Microsoft is working hard on optimizing its new operating system Windows 7 and new versions are compiled all the time. Far from all of these reach the testers or regular users, but the next big launch after the official beta (build 7000) will be Windows 7 RC. The first and only Release Candidate of Windows 7 will appear for public download in two weeks, on May 5th. Microsoft revealed the date at its Partner Program site, where it, most likely, unintentionally revealed the release date. At the same time, the text implies that MSDN and TechNet subscribers will get access even sooner.
“Download Windows 7 RC Partners: If you have a subscription to MSDN or TechNet, you can download Windows 7 RC now. Otherwise, you can download Windows 7 RC starting May 5, 2009.” – Microsoft Partner Program
Screenshot of Microsoft’s Partner Program site
There are no download links for Windows 7 RC for TechNet and MSDN subscribers, which probably means that this information was released a bit early. It was most likely not meant to appear before testers had tested it first.
Microsoft has since then updated the site and switched back to the previous and older information on Windows 7 Beta, which further strengthens the general belief that this was a mistake by Microsoft. There is no reason to why Windows 7 RC would not appear on May 5th though.
