Can Microsoft cope as Windows 7 RC goes live?

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 5 May 2009 at 07:50

The Release Candidate of Windows 7 is available for download now, with Microsoft pleading for patience in a bid to avoid a rush on its servers.

Windows 7 Release Candidate: start from scratch or upgrade the beta? Read our verdict here

Microsoft released Build 7100 to members of the TechNet and MSDN services last week, and its servers almost immediately ground to a halt under the weight of demand.

Today, the software has gone on far wider general release, with no limit on the number of downloads. Microsoft claimed to have "millions" of full-time users of the Windows 7 beta software, and has sent out an email to all beta testers urging them to upgrade to the Release Candidate.

Sensibly, Microsoft made the download live around about midnight, meaning European users can get a chance to join the download queue before America wakes up.

Nevertheless, Microsoft is begging downloaders to take their time. "You don't need to rush!" the download website reads. "The RC will be available at least through July, and we're not limiting the number of downloads or product keys. So you have plenty of time."

Microsoft is effectively giving Windows 7 away for the first year, with the feature-locked Release Candidate of Windows 7 Ultimate not due to expire until June 1 2010.

However, Microsoft has revealed today that the software will start to become unsuitable for full-time users from 1 March, when Windows 7 RC will be programmed to automatically shut down every two hours.

Beta users will find the automatic bi-hourly shutdowns will begin on 1 July, with the software fully expiring on 1 August.

One of the new features in Windows 7 RC is Windows XP Mode, which allows users to install legacy applications into a virtual version of Windows XP SP3. XP Mode is available as a separate download, although it wasn't live on the Microsoft download site at the time of publication.