Windows 7 Beta - Public Testing Open

[Blahages]

Microsoft Started the Windows 7 Public beta testing yesterday.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx

If anyone wants to try it, they can download it here:

Windows 7 32-Bit - 2.43GB (http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULFRE_EN_DVD.iso)
Windows 7 64-Bit - 3.15GB (http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULXFRE_EN_DVD.ISO)

I had issues trying to download the 32-bit, but I don't know if it's just my download manager acting up, or something else. I know the x64 worked, as I have that downloaded and installed on my Desktop right now.

The OS will work for 30 days, then it will need activation, or you'll have to format and reinstall it, or just quit using it.

If you want Keys for it to activate it, be aware that Microsoft is supposedly only allowing the first 2.5 Million people that activate it to activate. After that, you'll be limited to the 30 day activation grace period, supposedly.

Supposedly, you can open a command prompt window as Administrator, and run the following command to extend it from 30 to 120 days if you can't activate:

slmgr -rearmBut, I can't confirm or deny that.

As for Keys, it appears that Microsoft has a set of 5 keys for each edition (x64 and x86) and is alternating between those. So, there's no need to go to their site and request a key. They're all here:

Windows 7 32-Bit (x86)
TQ32R-WFBDM-GFHD2-QGVMH-3P9GC
6JKV2-QPB8H-RQ893-FW7TM-PBJ73
GG4MQ-MGK72-HVXFW-KHCRF-KW6KY
QXV7B-K78W2-QGPR6-9FWH9-KGMM7
4HJRK-X6Q28-HWRFY-WDYHJ-K8HDH

Windows 7 64-Bit (x64)
JYDV8-H8VXG-74RPT-6BJPB-X42V4
7XRCQ-RPY28-YY9P8-R6HD8-84GH3
482XP-6J9WR-4JXT3-VBPP6-FQF4M
D9RHV-JG8XC-C77H2-3YF6D-RYRJ9
RFFTV-J6K7W-MHBQJ-XYMMJ-Q8DCH

If anyone is paranoid and wants to have MS give them the key, they can do the following:

1.) Log into Tech Net with your Live ID.
2.) Click on of the following:


Windows 7 x86 (32-Bit) (https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/productkeys/win7-32/enus/default.aspx)
Windows 7 x64 (64-Bit) (https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/productkeys/win7-64/enus/default.aspx)

As a Note, if you plan on installing this, DO NOT replace your current Windows install with this. It's a beta, and it's only good for a short period of time. Even with it activated, it is set to quit working on Aug. 1, 2009. Only install it on a separate computer, a virtual machine, or a separate partition or HDD.

Happy testing for anyone who wants to try it out.

[Kerrick]

Yay! I've been waiting for this forever.

Here's a word from Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-installation-instructions.aspx) about the beta:

What you need to know before installing the Beta

Thank you for participating in the Windows 7 Beta program. To help make sure you have a great experience, please read this section before you install the software—even if you’ve previously been a beta tester.

*

The Windows 7 Beta is a pre-release version of Windows. While we consider this a stable and high-quality beta, it’s not the finished product. It could crash your computer or cause you to lose important files or information.
*

The Beta will stop working on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. You won’t be able to upgrade from the Beta to the final retail version of Windows 7.
*

Important Note to Internet Explorer 8 Beta testers: If you're already testing Internet Explorer 8, please be aware that the version in the Windows 7 Beta is at a different stage of release. If you’re beta-testing Windows 7, you need to use the version of Internet Explorer 8 that comes with it.

To learn more, see Windows 7 Beta: Frequently Asked Questions.
Please do...

*

Do install the Beta only on a dedicated test computer.
*

Do make frequent backups while testing the Beta. You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder. (See How to backup a PC.)
*

Do prepare a recovery disc. A recovery disc restores your computer to its out-of-the-box state. Most computers come with one. If yours didn’t, contact your PC maker.
*

Do update your antivirus program, run it, and then disable it before installing the Beta. After you install the Beta, remember to re-enable the antivirus program.
*

Do connect to the Internet after you install the Beta. Being connected helps make sure you get useful security and hardware updates. (If you don't have an Internet connection, you can still install the Beta.)
*

Do download the Release Notes. Release Notes provide important information that you should know before installing and using Windows 7. You should familiarize yourself with all of the known issues in this document prior to installing the software. For example, the Release Notes describe a bug in which MP3 files may become corrupted and provide information on mitigating risk.

Please don't...

*

Don’t install the Beta if you’re uncomfortable troubleshooting your own PC problems. Microsoft does not provide technical support for the Windows 7 Beta.
*

Don’t install the Beta on your primary home or work computer. Microsoft is not responsible for downtime stemming from the Windows 7 Beta.

Getting ready to install the Beta
What you’ll need

*

A blank DVD
*

A PC with a DVD burner
*

A test PC for the Windows 7 Beta that meets these minimum hardware recommendations (specific to the Beta and subject to change in the final version of Windows 7). Please do not use a PC you rely on for your work or daily use:
o

1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
o

1 GB of system memory
o

16 GB of available disk space
o

Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (in order to enable Aero theme)
o

DVD-R/W Drive
o

Internet access (to download the Beta and get updates)

Please note: Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigate through the use of "touch," might require advanced or additional hardware.
Important recommendation

As you know, the point of beta testing is to find things we need to fix. As you help us uncover issues, we'll post fixes on Windows Update. So we recommend you keep your PC set to automatically check for updates through Windows Update. Please also stay current with the Release Notes, which are regularly updated with new notices and information.

To kick-off this process, before installing the Beta, please read the Release Notes. In particular, review the MP3 files and Windows Media Center notes and install the related updates before using the Beta.

So, to keep your PC running the Windows 7 Beta up-to-date, please:

*

Make sure you are connected to the Internet and select the option to "Go online to get the latest updates for installation" when you install the Windows 7 Beta.
*

Set Windows Update to install updates automatically.
*

Check the Release Notes before you install the Beta, and regularly from then on. In particular, please review the MP3 files and Media Center notes and install the related updates before using the Beta.

[Aηdy]

I ran the pre-beta version of Windows 7, it was alright. I still have it installed actually. Bu tI can't be bothered with it!

[Requin]

This thread wins the award for making my head hurt!
It's all numbers and wierd made up words for me.

Can someone explain it in plain English please of what the hell is going on?

[Blahages]

This thread wins the award for making my head hurt!
It's all numbers and wierd made up words for me.

Can someone explain it in plain English please of what the hell is going on?

It's more meant for people that somewhat understand what it means. If you don't, you probably don't want to mess with it.

Basically, Windows 7. The version of Windows that will be released after Vista.

They're Beta testing it. Windows 7 is in Beta right now, which means that it's still being worked on, and they're still working out bugs/problems that may exist in it, and it's not finished yet, but they're offering it up to people to test out and if they want, submit feedback to them on what they think of it, and what they might find wrong with it.

Or, you can just play with it for fun.

But, like I Said, if any of this seems like something that you're unfamiliar or uncomfortable with, don't participate, because it could cause problems.

I ran the pre-beta version of Windows 7, it was alright. I still have it installed actually. Bu tI can't be bothered with it!

Pfft. Why not? :P

[Requin]

I see. Thank You. :-) I'm not utterly incompetant, just the number spec stuff does my head in.

But why are they going to release another one? Vista wasn't released long ago, and it's not that great.

[Aηdy]

Pfft. Why not? :P

Because it takes me forever to get everything installed and set the way I like it!

[Blahages]

I see. Thank You. :-) I'm not utterly incompetant, just the number spec stuff does my head in.

But why are they going to release another one? Vista wasn't released long ago, and it's not that great.

Yeah, the number stuff is just a set of numbers and letters that lets you activate 7.

Some people see Vista as a failure, or as not a very good OS. Microsoft wanted to basically fix Vista, then add some stuff to it, and re-release it, in a way.

They've also got OSx and Linux to compete with, and like I said, there were a great deal of people that absolutely hated Vista. I dislike Vista in a lot of ways, and refuse to use the 32 bit version of it, but I will use the 64-bit version, but it has drawbacks.

XP was better in a lot of ways. Vista is a bit slow, especially booting sometimes. They're trying to greatly improve on all the Vista stuff.

It's also a way for them to make more money.

Screenshots of my Current install of 7 on my Desktop:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/blahages/Windows7B1-Desktop.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/blahages/Win7Scrores.jpg


Obviously, I've made a few modifications/rigifications to it. http://forums.govteen.com/images/smilies/pokeytongue.gif

Noticeably, the Icons, taskbar, removed the send feedback nonsense, and edited the watermark at the bottom right. http://forums.govteen.com/images/smilies/pokeytongue.gif

Ignore the score for my HDD. I'm not sure what's up with that. It gets a 5.9 I think or a 5.3 (I can't remember which) on Vista, so I'm not sure. http://forums.govteen.com/images/smilies/pokeytongue.gif

[Cindex]

Sweet! :) I have the pre-beta installed right now, so I'm going to wipe that (or upgrade possible) and install the beta. My dad told me yesterday it was out and I thought about looking for it, but here it is. Thanks for the link.

But why are they going to release another one? Vista wasn't released long ago, and it's not that great.

You just answered your own question by saying "and it's not that great." Vista sucked. Hard. Windows 7 is like a revamped XP with more dll's and features.

For all, don't mess with it if you don't know what you're doing.

[Requin]

I just think..why did they change vista , so much??
XP was fine. Everyone new where everything was and how to work it...vista's fine, but it's so different from XP. And people don't like it.

[Cindex]

I just think..why did they change vista , so much??
XP was fine. Everyone new where everything was and how to work it...vista's fine, but it's so different from XP. And people don't like it.

They wanted it to be flashy and new. Look at the visual differences. The windows have special effects and the bar is different and all that fun stuff.

They tried too hard to change everything. Windows 7 is what Vista should have been.

[Requin]

True. It looks much better.....but...it's a bit, meh.
You know.

[Antares]

Anyone have any idea what the name is gonna be?
XP, Vista, etc.
Mojave :P lol

umm
and i love the background

and i see no change as far as graphically it goes. i think that graphics are SUPER important :P bad microsoft lol

[jjmcray]

Whoa whoa whoa... wait...

I thought they were completely redoing the OS, because they have been using the same code and stuff since Windows 95...
I thought they were going to use a new filesystem and everything...

And it says it's based off Vista and Windows Server 2008...?

[Blahages]

True. It looks much better.....but...it's a bit, meh.
You know.

It's not just about looks. :P

They've been working on it to make it quicker and more stable. Also, they've done a fair bit to make UAC less annoying, among several other things.

Vista and 7 have almost nothing on Linux and some other OS's in the look/visual category. They have far more fancy affects than any MS OS has right now.

Anyone have any idea what the name is gonna be?
XP, Vista, etc.
Mojave :P lol

umm
and i love the background

and i see no change as far as graphically it goes. i think that graphics are SUPER important :P bad microsoft lol

It's called Windows 7. It's not just a code name, they're actually sticking with 7 as the final name. :P

...

:P

Aero is a bit different. I customized my install to what satisfied me. It doesn't look that way by default.

Here are some screenshots of the default look:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Beta-Build-7000-Screenshots-Gallery-101082.shtml

This is exactly how it looks when you boot up for the first time, minus the IE window being open.

http://news.softpedia.com/images/extra/WINDOWS/large/Win7Beta1Screen_01large.jpg

Whoa whoa whoa... wait...

I thought they were completely redoing the OS, because they have been using the same code and stuff since Windows 95...
I thought they were going to use a new filesystem and everything...

And it says it's based off Vista and Windows Server 2008...?

Hold up a bit there. :P It hasn't been based off the same code since windows 95. Windows 95, 98, and ME were based off the same basic code, but Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Vista, 2008, and 7 were based off the NT Base code, which is completely different. Also, a lot of major changes have taken place since the base NT code was started.

Microsoft has been promising a new file system since the alpha days of Vista. They tried to get it into Vista, but it kept causing problems. I'm not sure what the status is on it now, but it's not in 7.

And, also, just because it looks somewhat similar doesn't mean that it's the same "under the hood" so to speak.

Windows 7 is supposed to be basically a little lighter, quicker, better preforming, and more stable version of Vista, with a different name, a little different look, and less annoyances.