Windows 7 SP1 RC FAQ

[Crispy]

Microsoft made available for download Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Release Candidate (RC) Build 6.1.7601.17105.100929-1730 and I thought I’d put together a small list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers for testers.

1. What are the languages supported with Windows 7 SP1 RC?

Just as for the Beta, Windows 7 SP1 RC is available in English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

2. When did Microsoft complete SP1 RC?

The Build number indicates that the company signed off on the bits on September 29th, 2010.

3. Who can test Build 6.1.7601.17105.100929-1730?

Well,

​

Windows 7 SP1 RC is a public testing release, just as the Beta development milestone was. Still, this Build is designed for users with some experience in testing pre-release software, and not for end users to run day to day.

“The RC is best suited for IT Pros, tech enthusiasts, and developers who need to test the service pack in their organization or with the software they are developing. The final release of Service Pack 1 will be available through Windows Update for consumers when it is ready,” Microsoft said.

4. Are there any pre-requirements before installing SP1 RC?

Not really. Just make sure you have Windows 7 RTM and that the operating system includes all the updates offered by Microsoft. In Windows Updates check for any refreshes you might have missed and deploy them ahead of installing the service pack.

5. I’m a Windows 7 SP1 Beta tester, what does installing SP1 RC mean for me?

Users will need to first uninstall SP1 Beta before they deploy the Release Candidate. Upgrading from Windows 7 SP1 Beta to Windows 7 SP1 RC is not supported.

6. Will upgrades be supported from Windows 7 SP1 RC to Windows 7 SP1 RTM?

Microsoft says that such upgrades will not be supported. Users will have to remove SP1 RC before they will make the jump to the final release of the service pack.

7. Is Windows 7 SP1 RC time-bombed?

Yes. Like all Microsoft pre-release software, Windows 7 SP1 RC is time-bombed and set to expire on November 30, 2011. The platform will begin to highlight the imminent expiration date as of August 30, 2011.

Windows 7 SP1 RC will expire and be treated in a manner similar to non-genuine software even if the underlying Windows 7 RTM copy is perfectly genuine. Testers will need to upgrade to the RTM version of Windows 7 SP1 in order to avoid expiration.

8. Have any new features been introduced between the Beta and RC in SP1?

No. And Microsoft will deliver no new feature for Windows 7 SP1 RTM.

9. When will Windows 7 SP1 be released to manufacturing and served to customers?

Microsoft says that users will be getting Windows 7 SP1 RTM in the first half of 2011, most likely in the first quarter. But really, the actual availability deadline is anybody’s guess.

10. Is RC the final development milestone before RTM?

Absolutely. RTM is next in terms of the Windows 7 SP1 development process.

11. Can I perform a clean install of Windows 7 SP1 RC?

No. Microsoft is not offering public slipstreamed Builds of Windows 7 SP1 RC.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Release Candidate (RC) Build 7601.17105.100929-1730 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Release Candidate (RC) Build 7601.17105.100929-1730 are available for download here.

Source: Windows 7 SP1 RC FAQ - Softpedia

 

[mikedl]

Thanks, Crispy. I'm running the RC SP1 out of curiosity. Your information is very helpful to those considering doing so. There really is no compelling reason to do so, at this time, unless one simply has a curiosity such as I, and others, have.

 

[kword88]

my computer refuses to uninstall sp1 beta, so i cant install the sp1 rc. i even managed to stump microsoft tech support. i'm now waiting for a callback from a support "professional" at microsoft.

 

[Crispy]

Whats it saying that making the install not work?

 

[kword88]

it says "this update is needed by windows and cant be uninstalled".

 

[Crispy]

Has it got a KB number for the things its trying to uninstall.

 

[kword88]

976932... that number is permanently burned into my long term memory. i must have typed it a hundred times already. i cant even remember my anniversary

 

[Crispy]

Have you tried downloading it?

 

[kword88]

you mean downloading sp1 rc? yes, directly from microsoft.

 

[mikedl]

You may have to restore to a point prior to the kb976902 update. That's the permanent one, the "black hole" one. It really is. Try to look it up. I'd be interested in more information regarding it.

Other than that, a reinstall or repair install is in order.

The kb976932 is the same number given to the beta and the RC. It's etched in my mind as well, kword88.

 

[Dwarf]

Point #11 is not strictly true. Whilst a public slipstreamed Build of Windows 7 SP1 RC is not going to be available, you can always download the standalone package(s) (which I recommend) and then perform a clean install of your OS. Before doing anything else, and that includes installing motherboard drivers, you should then run the Service Pack installer to install SP1 RC on your system. Obviously, the exception to this will be Storage Device driver(s), but only if the Windows 7 installation doesn't pick up your HDDs/SDDs. Exactly the same principle will apply for any subsequent Service Pack releases after this one - SP2, SP3, etc. In those cases, the Service Packs will need to be installed in release date order, unless otherwise indicated.

 

[kword88]

this is the the description for kb:976902 - "Install this update to enable future updates to install successfully on all editions of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. This update may be required before selected future updates can be installed. After you install this item, it cannot be removed."

i installed it on the same day as 976932. i do have a restore point i can go back to but its right after i reformatted, so i will have to reinstall just about everything.

i am waiting for a call back from microsoft tech support. i'm hoping maybe they can edit/delete a few registry keys (or something).

 

[mikedl]

If you find out anymore about kb976902, please share. It's practically an enigma.

 

[kword88]

if and/or when they call me back i will ask.

 

[kword88]

ok, according to the microsoft tech, kb:976902 is necessary in order to install sp1, although when i first inquired about it, he could not find it in the knowledge base or his "catalog", whetever that is. so this really is an undocumented update. he said its probably because the service pack is still a work in progress. i asked if i would have to download 976902 to install sp1 rc, he said probably but it might have a different kb number, so watch out for it.
so their best guess is disk cleanup is what is preventing me from uninstalling sp1 beta, because i had used the option to delete the temporary installation files. now my only recourse is to restore my computer back to a point where i will have to reinstall everything. i might as well reformat again.
so for all you Lone Gunmen out there, the mystery continues. if the guy knew anything about that update, he wasnt saying. he did say if he found any info, he would email it to me, but i aint holding my breath.

 

[ACES]

I loaded SP1 out of curiosity, but I am by no means an IT Pro or developer.

Should I uninstall it?

ACES

 

[kword88]

i had no problems with sp1 beta. UNTIL i went to uninstall it. just dont delete your restore points and dont delete the temporary setup files using the disk cleanup utility (thats according to the tech i spoke to). so until the service pack is rtm, any build you have now will need to be uninstalled and apparently i deleted the uninstall info.

 

[kword88]

just got this email:


Hi Keith,
This is Mark David Raborar with Microsoft Windows Technical Support.
I am following up regarding your Windows service request 114149****. Here is an outline of the steps that we agreed upon during our call:
Problem Description:
You are unable to uninstall Windows 7 SP1 Beta
Troubleshooting Performed:
Keith, there are 3 ways to uninstall SP1 from the computer. You may uninstall it from "programs and features", you may use the command prompt to remove it, or you can perform a system restore to a point prior to the sp1 installation. You are unable to uninstall the sp1 from windows updates since a disk cleanup was performed with the option to remove backup files. Attempting to remove the sp1 beta thru the command prompt was also unsuccessful. During the chat session you reported that system restore would be a last resort.
Action Plan:
Keith, the only option left would be to perform a system restore prior to installing sp1 beta. You reported that you would be comfortable doing this on your own. I would appreciate it if you can email me the results for you case notes. The case will be archived as unresolved pending the results.
Keith, as a secondary issue, you reported that you wanted more information about the windows update kb976902. I will be happy to probe the issue for you and send you any information I can gather in the next 3 days.
My goal is to ensure that your experience with Microsoft Windows Technical Support leaves you pleased with our products and services.
If you have any feedback regarding Microsoft support, we would be glad to hear from you. If you would feel more comfortable speaking with someone else regarding my service, Phil, my manager, would be very happy to hear your comments and suggestions. You may reach my manager by sending an email to [email protected] .
Thank you for contacting Microsoft Windows Technical Support.
Sincerely,
Mark David Raborar
[email protected]
*When replying please include your SR number, name, email address and phone number. Thank you.*

 

[johngalt]

I installed the SP1 RC1 and it has broken all of my games. Even re-installing them (games) does not help.

I had no issues with the SP1 beta whatsoever....

 

[johngalt]

Verified. I uninstalled the SP1 RC1 and all my games are working again.

This is a big problem.