Windows 7 Questions

[Gattz]

I'm thinking about using Windows 7 on my MBP, but I have a few questions first.

When the key expires will all my data be deleted as well or do I just need to get the full version?

Silly questions, but does the two-hour shutdown really mean that my computer will shutdown every tour hours?

I was planning on getting Windows 7 when it came out to use programs and play games, but I heard about this RC thing today. So do you guys think I should do this at all?

 

[rgarjr]

I dont think you'll lose your data. U should try it out, I mean its free so why not. When it does come out you can then buy it and re-install it on your Mac.

 

[apfhex]

I think MS's Win7 RC download page answers most of your questions already? Nevermind, I thought you were asking about installing Win7.

I don't think you'd loose any data when the RC expires, but it probably will refuse to login or even boot, not sure. Anyway that's not for another 360 days and the retail version should be out long before then. Besides, you do have a backup of your data already, right?

 

[VideoFreek]

Windows 7 RC is already quite stable, so there is no reason to wait. I read on Paul Thurrott's site the other day that he's already running Win 7 on all of his production machines--it's that good. When the final retail version shows up on Oct. 22, you'll need to reinstall, but you'll have plenty of time since the bi-hourly shutdowns don't start until March 1.

 

[Gattz]

Thanks for the replies! apfhex -- I know that because I got my questions from there, I just wanted to be clear about it.

 

[JessicaD]

Gattz,

While you won't necessarily loose all of your data when the RC expires in 2010 it will be very hard to recover your data if its not backed up as Windows 7 RC will not boot up after June 1st, 2010 and will shut down every two hours beginning March 1st, 2010. It would be recommended to regurally back up your data regardless of the operating system used. Beginning October 22nd of this year Windows 7 will be available to the general public and you could purchase a license at that time however you will most likely not be able to upgrade from the RC to the General Release.

For further information and support, as well as direct access to the download center, I encourage you to check out Microsoft Springboard.

http://tinyurl.com/832nco

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team