what is the trick to downloading 7?

I've done a lot of searching but haven't found this addressed.

I downloaded the 7 beta with no problems. Now I go to download the RC and when I hit the download button it asks me to log in. Log in to Microsoft? I don't have any account with Microsoft, technet, whatever.

It seems that a lot of people are running the RC, did they all get their copies through some form of account with MS? Is there some other place to download it from MS or do people just go for the torrents?

Login with your live account like hotmail.

Or use the direct download links. http://www.sevenforums.com/news/8579-official-windows-7-rc-available-right-now.html

Just register a account with MS, it is free and easy.

I don't know what a live account is, but I was able to download from the direct link. It didn't work through Firefox but it did work with IE7- 2hr, 15min. over my cable modem.

A live account is for a hotmail.com email service. I'm glad you got it downloaded with YupYup's advice.

The account is not just for hotmail. Theres a whole range of services.