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Using Windows 7 RC? Pay Up Or Auto Shutdown Warned

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-tests dept.

CWmike writes with a warning that free preview copies of Windows 7 in the wild will start nagging users to pay up in a couple of weeks until ultimately shutting down the PC altogether in a month. "Microsoft unveiled the schedule for Windows 7 Release Candidate's retirement in May 2009, when it issued the early look to the public. At the time, it said Windows 7 RC would expire June 1, 2010. Before that date, however, users are to receive warnings of the impending end. Starting on Feb. 15, Windows 7 RC will display notices every few hours that the machine will periodically shut down beginning on March 1. As of March 1, PCs running Windows 7 RC will automatically shut down every two hours. Those shutdowns will come without warning."

3 of 430 comments (clear)

  1. It's a good thing. by recoiledsnake · · Score: 4, Informative

    Since the RC doesn't get any updates, less vulnerable boxes in the wild is always good for all of us. Why is this being spun as a bad thing?

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    This space for rent.
  2. Re:I run Windows 7 RC by recoiledsnake · · Score: 4, Informative

    If you could update from the RC to the final I would.

    It was explicitly stated during the RC process that it may not be upgradeable to the final version. Anyway, I have updated it and it works fine for me and most. Here's how http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/3075/how-to-upgrade-the-windows-7-rc-to-rtm/

    Backup everything and try it before a fresh install.

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    This space for rent.
  3. Oh for the love of........ by jaronc · · Score: 4, Informative

    Isn't this story perhaps a little hysterical? When the RC came out they were very clear that this would happen, they even gave the dates. They were also very clear you may not be able to upgrade from the RC.

    Now it's about to happen and people are surprised? People agreed to help test an RC and in return they got almost a years worth of free use out of a fairly stable OS. Trials over, pay up.