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This is an update to an earlier post I made.

Microsoft has now opened the gates to Windows 7 RC downloads. According to Technologizer, the downloads have actually been dispatched earlier than expected (being released late night at May 4, while the expected release is at May 5).

With all the new download servers open, everyone is now allowed to grab a copy of the Windows 7 RC, even those without TechNET or MSDN subscriptions. Here are the steps:

1. Proceed to the Windows 7 RC download page.
2. Register and sign in with your Windows Live ID, and then fill in the registration form using your personal information.
3. Verify your email address by following the link in the email sent by Microsoft.
4. Proceed here to get your activation key and download link.
5. Download the DVD Iso file, and then burn to a DVD disc using your favorite burning program (recommended program CDBurnerXP).
6. Boot up the Windows 7 DVD disc, and then the setup wizard will guide you through the rest of the installation.

Be sure to check if your computer meets the following recommended requirements:

• 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Some users have reported that they were able to make Windows 7 RC run smoothly on PC’s with only 512MB of ram and a 2.0 GHz processor. However, I have not yet tested this claim myself.

And that’s it. Enjoy your newly installed Windows 7.

Some notes:

• According to the Windows 7 download page, the RC will only work until January 1st, 2010. By the first of March, 2010, the RC will automatically time your PC, and it will automatically force shutdown after 2 hours, unless you have installed an activated version of Windows 7.
• You will need a working internet connection for RC updates, or else your OS might begin showing you annoying nag screens.
• To burn the ISO, you will need a DVD-RW drive, and of course, a blank DVD-R disc. Standard CD-RW drives and discs won’t work.