Be sure to back up your data and please don't test the RC on your primary home or business PC. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours.
The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we're not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time. This is pre-release software, so please read the following to get an idea of the risks and key things you need to know before you try the RC. Updates will continue until the next public milestone release, at which point they will be replaced with fresh documents for that release. The documents are continuously updated, so you should check this location for updated versions periodically. These documents provide important information you should know prior to deploying and using this Release Candidate of the Windows 7 operating system, including known issues that you may need to avoid or work around. If you want to remove a previous beta version of Windows 7 before installing the release candidate we also have a guide for removing your dual boot partition. If you need help installing this OS you can read our dual boot guide, so you can run 7 along your current Windows XP or Vista installation.
