Windows 7 RC Downloads Come to an End

If you wanted to snag a release candidate copy of Windows 7 via Microsoft’s Web site, you’ve missed your chance. As of this morning, a message on the site reads:
“Sorry, the Windows 7 RC is no longer available for download. If you’ve got the download and need a product key, they’ll be available until October [...]

Bi-Hourly Shutdowns of Windows 7 Beta to Begin

Neowin reports that Windows 7 beta users who are still on build 7000 will start to experience bi-hourly shutdowns on July 1, 2009. The shutdowns are Microsoft’s mechanism to remind users to upgrade to build 7100. On August 1st, all betas will expire, and begin to show the “Windows not Genuine” message.
You can avoid this [...]

What’s New in Windows 7 Build 7021: Faster Graphics, Smaller Installer

Windows 7 Build 7021 is the latest build of the new OS, due in final form on October 22nd, to leak to file sharing networks. Users report that the new release provides yet another significant speed boost, along with the following enhancements:

Smaller installer
Better automatic driver installation (if you had third-party device issues with previous releases, [...]

Windows 7 Build 7137 Leaks; Gets Another Speed Boost

The latest pre-release edition of Windows 7, build 7137, has been distributed to testers and subsequently leaked to various file-sharing services. Users of the new build report yet another speed speed boost relative to prior build,s particularly with regard to graphic performance.
Users also report the installation of new ATI graphics card drivers after the update.
If [...]

Windows Vista SP2 Won’t Install: Fixes

(See all of our Windows Vista SP2 coverage)
Several users have reported that they can’t install Windows Vista SP2. This problem is more likely to occur if a pre-release edition of Windows Vista service pack 2 was installed prior to the final edition, but it is also happening to systems that only had SP1 (make sure [...]

Windows Vista/Server 2008 SP2 Released: Update Precautions, Troubleshooting

After a long period of exclusive availability to TechNet and MSDN subscribers, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP2 has finally been released to the general public. The new release includes:

Windows Search 4.0: “improved indexing and search relevance; helps find and preview documents, e-mail (including signed e-mail messages), music files, photos, and other items on [...]

Windows 7 Build 7122 Fixes Game Issues

The latest build of Windows 7, build 7122, resolves some significant issues affecting a number of games under previous iterations of Windows 7.
We previously reported an issue in which certain games will not run with OpenGL capabilities under Windows 7 RC1. This issue is most likely to occur when User Account Control (UAC) is [...]

Why Is Microsoft Witholding Windows Vista SP2 from the Public?

Almost two weeks ago, Microsoft posted the final release of Windows Vista SP2 to its private servers. The only users able to download the service pack are Microsoft Connect subscribers (members of the closed beta program) and Technet and MSDN subscribers (paid account holders–accounts start in the $2500-range). The company has not released word on [...]

Microsoft: Windows 7 to Debut By the End of the Year

In a press release issued today, Microsoft announced that Windows 7 will likely be ready in time for the 2009 holiday season. Bill Veghte, senior vice president of the Windows Business at Microsoft, “With early RC testing and extensive partner feedback we’ve received, Windows 7 is tracking well for holiday availability.”
A follow-up post on [...]

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Released

Microsoft has released the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, which scans your PC to see if it’s ready for Windows 7, and tells you about any known compatibility issues.
The tool’s documentation states its “report will let you know if your PC meets the system requirements, if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs and [...]