Life of Beta 7

[v8ornot2v8]

I was able to download the Windows 7 Beta version a while ago, but I havent installed it yet because I don't know too much about it. A friend of mine is going to help me, but then I head that it would only be good until July.

What happens then? Is that true? Does it just stop working? What's the deal?

 

[Romulinx2]

No worries as the Windows 7 rc1 will be out around April.

 

[Iknewitwin7]

I was able to download the Windows 7 Beta version a while ago, but I havent installed it yet because I don't know too much about it. A friend of mine is going to help me, but then I head that it would only be good until July.

What happens then? Is that true? Does it just stop working? What's the deal?

Yes kinda, it allows you to search the Microsoft Website, that's it.

Fix
Install the Win7RC, then you are good til FR ... I hope

 

[weedmonk]

Yeah the Release Candidate will extend right up until at least the retail availability of 7. All you do is either update the Beta->RC or just do a fresh install.

As far as the beta goes, on July 1st it will deactivate and go into activation grace period for 30days till Aug 1st before finally going into reduced functionality mode.

 

[v8ornot2v8]

Thanks, that was very helpful. But what would the "reduced functionality" mode entail? How would I find that out. Thank you so much for your help.

 

[myzr7]

v8ornot2v8 .. Yep it will stop working but I am counting on a retail version being available to upgrade with by then. So install it and have fun if you can afford to buy a copy of the final release sometime in Sept.or Oct. Of course you should know that this is a beta and many things can go wrong and you could loose your data. You must back up or install on a test machine. lm

 

[Iknewitwin7]

Yes kinda, it allows you to search the Microsoft Website, that's it.

you can search the internet after July, www.microsoft.com

 

[Barman58]

Basically from july 1 the system will only allow you to save any files you have to an external location - other than the system drive - this is reduced functionality mode.

After August 1 the system will simply refuse to even boot - This build is timebombed as is normal with Beta builds

 

[v8ornot2v8]

That's very good advice about saving my data elsewhere - thank you. So basically this is just to test and get me hooked. Has anyone else here been using the beta? I'm sure there are lot sof reviews out there, I was just wondering of the few of youfollowing this thread.

 

[Barman58]

I would estimate about 95% + of the 4500+ members here are or have ran the Beta in one form or another, have a look around the forum ans especially the tutorials and you should find the Beta experience to be a good one

If you are new to Beta testing just make sure that you have backups of your data and you can switch to another OS or re-install one should you need to.

 

[v8ornot2v8]

I would estimate about 95% + of the 4500+ members here are or have ran the Beta in one form or another, .

Oh, is that all?!?!? Thanks for the help - I will poke around!

 

[Mark]

You can not upgrade to the final build, you will need to do a fresh install for the final release.
​

DO NOT USE THIS AS YOUR ONLY OPERATING SYSTEM!!
​

 

[Mark]

Installing the Windows 7 Beta

What you need to know before installing the Beta

Thank you for participating in the Windows 7 Beta. 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:
  
  • 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
  • 1 GB of system memory
  • 16 GB of available disk space
  • Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (in order to enable Aero theme)
  • DVD-R/W Drive
  • 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.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-installation-instructions.aspx