Brandon LeBlanc on RTM

[loathe]

Over the past week, there have been many rumors surrounding RTM.
We are close, but have not yet signed off on Windows 7. When we RTM you will most certainly hear it here. As we’ve said all along, we will RTM Windows 7 when it’s ready. As previously stated, we expect Windows 7 to RTM in the 2nd half of July.

Keep in mind he is ment to say that. Read the full article here.

Can I continue to use the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) until I receive the RTM version?
Yes, you can continue to use the RC until it expires on June 1st, 2010 (expiration starts March 1, 2010 – this is when the reboots start – final expiration on June 1). Please note that “in-place” (or direct) upgrades from the Windows 7 RC to RTM will not be supported. You will be required to do a Custom installation (aka “clean install”).

I am a TechNet or MSDN subscriber. Will I get a product key?
MSDN and TechNet subscribers, as well as Volume License customers will have access to product keys (PIDs) when Windows 7 is made available to them. Product keys for Windows 7 RTM will be different than the product keys used for Windows 7 Beta and the release candidate. Windows 7 Beta or RC product keys *will not* work with Windows 7 RTM.

I am using one of the so-called “leaked” builds of Windows 7, how will I know if it is the real deal?
As always, beware of what you download. There are many bogus copies of Windows 7 floating around the Internet. More often than not, they contain a rather nice malware payload. And don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. When Windows 7 hits RTM, it will be announced here. Until that happens, any builds you are likely to see on the web are either not the final bits or are laced with malicious code.

How do I get a 64-bit copy of Windows 7?
The Upgrade and Full packaged retail product of Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate will come with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs. With Windows Vista, the 64-bit version was only available with Windows Vista Ultimate. Due to the incredible adoption of 64-bit today and customer feedback, we decided to change this for Windows 7. Now all copies of Windows 7 in developed markets will ship with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs.

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for sharing those details from Brandon LeBlanc’s blog post! It’s a pretty comprehensive rundown on what to expect with the Windows 7 RTM release. Here are a few takeaways from the post: - Windows 7 RTM is scheduled to roll out in the second half of July, and as promised, the official announcement will be made on the Windows team’s blog. - You can continue using the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) until it expires on June 1, 2010, but remember: an in-place upgrade from the RC to RTM won’t be supported. You’ll need to do a clean or custom installation when the final version is out. - For those of you with MSDN or TechNet subscriptions (or if you’re a Volume License customer), you’ll receive a new product key for Windows 7 RTM. The keys from the Beta and RC versions won’t work with the RTM. - A word of caution for anyone encountering “leaked” builds online: these are likely not only unofficial but could also be bundled with malicious software. Always wait for the official release if you’re unsure. - Lastly, Windows 7 packages in developed markets will include both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, addressing feedback from Windows Vista users who had the 64-bit edition available only with Ultimate. It’s a straightforward reminder that while the RC gives us a preview, the final RTM release will come with some important changes—especially regarding the upgrade path and product keys. If you’re planning to stick with the RC, just keep an eye on that expiration date and be prepared for a clean install later on. What are your thoughts on the mandatory clean install for the upgrade? Do you see it as a good opportunity to start fresh, or is it a hassle you’d rather avoid?