'?
Is the 7600 build available on MS's Win7 site or just the torrents?

[Kali4 @ Jul 13th 2009 10:51AM]

@Michael Smith

You mean the same average user that doesn't know the difference between an HDD and RAM. The ones that know that they have to put in a prod key when they buy new software, but don't know how many machines the license is good for. They put it on a second machine and say "Hey! It worked!" So, they let their freind/neighbor/co-worker install it too. Eventually I find out about it because this average consumer (who still knows n their heart that if you buy something it's yours to do with as you please) downloaded a virus or loads of spyware and has trashed their system trying to remove it. I need to do a clean install, spend wasy too much of my time looking for that irreplaceable baby picture they didn't back up, and finally get to the program(s) they shared. The programs now do not want to install properly. Most retail (boxed copy) progams (in my admittedly non-thorough experience) allow up to three simultaneous installations. User has two machines, one works and has a copy of the program. The other used to work and used to have a copy of the program. User's friend (let's name him Captain Douche for simplicity's sake), Captain Douche has the other available license. Let's go ahead and use a company that is know for asshatery when it comes to licenses.........M$ you're up! So it's DoorsOS we're trying to install and we get a notice that there is a problem with the license key. We call the Customer Punishment line and listen to hold music for an hour while we try to convince ourselves that it will soon be over and we don't reall need to stab ourselves in the ear with a pencil. Finally we talk to a (presumably) living human being. The muzak is still stuck in our ears and it doesn't help when "Jake" (with no last name. EVER. Who am I supposed to bitch to your boss about?) has an accent that gives the lie to the assumed name. Jake's a nice enough guy and just trying to do his job so he re-activates the licenses upon my request. MY request. Did you get that? Not the license owner's, not a certified tech who works for a PC repair company. Me. Just some dude off the street who works on computers for a little side cash. In effect, M$ gave away extra licenses (provided we stay playing within the rules established.) To me. I didn't have to lie to them. I didn't have to show them proof of original purchase. All I say is: I am doing a reinstall on a machine and there seems to be an issue with this license.

I know this is a long-winded reply, but I think the story illustrates the point. What is the purpose of the extra work when even M$ isn't serious enough about it when they have an opportunity? They could have wanted proof of purchase. They may have even been able to pinpoint the rogue copy. But they didn't, and they don't. I have never had them tell me that I could not use a prod key. I tell them I am re-installing and they say OK. Everytime. I know some of the software I install for people is not legal. But I'm stuck too. If I call the users on it, I loose business.

[CueOminousMusic @ Jul 13th 2009 12:58PM]

Maybe I'm just lucky, but when I've called this year, I've gotten a machine, instead of a fake "Jane" or "Joe" and I can just recite or key in the product code one set at a time. Takes maybe five minutes, tops.

[Kelmon @ Jul 14th 2009 3:43AM]

@CueOminousMusic

Sounds like an improvement but I still hold that it is 5-minutes of your life gone for no reason. I mean, I went to the shop and bought the product so why do I have to prove that I bought it? I'm going to keep banging this drum and say that I simply object to be treated as a criminal and having my time wasted because Windows Activation/Windows Genuine Advantage is a flawed product.

[Dan Rockoff @ Jul 13th 2009 3:58AM]

All I know is I procrastinated and had to turn back the system clock when my beta copy started shutting down every two hours lol

[ibeQuint @ Jul 13th 2009 4:03AM]

it hasn't been released by the "scene" yet, so I'm going to assume the torrent is fake.

[Bevon Findley @ Jul 13th 2009 4:02PM]

yep this one is fake

[Saad Rabia @ Jul 13th 2009 4:06AM]

Oh little Windows 7
It's like you are sent from heaven
You kill OS 10 and even 11
I really can't stop the lovin

[SimbaDogg @ Jul 13th 2009 4:23AM]

Mmmm...indeed?

but, does anyone know where you can go to find out what the differences are between each respective build? i installed win7on my pop's lap top, but he wants to put it on his desktop as well. and i'm just wondering if the behind the scenes changes are enough for me to warrant downloading another dvd iso. i mean, as it is right now...7100 has proved to be nothing but rock solid for me.

[glenskey @ Jul 13th 2009 4:25AM]

dude, you really need to work on that poem.

[Kelmon @ Jul 13th 2009 5:47AM]

"You kill OS 10 and even 11"

That's pushing things a bit, yes? Windows 7 is good but let's not go nuts here. The idea that anything "kills" another product these days is rather moot. The best case scenario for Microsoft here is that Windows 7 stops defections to other platforms, which I think it will. However, I can safely say that as a Mac user that I am not going to switch to Windows 7 because, after all, it's only an OS and my investment is in software applications. Now, if Windows 7 produced software that I wanted and could not get for the Mac then that would be a different situation.

[EGOvoruhk @ Jul 13th 2009 6:37AM]

Kelmon: It's just a joke. There isn't even an OS 11 yet

[Kelmon @ Jul 13th 2009 6:51AM]

Indeed so, but a rational response was provided otherwise I can see others taking it as flamebait and I'm rather fed up with those conversations.

[Saad Rabia @ Jul 13th 2009 7:00AM]

Clarification: I was joking. Both OSes are awesome in their own way; I was over excited. Take my post as lite humor.

[10minutehobo @ Jul 13th 2009 7:01AM]

The only hope for OS11 is if it sends OS10 back from the future so it can evolve into OS11.

Damn, thinking about this could drive an OS crazy...

[Gus @ Jul 13th 2009 8:20AM]

I thought "humor" is supposed to be something funny. Replace the H with the T, though, seems to be more fitting here.

[Kelmon @ Jul 13th 2009 8:22AM]

@Saad Rabia

Fair enough. Just make sure your trousers don't catch fire, mkay?

[mechachu @ Jul 13th 2009 4:07AM]

Hmmm... now to find it :D I need to reinstall tomarrow... no more desktop pic... and annoying lil pop up thingies :D Yay...

[pcgecko85 @ Jul 13th 2009 4:11AM]

I think ill just stick with my 7100 for now

[fischju @ Jul 13th 2009 4:13AM]

I would assume that the RTM is real, and build 7600.

"Wzor is reporting that Microsoft has finalized Windows 7 RTM at last. After weeks of speculation on the possibility of a delay in finalizing the RTM, Microsoft compiled the final RTM build on July 10th. Windows 7 RTM has the build string 6.1.7600.16384.win7_rtm.090710-1945 which is a major jump from 6.1.7271.0.win7_rtm.090709-1520, the build that preceded the RTM. This build contains a valid digital signature, which cannot be faked."

But watch out for fake torrents, there are none out there that can be verified yet.

[andromorr @ Jul 13th 2009 4:15AM]

Oh, come on engadget, it's not as if you're being the nice guy and not downloading and rubbing your hands in glee (and some of that drool)

Just fire it up and tell us if it's the real deal! and, ofcourse, any thing new to warrant the large jump in build number

[PsychoFarmer @ Jul 13th 2009 4:16AM]

Only server has leaked so far for 7600. x64 and x86 are still in the process of being leaked by someone in China with the slowest upload speed ever.

[Steven K @ Jul 13th 2009 4:20AM]

I am excited for windows 7 :) its going on all my window computers the very first day it officially comes out! I really can't stand vista and windows 7 is just wonderful on the build I tested. I am also excited for Snow Leopard as well :) some neat technologies coming out of that!

[Richard @ Jul 13th 2009 12:05PM]

I can never understand the "I hate Vista but Windows 7 is great" crowd. How can you hate one and love the other when they're so similar?

Hating Vista and hating 7 is a legitimate opinion. Liking Vista and liking 7 is also a legitimate opinion. Hating one and liking the other means you can't think for yourself and you just go along with what the cool kids are saying on the internet.

[Zac @ Jul 13th 2009 12:36PM]

@Richard

It's because you're missing the point of why people don't like Vista. It's because it's slow and clunky, not because people don't like the interface, or it's ugly or something. 7 isn't slow and clunky (it's actually quite fast), so people like it.

[neodorian @ Jul 13th 2009 12:44PM]

I could never understand it either. Aside from a few glitches that were quickly worked out, Vista was always fine on my machines. Once I used it for a week I hated using XP at work. Win7 builds on that and refines it a good deal, improves desktop window manager to run on lower spec hardware, improves driver support, and generally works out of the box in a way XP really didn't and Vista only mostly did.

[10minutehobo @ Jul 13th 2009 3:23PM]

Richard: Those people haven't used Vista since RTM.

[digitallysick @ Jul 13th 2009 4:27AM]

So tired of all the so called rc builds , not updating anymore because im tired of it

[James @ Jul 13th 2009 12:47PM]

Yeah how dare they update an OS in it's beta form and let the users have the up to date one to test?

They don't force you to update other than from the beta to the RC which you knew was going to expire when you installed it. If you are finding bugs and reporting them like you should be doing as a tester of free software then it's nice to get the updated version and see what's fixed and what still needs to be adressed before release.

[kobioshi @ Jul 13th 2009 4:32AM]

I am a Partner, and I don't have it on my download page yet... I don't think it is out to RTM's yet either.

[Kaitian @ Jul 13th 2009 4:34AM]

Looking forward to this. I can give myself an excuse to update to 7600 from 7100. Especially I'm looking forward to release date.

[Jered6323 @ Jul 13th 2009 4:37AM]

So if it's Windows 7, why is it version 6.1?
Anyone else notice this? Or am I just way behind the news on Windows 7?

[Tim Brown @ Jul 13th 2009 5:06AM]

It is to provide comparability with vista programs. Vista is 6.0 and there are several applications that look for that number and if they don't find it then they wont run. Microsoft has concentrated on reducing comparability issues by using the 6.1 version number.

[kazbaeden @ Jul 13th 2009 5:37AM]

You're way behind the news. The Kernel version is 6.1. Kernel != Entire Operating System.

[Timbo @ Jul 13th 2009 6:16AM]

He's right, it's just for compatibility - MS have stated this - it's nothing to do with the kernel.

[Ghen @ Jul 13th 2009 6:48AM]

The point is though that the kernel version number is the entire reason behind the name Windows 7.

[Tim @ Jul 13th 2009 7:27PM]

It's the mojave experiment taking place as we speak.

[loocas @ Jul 13th 2009 4:37AM]

Man! I wouldn't want to be a MS programmer in this crunch-time. It must be hell-on-earth of a place to work...

Good luck, guys, hope it all turns out well, and get some good rest after this pressure.

[coollala @ Jul 13th 2009 4:44AM]

Full x64EN iso just leaked. *going to install*

[Totalfixation @ Jul 13th 2009 4:53AM]

Does anyone know if the keys you use for RC will work with the RTM? Will it expire as well?