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 July 13th 2009 3:50AM
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.