Windows 7 RC Available For Download Now

dl'ing at about 300 kb/s pretty decent. hope it keeps up

@TehNomad:

redirects to win7 home page

Serjic Lalehzarian

Here are some direct links:
x86: [wb.dlservice.microsoft.com]

x64: [wb.dlservice.microsoft.com]

@BritRubonius: This is working. Thanks Brit. Strange, the Adam's key didn't work.

@limbikity: I'm using DownThemAll! and getting about 1 MB/s down on the x64.

@Jacob Kuehndorf: Yeah i noticed :(. Just click enough on the link and the about window will pop up. That worked for me.

Alex Russak

Yeah, after you click the download link, on the page that warns you about the download manager, they also provide a link to the direct download. Just click that and you are good to go (cancel the download manager if it starts automatically).

I'm also getting a combined 600-700 KB/sec downloading both versions simultaneously.

wunch

Is there any way to install this without burning it to a dvd?

davethebutcher

@Serjic Lalehzarian: actully if look back i beat you I just didn't wanted to get spam by "winners don't Warez" or something like that.

Jacob Kuehndorf

@JuryDuty: I got to work by disabling the Java plugin(thanks to limbikity)

Jacob Kuehndorf

@limbikity: thanks for the tip, worked perfectly for me after getting errors with their download manager.

@Alex Russak: redirects to the Win 7 page.

Jacob Kuehndorf

@limbikity: Thank yoou kind sir this worked and I am download them a better good clip.

Jacob Kuehndorf

@Arvedui: Yes, I received this error about 20 times. Just keep trying and it will eventually go through. I did switch to IE though. But once you get through, it's FAST--I'm downloading at around 600 kb/sec. It should be done in less than an hour.

Should the Download Manager fail to start, or if you do not accept the security certificate, you can click here to download the file without using the download manager.

x86
[wb.dlservice.microsoft.com]

Alex Russak

@MariettaGodinka: I refreshed the "Here is your key" page (got a second key.../sigh), clicked on download again, and I didn't get the error.

toleraen

I keep getting an error message saying,

"Could not resume, the file has changed on the server. (Mismatch file size)
Try to download a fresh copy of the URL.
Would you like to start over?"

Yet when I click yes, it gives me the same error. Odd.

The trick in FireFox is to disable the Java plugin, it'll then use FF's download manager.

limbikity

@MariettaGodinka: Try IE

@Polzin: Try IE page in firefox to download. Anything downloaded from windows must be in IE.

salt4502

@JuryDuty: I would recommend a separate partition or a thumb drive, just because I haven't tried it on the same drive. I might work, just back up your important files first :)

Dale Foshe

it's telling me the "download integrity is invalid" wtf??

@Philip Marquis: Check out page 2 of these comments--they are a set of about 15 keys.

@Serjic Lalehzarian: Yes, most of my keys are listed here. So again they're using the same product keys over and over.

@JuryDuty: i had better luck with ie. 64 bit worked first try. im getting both 64 and 32 bit versions. we'll see how it runs on the vostro when i get it...

@Dale Foshe: Dale, could you put this on the same drive you're installing to, but just a different directory, or do you need to choose a separate drive/partition?

@Jacob Kuehndorf:

lol, beat you by a post

Serjic Lalehzarian

@Jacob Kuehndorf: Sorry products keys i have gotten.

Jacob Kuehndorf

@Dale Foshe: Excellent tip! Thank you.

[www.geekcrack.org]

Jacob Kuehndorf

@blazedshaggy: Keep trying. I got that about 20 times before one "took." But now it's downloading at 600 kb/sec.

Windows 7 RC x86 / x64

MM7DF-G8XWM-J2VRG-4M3C4-GR27X
C43GM-DWWV8-V6MGY-G834Y-Y8QH3
MVBCQ-B3VPW-CT369-VM9TB-YFGBP
MVYTY-QP8R7-6G6WG-87MGT-CRH2P
6F4BB-YCB3T-WK763-3P6YJ-BVH24
RGQ3V-MCMTC-6HP8R-98CDK-VP3FM
MT39G-9HYXX-J3V3Q-RPXJB-RQ6D7
6JQ32-Y9CGY-3Y986-HDQKT-BPFPG
KBHBX-GP9P3-KH4H4-HKJP4-9VYKQ
BCGX7-P3XWP-PPPCV-Q2H7C-FCGFR
GPRG6-H3WBB-WJK6G-XX2C7-QGWQ9
9JBBV-7Q7P7-CTDB7-KYBKG-X8HHC
P72QK-2Y3B8-YDHDV-29DQB-QKWWM
KGMPT-GQ6XF-DM3VM-HW6PR-DX9G8
Q3VMJ-TMJ3M-99RF9-CVPJ3-Q7VF3

Key are interchangeable between versions

Serjic Lalehzarian

@trandy: This is ALL I get... can't download at all.

robthecomputerguy

Did you notice that if you refresh the page that gives you the key, it'll just give you another key?

Collect em' all!

flatspunk

Yeah it's a no go for me. Some kind of "mismatched file size" error... Both the 32 and 64 bit errors out.

@diegodd: OMG! Conspiracy theories! If you actually read their FAQ about the RC then you would have had your questions answered.

For anyone running earlier versions of W7, You cannot upgrade from an earlier version of W7 to 7100. This will require a clean install. (I think you can still upgrade from Vista)

If you absolutely have to upgrade instead of rebuild, you can try this:
1. Mount the ISO (or burn to DvD) and copy the entire contents to a location you wish to install from
2. Edit the cversion.ini file in the sources directory
3. Change the line MinClient=7100 to say MinClient=7000

This will allow you to run setup from the location and have it perform an upgrade instead of forcing you to rebuild. Since this isn't Microsoft supported use at your own risk!

Dale Foshe

Wait until May 5th(4th) for the cd key...check
Go to download the iso from a torrent...in progress

madigan82

@Jacob Kuehndorf: Whoops! Keep trying--one of mine just went through. Just keep trying it over and over until it "catches," I guess.

Downloading now in Firefox, no issues yet. Can't wait to try this on my netbook!

aharris

@diegodd:
It's stated in the FAQ, if you cared to read it: There will be no upgrade paths from the betas/RCs, you will have to reformat your computer and install the RTM version, or another previous Windows version you own.

Starting at March 1, 2010, all RC copies will start to automatically shutdown every 2 hours, and will stop working completely June 1st.

danielkza

@JuryDuty: I gives me the error and stops both in IE and firefox.

Jacob Kuehndorf

@JuryDuty: Nope, same error with IE (though at least it keeps trying with IE.)

Hmm...with Firefox, I'm getting a mismatched error on the server. Time to give IE a shot.

a list of product keys i have gotten so far ( via reloading b/c of errors) is on my website I don't want toget into trouble so I will post asked

Jacob Kuehndorf

it's already May 5th on GMT+8 (Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta)

HanselJebbies

I get a pop-up window in the Download Manager saying: "Download integrity is invalid. Try to download a fresh copy of the URL. Would you like to start over?"

trandy

Ill wait a bit, Im excited, but ill wait till the traffic dies.

Dilpickle1

64 bit version errors out at 11:15 cst, 32 bit dl'ing at 1.15 mb/s

ManfredHygieia

so ok, its nice MS is giving away "free" copies of w7 for everyone, and we'll be able to use them till june 2010 or something, but what they haven't told us, is WHAT THEN!?!?!'

Will we be able to turn back to vista or xp keeping all the things (an programs and stuff) we have on thet moment? Will the machine freeze like in carbonite and wont be able to use it unless buying a full version licence? what exactly is happening when the test period ends? what will be our options? (besides the obvious of having tu buy a licence)

and what if, lets say, the RC version we use is a Ultimate version, but we don't want that when the date comes, but other flavor, what will happen then?

we need to know what to expect that last day!

diegodd

Downloading the 64-bit version now. My key ends with 9VYKQ.

its down for me. I get about 128 kb downloaded and it errors. this for both 32 and 64-bit

Jacob Kuehndorf

It gets me to the webpage where Key is located and the download link is. Then it runs a java app(a download manager?) which tries to download it but fails. asdfkjhsdkljfhsdkfghldsfg

grewal12

@fuddrha: Yeah, there are only a limited number of keys. I remember with Beta build 7000 people discovered Microsoft only used <10 different keys for everyone.

Thanks for the heads up. I am downloading now. By the time I wake up tomorrow it will fully downloaded and ready to go. I am currently using build 7000 so I am sure to notice some serious improvements.

Lifehacker still underestimates the various locations of their readers :)

Lertad Supadhiloke

is it a set of 5 keys agian? or randome keys?

Philip Marquis

NOW GUESS WHAT?!?! firefox froze and for whatever reason when i try to redownload i'm told theres an error. i'm annoyed

@fuddrha: there are only a few keys for the beta and the rc.

natenovs

java applet download manager doesn't connect, kept displaying 'mismatch size' java applet download manager... seriously, microsoft? what are you running back there? =_=

MariettaGodinka

I got the leaked version, is it any different from this one?

TalekAetem

So here's a strange thing. I am downloading two versions - 64-bit for my desktop, 32-bit for my lappy. Granted, I'm using the same MS Live e-mail address for both, but I got the same registration key for both x86 and x64. Are they just using the same key for everyone?

My key ends with BPFPG. Anyone else?

fuddrha

@wakebordr : yea, i'm getting the same error in the download manager.

Wesley Hargrove

weeeeee!!!

grewal12

@wakebordr : The link worked, but when I get to the download page, it is giving me an error, so maybe tomorrow it will work.

wakebordr

It's back up and running as of 8:58 Pacific Time.

wakebordr

@Polzin: same issue here the link isent working

Philip Marquis

@Polzin: Updated the post; ugh, Microsoft!

I was able to start downloading it from http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353271.aspx I was just coming here to see if LH had it up yet!

BritRubonius

either the link doesn't work or there was a slip up at microsoft

@TragicDog: Go to tools-->addons-->Java (Quick Starter)-->Disable and restart firefox
Worked for me...

callrecall911

8 minutes left at 1.3 MB/sec. Going to upgrade from Vista tomorrow morning.

Jon Putnam

Firefox 3 + Java Plugins Disabled + DownThemAll

I'm getting download speed between 900 KB/s - 1.5 MB/s

I tried IE8 with no luck, and I start having the 'missmatch' error with Java in Firefox.

Cheers.

yardissimo

The site was slow to respond, but kept on going. Downloading now 11% progress in about 4 minutes, so at least the download is speedy. Knock on wood!

Tex1961

I'm only getting 250kbps :(

Will Barnhart

I have 68% down so far.

@JuryDuty: Disabling Java seems to have done the trick now. 400KB/sec download speeds are so annoying, though...

And the chaos begins

Never mind. Here is how you do it:
1. Go to Start>> Control Panel>> System.
2. At the bottom of the System applet, you'll see a link titled: "Change product key". Click this link.
3. Click Next, then in the resulting window, enter your new product key ID information.
4. Click OK.

SohniAlbus

@Nitin Nanivadekar: +1. Works w/ IE but not FF for some reason.

I got the RC from BT yesterday. It's awesome. Java works fine. I used a beta key for it. Does anyone know if the beta keys will go until 2010? If not, I guess I have to re-install it.

SohniAlbus

@davethebutcher: yeh, just extract the iso with winrar and click Setup.exe

natenovs

Based off of this tidbit from the MS download site, I'm going to wait a week or so for the furor to die down: You don't need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we're not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.

@limbikity: can you give us a detailed explaination of how to get it to download without using their manager? I've tried everything, and I can't get it to work...

Hey, it's working great for me. I download with 1.5 mb. Can't wait \:D/

Suciu Vlad

It is downloading thanks lifehacker for info. Now I can set it and forget it overnight.

ngetchell

I got a leaked version I found that the download speed is allot better

Well as of posting this I am downloading it. This is my first official try of Windows 7 so I hope everything goes well.

Just a good suggestion, I searched "Dual boot xp and 7" here on lifehacker to know how to dual boot :D
I have read so much great stuff on Windows 7 and I am finally ready to take the plunge.

Upon getting to the download page(was using Firefox) I got a key. I tried to download and in Firefox it does not have ActiveX. So I switch over to IE and try again, but this time I get a different key. I wonder if the keys are generated randomly? Keep an eye out if this happens to you. Anyway YAY to RC of Windows 7!!!

@JuryDuty: I never got it to work. I might just wait until the downloads die down...

@TalekAetem: As long as it is build 7100 it should be the same version. When changes are made they usually change the build number (hence 7000, 7022, 7048, 57, etc...) Make sure to check the md5 sum of the download and make sure it's correct, google if you don't know how to do this and you'll find instructions.

@limbikity: +1 Thanks for the tip mate.Anyone know what is causing this?

callrecall911

@[kurtsh.spaces.live.com]!DA410C7F7E038D!1665.entry

davethebutcher

Disabling Java in Firefox let me start the download through my regular download manager (Orbit). I'm getting speeds between 256k and 1.6MB. Needless to say, I'm impressed given their previous flubs.

If you don't know how to disable Java, it's under Options -> Content -> [ ] Java

jhendrix84

@TalekAetem: It shouldn't be as long as it's the 7100 RC you should be fine. I have the same one and I'm loving it.

Can anyone point me to n article outlining the differences if any between this and earlier versions?

Posting from the up and running Win7 RC I just finished installing. :)

adjohnson916

@surfersnow: ehhhh so ive downloaded it twice already, and had it be corrupted twice.. :/
time for attempt #3!

surfersnow

"If you're running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you'll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data."

Well, so much for that. I'm not ready to reformat my XP-computer JUST to use a temporary OS. If I decide to reformat (I'm thinking about it anyway), I might install this and can always buy or switch to Linux at the end of the trial period.

Sean Lee Fowler

@Rock2575: Mine ends with Q7VF3

I don't get it. Why use a Java download client? why not just link to ze file?

*confused*

I am downloading Ubuntu 9.04 which will be improved in 6 months. LOL

It's free.

Free of virus and crappy web browsers and network printing and services that should never be opened etc etc.

Good luck with Windows 7 and or 8.

Ubuntu will change your world view.....

Dentman

[tinyurl.com]

easy to remember direct download link for x64 :)

Chris Balcum

@Tex1961: Fatal error during file integrity verification. Drat!

Tex1961

IE7, at 2.8 MB/s
gotta love those college speeds... :)

just a little different from the initial beta release...

surfersnow

Any difference between this version and that 7100 version that got leaked a week ago?
O.o

So has anyone installed yet? Does microsoft's hack to install over beta work well?

Will Barnhart

I'm downloading it right now with Internet Explorer!

2 MB/sec!

Nice

I think it is hilarious that the first hiccup is the link not working, then it does. Sounds like windows to me.

parksfam

the download manager doesnt work in firefox (well at least for me).

I used ie8 and its downloading using 4 connections at a steady rate of 300-450KB/s.

my key ends in DX9G8

Ryan A

I'll check this out when I get home, I expect much improvements from the 7000 beta, even though it kicks ass.

Fredrik Killi

Couldn't download it on this pc running XP but on other one running Windows7 it downloaded both 32 and 64bit in less than 15 mins.. go figure...

Uninhabited

86% Downloaded at 2.11MB/s...Aaaaaaand it's gone.

"The server returned an error. Would you like to retry?" Which I've done several dozen times. This blows chunks.

Aitese Odigie

I would really like to think that when Windows 7 finally ships, it will be a free upgrade for those of us who are long-suffering Vista saps. They look so much alike, maybe that is a possibility.

They are making different versions like Vista, even more, is my understanding.

Leaked from a disgruntled tier 2 tech support person, a memo was posted online for almost an hour and then it disappeared. However, several social sites and the still-spry webcrawler spider got a hold of it.

They have plans in place to make a version called "Prior Vista Users", or PVU7. Inside the box will be several pamphlets that address depression, self-mutilation and anger management.

Also, as the PVUs register, Windows 7 will quickly dispense a comprehensive listing of mental health professionals according to the zip code provided.

The printout would have Bill Bucks on the back page. This amazingly generous offer would make the first session free to any mental profession seen. Of course Bill and company require the bar code from the box (yes the plastic will tear, get over it), proofs of purchase and a properly filled out and exceedingly personal form relnquished within one week of the sessio.

Unfortunately, there will be many members of the PVU7 segment that will have UAC anxiety disorder for years. Fragile types will continue to experience horrific UAC night terrors. The seriously affected will report images of WindowsMe lurking about in these nightmares.

It seems they are ready to respond, and help, without admitting guilt and vehemently denying any responsibility. That is always best.

/satire

Lets hope Windows 7 can provide a calming, ethereal atmosphere for everyone.

Nick

Good Deal... Mines coming down right now..

FicmanS

There's been absolutely nothing but full speed ahead in getting the download up and running, now 51% completed in about 9 minutes.

amIthe1

getting about 200k/s here.

Track

I would love to download it, but I don't know what type of bit to use for my WindowsXP. I don't know whether to use the 32bit or the 64bit. If anyone out there can be kind enough to give me some advice, I would really appreciate it. Thank You!

Bravest343

@Dentman: If Windows 7 is screwy after I install it, I'm not going back to Vista. I'm going straight to Linux and staying there. 95% of the software I use is open source anyway, and there are great options for the other 5%.

jhendrix84

@theKage: Because the Java applet uses Akamai CDN so that it's not just using a single server.

duck_

agh... file integrity error five times in a row now... guess i'll try again in the morn.... :/

surfersnow

I've tried many times but all I keep getting is the Product Key page.
Any ideas?
Thanks.

Uninhabited

Has anyone else noticed what Microsoft says on there web page about the length that it will run:

"The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you'll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010."

This is the first time that I have heard about this deadline. I am still going to give it a try. My laptop needs a fresh rebuild and I have the system restore disk to go back to what I have now.

FKALurch

So, I'm 90% through installing in VirtualBox...anyone know how this thing copes with Additions?

Aitese Odigie

took me about 10 minutes.

Got the green circle of death in Chrome. Switched to IE and download started instantly. Me thinks there is a browser bias.

Alex Wright

@Bravest343: Me too.
Assuming my hardware is 64-bit capable, is there any downside to using the 64-bit Windows 7. I remember hearing of software issues with 64-bit Vista, but is that still true for 7? I haven't downloaded yet, but I'll probably give 64 bits a try.

jbhenry

@mono_lisa:
perhaps you meant tinkering?

tinkling and faintly excited *snicker*

ericesque

In Maxthon2: Tools -> Content Control -> Disable Scripts... getting 850KB/s, I'm happy ;)

Mattias Persson

and the green circle of death stops spinning...

Jeff Jones

@Quicksilver4648:

How about showing consideration to A.D.H.D sufferers around the world and stop acting like an ahole.
Some are too busy to read FAQ's and depend on geeks like you on awesome sites like this, to get our quick answers.

@Dreadnought:

Have tried both IE and Firefox? In Firefox's "Add ons" options you should turn off both the Java starter add on as well as the Java plugins (in a separate tab)

Aitese Odigie

@Rock2575: ...QGWQ9

I'm downloading both 32-bit and 64-bit. Combined, I'm getting about 600 kb/s.

@MariettaGodinka: Safari 4 works also for those on Macs who want to give it a try.

@TehNomad Thanks for the direct links

and

@Serjic Lalehzarian Thanks for the keys

This makes it much simpler :P
Also, little trick from when Windows 2000 was new... if you don't like the expiry date, try setting the bios clock back a year, or however many you feel you need.

When in doubt:
下载 <-copy and paste (That's download in Chinese) All I need it in Russian for when the Chinese doesn't work :P

if it's good enough, I'll pay the 10 RMB for it when it comes out.

thegreatnicko

Awesome. Downloaded the iso in 12 minutes.

Shashank Agarwal

8 hours to go, but who's in a rush? after reinstalling xp yesterday i might as well spend another day tinkling with my pc. faintly excited, too.

mono_lisa

@Aitese Odigie: Well I've had to use Firefox with Java turned off...can only get speeds approaching but not reaching 1MB/s but that's cool.

Aitese Odigie

@limbikity: OMG! I <3 you, mate! The download manager wouldn't work, I disabled Java, and bam, a save file dialog opens. Much thanks for your wonderful advice!

Can't get it to download sadly. I waited up 'til the second it was posted to start downloading and it won't start a download. I get the download manager page, but nothing is downloading, I've turned off all my firefox apps that could be blocking the content...Any help from the mystical LifeHacker guys?

1.6m/s Nice! almost as fast as other ways to get it :)

@grewal12:

It was 9 keys before, and I hear the old ones still work. Mine did, ending in Q8DCH.

Wesley Mason

Ok, so I'm downloading right now at 560k/s - very satisfied with the speeds, especially when comparing to the last time.

20 mins to go :)

ronen82

(Mac and Firefox) OR (Mac and Safari) = 0% success
Windows Vista AND Internet Explorer = 100% first time success

I will be installing on a Mac with Boot Camp, so this was important to me.

wylacot

If you refresh the download page you will get a bunch of keys to use

xillwillx

I dualboot xp and ubuntu, each on a different drive in my second pc. If I install windows 7 over ubuntu will I have any problems dualbooting windows 7 and xp, with grub probably disappearing?

bigrev

they will still work..

ritchie82

I have old key for previous beta version. Do I use the old key on the RC version?

NYCharles

@Hawaiibadboy: His question was answered on the first page after clicking the link. You don't even have to look hard for it. They even put it in bold.

got it in about 15mins here in the UK - any1 know of any possible problems of dualbooting this with a hackintosh osX install? - im guessin the bootmenu is the same as vista? - only tried it in a VM so far...

ritchie82

@EganSerpent: The same way you would put it on a CD.

Dilpickle1

Error in the download app (9:35 EST)
Guessing their servers are overwhelmed.
Great job MS!

Although I already had the RC from work, I decided to download this at home this morning. it only took about 15 minutes to download.

I was hoping that Microsoft would release different ISO's for the different versions of Windows 7.

Does anyone have the MD5s?

pcull

woot for extra keys.. usually it'd only give me two

logie

Well the download for the 32-bit version was successful for me. However, I get an error in the download manager for the 6t4-bit version, what up. I really would like to run the 64-bit version!

LindaPublius

In Maxthon2, Tools -> Content Control -> Disable Scripts... 850KB/s, I'm happy ;)

BartholomewFeardaddy

Downloaded great on my linux machine with firefox :)

Bezn

Yes there is a difference. Enjoy your botnet

NydiaMaddox

The website works amazing in IE but not so well in Chrome? Any Idea Why?

tsuvik

As the RC download page says - you will have to rebuild your test machine with a previously released version of Windows. There are no downgrades from the RC nor are there upgrades from the RC to the final RTM version of Windows 7.

PattyFlint

I just started my download. Im in Africa though, so its a little slower. Should be done by the end of today ;x

snowm0bile

@ limbikity You star!!!!! @Tragicdog go to your add-ons tab (tools - addons) and find the Java apps anf then disable them

UrianPashnani

Disabled Java in Firefox. Downloading around 1.1 - 1.6 MB/sec. Good deal.

AureliaLadon

Will my beta be upgraded automatically?

PriceBaucis

IMPORTANT QUESTION. Can i run this on a Virtual Machine with a _UN_ Activated version of windows XP ? Would this basically cover me for a year ?

YvetteHorn

@robthecomputerguy:
same here

nakedmidgets

For those of you that got an error in FF, disable the Java plugin and download it via FF download manager or downthemall

EmilioChelios

Any tips for writing the ISO file to a DVD...I've never done that before.

EganSerpent

@diegodd:
From the installation instructions for Windows 7:

IMPORTANT: The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you'll need to rebuild your test machine using a valid version of Windows before the software expires. You'll need to rebuild your test PC to replace the OS and reinstall all your programs and data. (To learn more, see Frequently asked questions.)

DrChoco

hummm seems to be doing ok for my in IE. download speed is a bit jumpy thou from 360 kb to 1.4 mb

KonradBabby

also mismatch error on the server on firefox. tried with IE, same error. Tried a few more times and its downloading or rather has not errored yet.

kahcor

Download isn't working for me. I get:
"This webpage is not available.

The webpage at [wb.dlservice.microsoft.com] might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address."

paroxsitic

Download ImgBurn. It's a great, free program

BlancheKisser

You CAN upgrade from an earlier build. It's just not recommended. Copy the install files (be sure to enable hidden files) do a folder. Go into the Sources folder. Edit the CVersion.ini file. Change the reference of 7100 to 7000 (or anything below 7100) and you'll be good to go. I've done two.

BlancheKisser

Currently downloading in FF. Since the beta does have it's problems, I will be switching to the RC for that. Hopefully, the issues that I ran into will be resolved (no hardware issues thankfully).

it worked for me just fine, first try.
in firefox.

enderx

@salt4502: I'm downloading it in firefox - Just fine.

enderx

@bigrev:

I'd think that will work fine, since it will replace the master boot record to point to its own bootloader.

DWHarrison

Got it with no trouble at all, averaging about 1MB/sec all the way. It was a very nice experience compared to downloading the beta.

Now to wait out the rest of the work day so that I can get home and install it. :-)

DWHarrison

@justin.poplawski:
You have to install it to run, but you can boot from the DVD to install it. There is no "live cd" option.

DWHarrison

i disabled Java from firefox (Tools, Options, Content, clear the checkbox for Java.

almost done! :-)

@Aitese Odigie:
WOW ! Thanks - did this and now its downloading.

LH EDITORS - PUT THIS GUY's ANSWER AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE!

TURN OFF THE JAVA Plug-In IN FIREFOX ADD-ONS TO GET THE DOWNLOAD TO WORK!

PC running Vista
Download manager keeps hanging on the "invalid" dialog box. Have hit "retry" a zillion times all morning and it keeps doing the same.

The MSDN hack mentioned above in update 3 does not work.

Same thing in either FF or IE8.

C'mon MS, upgrade your servers already! My finger is gettin' tired from hittng "retry" so many times.

@jhendrix84:
Ok... are we supposed to care what you do with your system?

GoodBytes

Do you have to install this or can you boot from the cd?

Started my download of the 64bit version at 11:30 am on the 5th. Only 15 minutes in and it is almost done!

justin.poplawski

@Serjic Lalehzarian: ...until you are logged into windowslive, then it will stop redirecting.

Anyone know of a good way to slipstream newly updated drivers into the image?

AgathaAlthaemenes

@limbikity: Awesome!! Thanks a lot!

@DWHarrison: Thanks - I had protect mode set on IE8, switching it off has started the d/l.

Vestan_Pance

funny - download site doesn't work on chrome, but works fine with my IE7.

qrius

@Vestan_Pance: Have you tried disabling Java? Also, you may want to try Firefox.

DWHarrison

@dchall8: Yes. The account requirement is just for the download.

DWHarrison

Argh! Can't seem even get through to sign-in using Safari on my MBP. When I switch to using IE8 in Win 7 on my virtual machine I can sign-in and get the download link but I keep going round in a loop trying to download the install manager.

Double argh! Anyone got suggestions?

Vestan_Pance

does anyone have the MD5 hash for 64bit?
I did a direct download cuz noscript blocked the java thing

This brings up a question. Will you have to have a Windows Live account to run Windows 7? Could you get the download and then cancel your Windows Live account?

Can this be installed over XP or must I start with a clean slate?

peters4n6

@danielkza: Reformatting isn't necessary. You just have to at least get rid of the old copy or make sure it won't stomp on the same files.

@diegodd:

ok. thank you very much all of you who answered my question.

i DIDN't Know there was a FAQ explaining all that because i really didn't want to get the RC at that point and i didn't even go to the download page.

Anyway, is good to know now, for other people like ME that were lazy enough to look further.

also because they WILL be people that will be downloading the RC like no tomorrow and will skip all the reading. (but i guess they wont read all this anyway, hehe)

anyway, i think that unless i get myself a testing, no critical machine, i wont get the RC, i dont want to be using a system for over a year and then having to lose all my stuff. Though, i would really like to test the RC; so maybe in someone elses machine ;)

Thank you all again, i'll try to look further the next time ;)

diegodd

@beala: It's downloading fine on my Firefox...

onlysublime

@EmilioChelios: I wonder if the folks who are having trouble in FF disabled the infamous Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant 1.0 Add-on that MS force-fed us a few months ago.

bwcbwc

link didnt work at first (took 3 tries). pretty large iso, weighing in at about 3.05Gbs. download manager helps.

AD LeFlore

@Hawaiibadboy: The whole reason FAQs were invented was so that geeks like us wouldn't have to spend our time repeatedly answering the same questions. If we wanted to spend our lives doing that, we would've become helpdesk callcenter agents. :)

bwcbwc

@GoodBytes: I know I don't.

It's a shame someone held these people down and forced them to download and install Windows 7.

@parksfam: Sounds like the Internet to me.

@diegodd: It's like every other Release Candidate OS Microsoft has ever released. It's a beta.

If you're using a RC as your everyday operating system, you're going to be in trouble sooner or later.

@jhendrix84: You can also find it under Tools -> Addons -> Plugins

wunch

Hashes of 64 bit version are:
SHA1: FC867FE1AB2E0A9796F9E4D155B44EA6998F4874
MD5: 98341AF35655137966E382C4FEAA282D

(Free utility via [support.microsoft.com] )

Hope that helps anyone looking to verify ...

@Adam Pash: had a theory on errors w/ MS page not loading, as I had the same thing happened.

First tried loading in Chrome, only to time out.

Then tried loading in FireFox, only to time out.

Then brought up IE, and it started working straight away.

Don't know if it's just my system, or what others are going though - thought it might be worth a shot, though.

John Mixon

Hmmm I found it would never work on Chrome as well (a poster above mentioned this), but with IE it worked the first time I accessed the link.

running at a solid 499kb/s strong. Should be done in just over an hour and a half. Looking forward to a test.

ChristineEscargot

Long time LH reader, first time commenter. Love the site!!! Downloaded RC1 (London) first time, and now installed and running in VirtualBox. Running with no problems at all on the 1gb Ram allocated. eall liking what Microsoft have done with Win7 - It's not perfect, but boy is it an improvement. Credit where credit is due.

QubilahSilus

How do I know if I want 32 bit or 64 bit?

PietroAethlius

I just finished doing a dual boot of Vista and Win7 (thanks for teaching me how Lifehacker!) so far I'm actually impressed with what I see, but I am just wondering if I can access my files and folders that are in the other partition? (ie: Music and Pictures) Is there a way to use firefox from drive C or should I just download and re-install again?

IvesBabasaur

@IvesBabasaur:

Yeah, just give yourself security permissions,(take ownership of them ) i believe the small utility that LH posted recently actually does that for you.

[lifehacker.com]

@John Mixon: It works for me1! Thanks!!! Just got the download progress in akamai add-on, so i re-typed the source into my real download manager..
waiting 7 hours now.. Thanks Once again John!!!

linkl

Im having a problem with the aero peek feature. I was under the impression that it no longer needed to be enabled after the earlier releases. anyone else having a problem?

Iamdawlrs

WARNING:if you are using firefox, or chrome the download will not work!!!! you must use ie

Kevin Clinthorne

@diegodd: YOU FKING IDIOT.
YOU DONT DESERVE TO DOWNLOAD WINDOWS 7 ANYTHING.
IT SAYS THIS ONCE YOU GO TO DOWNLOAD THE WINDOWS RC.
YOU HAVE TO SEE IT BEFORE YOU SCROLL DOWN TO THE DOWNLOAD OPTIONS. THERE'S NO WAY YOU CAN MISS IT. CONGRATS, YOU'RE SPECIAL.
And no, caps lock wasn't on accidentally, i held shift for all that.