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]
posted Jul 13th 2009 3:50AM
Before today, I was seeing rumors that the RTM was going to be delayed because of an activation bug
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.
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...
How does it not work? Input cd-key then activate.
"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.
Well, everything has some issues, I activated about 20 windows machines with 1 glitch like that.
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.
@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.
@ mbentley
also, it's intolerable without using a speakerphone
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.
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?
@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.
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.
@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.
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
it hasn't been released by the "scene" yet, so I'm going to assume the torrent is fake.
yep this one is fake
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
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.
dude, you really need to work on that poem.
"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.
Kelmon: It's just a joke. There isn't even an OS 11 yet
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.
Clarification: I was joking. Both OSes are awesome in their own way; I was over excited. Take my post as lite humor.
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...
I thought "humor" is supposed to be something funny. Replace the H with the T, though, seems to be more fitting here.
@Saad Rabia
Fair enough. Just make sure your trousers don't catch fire, mkay?
Hmmm... now to find it :D I need to reinstall tomarrow... no more desktop pic... and annoying lil pop up thingies :D Yay...
I think ill just stick with my 7100 for now
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
@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.
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.
Richard: Those people haven't used Vista since RTM.
So tired of all the so called rc builds , not updating anymore because im tired of it
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.
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.
Looking forward to this. I can give myself an excuse to update to 7600 from 7100. Especially I'm looking forward to release date.
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?
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.
You're way behind the news. The Kernel version is 6.1. Kernel != Entire Operating System.
He's right, it's just for compatibility - MS have stated this - it's nothing to do with the kernel.
The point is though that the kernel version number is the entire reason behind the name Windows 7.
It's the mojave experiment taking place as we speak.
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.
Full x64EN iso just leaked. *going to install*
Does anyone know if the keys you use for RC will work with the RTM? Will it expire as well?
As far as I know, RTM branches cannot be activated using the serial numbers Microsoft gave out.
You'll need a new key for the RTM version.
However, if you have preordered Windows 7 and are thinking of downloading this in the meantime you will be able to skip activation and rearm for a 120 day extension. This should get you through to the point where your preordered copy will arrive with a legitimate key.
the actual RTM version is build 7264. not 7600..i checked w/ the comments and such on the less than legal highways.
That build is like a week old. It's not RTM.
Crap Crap Crap! I just went to pre-order the $49 Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade, clicked through all the instructions, filled in my credit card and shipping info, and then clicked submit. I was then given the joy of seeing the price jump up to $119.99. Appareantly the $49 pre-order price ends with RTM. I missed it by mere seconds. I guess that will teach me to procrastinate.
At least the $149.99 family pack upgrade looks like it's going to be real.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9135325/Resellers_reveal_Windows_7_Family_Pack_price
The pre-order program ended this Saturday, the 11th. That was always know since MS announced the program...
Bugger that - I'm not downloading Windows 7 from a torrent site if the torrent has not been officially blessed by Microsoft. I have no idea who issued the software and whether it is OK or will do something bad to my system. The Release Candidate is fine and I can quite happily wait for the retail version to hit shelves later this year.
Would it be worth delaying a (UK) notebook purchase which would come with Vista Basic if bought today?
I think all Vista machine purchases from now until January get a free Windows 7 licence from Microsoft, as part of their upgrade plan.
If you plan on running Windows 7 then, personally, yes, I would delay my purchase. It won't cost you anything extra to get Windows 7 on its release but you will need to go through an upgrade process. If you need the notebook now then go ahead since immediate need has to take priority.
man-drool.... I imagine geek-jizz was your original thought, and you went with the milder description instead?
A7
Easy way to tell if this is RTM Engadget, Download it install it then try to activate it with a beta key, if it refuses then RT it is.
Not really. 7264 didn't accept a beta key
What about RC keys?
Can someone please verify if RTM or Beta keys work on this build? Lot of "I heard" but no facts.
On the first page of comments it looks like someone confirmed this will NOT take a Beta key. You can do skip the activation and get 120 days though (just like with Vista).
Does anyone know if it is going to be released to MSDN Academic Alliance? If it is when will it be released?
probably released so people hack n find all the ways to fix bugs so they know n fix it in time before oct 22 and make money off our ideas/information :(
I agree.
Also, you don't need confirmation. read the comments. If beta and RC keys have not worked as of build 7264, then obviously they do not work with build 7600. No testing required. Just like I don't have to test to make sure Windows ME CD-Keys are incompatible.
I am a Mac user myself but how is Windows 7 version 6.1. I thought that was the reason for the name 7, as in 7.0
No, it's Windows 7 because it is the 7th Windows OS (excluding Server releases) to be made. So, Vista could have been named Windows 6, if they'd wanted.
you guys go right ahead and download trojan-infested fake build 7600. i'll wait until it shows up on Technet and then get the clean version. realize you can get a personal Technet account for dirt cheap ($199 with coupon code) and then get every single piece of Microsoft software for a year.
Hmm. Another torrent build into the market. I dont know how many users are downloading it,but i'm still content with the RC release. It's good and fast, all XP software seem to work, no problems with AntiVirus, fast booting etc. So better stick with the RC version. Anyhow when the original is released then we can go for the torrents. See my blog for more Windows 7 news. Windows 7 More news
My Vista is acting a bit buggy and I would like to do a clean install of 7 but I don't want to do another clean install after that. Will this RTM allow me to use my retail key when October comes around without having to reinstall windows?
vista = 6
VI = 6
VI(sta) = 6
VI is the roman numeral for the number 6, therefore, vista is a nice little twist.
windows 7 = 7th OS... not much to that one.
Already 10,000 spyware, adware & virus programs in the wild just waiting for this Vista, i meant windows 7 release. I couldn't even justify spending the discounted price of $50 for this POS.
downloading it
HMM that's weird,the official press release states that Windows 7 has been RTMed and Windows Team Blog reads that Windows 7 would be RTM in second half of July.Got this news from here http://win7.in/2009/windows-7-has-been-rtmed/
Just installed the leaked version of windows 7 7600 x86 that was in chinese until i installed the english language pack and i can say, after using build 7260 things in this version have improved significantly on my pc over any previous build of windows 7. Performance in games have improved ten fold and have gone from choppy to smooth. Startup and shutdown times (inpaticular shutdown times) have gotten alot faster and less programs seem to be non-responsive when you shutdown windows. Overall if the quality of the 7600 build is anything to go by it is indeed the final rtm product, although I have seen rumours it is going to be build 7777 that hits the shelves in october. Well its been a long and drawn out beta test for windows 7 and now its nearly finished we can all start looking forward to getting our hands on the first copy of Windows 8 Alpha when it is released to torrent.
"Performance in games have improved ten fold"
No.
Unless Microsoft have made better drivers than ATi, which wouldn't surprise me ;)
Seriously, I joke; I'm still skeptical about ATi drivers after seeing my friends 4850 have fan problems due to crappy drivers.