Windows Vista hits Release Candidate 1 milestone

[Animalor]

http://blogs.technet.com/windowsvista/a ... 53491.aspx

I'm downloading the x64 version now from my MS Connect account.

Here's Paul Thurott's post on it.
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winvista_rc1.asp

This little part really caught my eye.

Distributing Windows Vista
As noted above, if you want Windows Vista, you're going to be able to get it. In addition to 20,000 technical beta testers, 500,000 MSDN and TechNet subscribers, and millions of Customer Preview Program (CPP) customers, Microsoft intends to ship RC1 to millions of people from around the world. I can't yet discuss the details of this plan for some reason, but stay tuned: RC1 is going to be quite widely disseminated. I can tell you that RC1 will not time out until the end of May 2007, and that Microsoft will support RC1 with hot-fixes and security patches through the RTM (release to manufacturing) of Windows Vista, currently slated for the second half of October 2006.

[Winnow]

http://blogs.technet.com/windowsvista/a ... 53491.aspx

I'm downloading the x64 version now from my MS Connect account.

Here's Paul Thurott's post on it.
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winvista_rc1.asp

What's the link or is this not available to Technet people yet like beta 2?

Paul Thurott's comments make me want to install in over beta 2 and try it out.

[Animalor]

http://blogs.technet.com/windowsvista/a ... 53491.aspx

I'm downloading the x64 version now from my MS Connect account.

Here's Paul Thurott's post on it.
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winvista_rc1.asp

What's the link or is this not available to Technet people yet like beta 2?

Paul Thurott's comments make me want to install in over beta 2 and try it out.

Should be up on TechNet next week. I had actually signed up for the xbox 360 vista extender beta and it got me access to MS Connect.

Build number is 5600.

[miir]

It's available now.

[Winnow]

Any reason not to get the 64bit version of Vista this time? I never got Xp 64 due to driver support. Does Vista 64 have better driver support?

Hmm, the site says people who registered in June to receive beta Vista should have gotten an email in early sept. I dont have one. Is that where you get the prod key? I can download RC1 but not seeing a place to get prod key.

mmm nice fat pipe too on the Vista download @ 1050KB/s

[Fash]

They sent me a nice email re-stating my product key from the beta...
I downloaded it but can't install it just yet, need a partition with at least 7 gigs free... I'll take care of that tonight.

[miir]

If you got the email in June for the beta, your key should work for RC1.

[Winnow]

If you got the email in June for the beta, your key should work for RC1.

Ah, I should be ok then. Didn't realize it was same one. Now I wonder if I need to download the 32 bit RC1 as that's what I previously downloaded or if the key will work on both versions.

I'll find out soon enough...nm, I just went back and looked at my June email for beta-2. Same key appears to work on all versions.

**********************************
Please keep this e-mail for your records.
**********************************

Thank you for your interest in Microsoft Windows Vista Beta 2. This email
contains information on how to access the download and the Product Key (below)
you will need to install Windows Vista. You may install Beta 2 on up to 10 PCs
using the same Product Key.

Please use the appropriate link below to access the download site for the
language and edition you want:

English 32-Bit:
old.linkhttp://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/en/x86/download.htm
English 64-Bit:
old.linkhttp://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/en/x64/download.htm
German 32-Bit:
old.linkhttp://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/de/x86/download.htm
German 64-Bit:
old.linkhttp://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/de/x64/download.htm
Japanese 32-Bit:
old.linkhttp://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/jp/x86/download.htm
Japanese 64-Bit:
old.linkhttp://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/jp/x64/download.htm

Due to the size of the download we recommend you use the Download Manager
provided as it will allow you to resume the download if your Internet connection
is interrupted during the process.

For additional download and DVD-burning instructions, please refer to:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=67708


To help answer questions you may have related to installation and use, we have
created newsgroups for Windows Vista Beta 2. To join or read postings in these
newsgroups please visit http://windowshelp.microsoft.com.

For the latest information on Windows Vista, please visit
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=65938.

Thank You,
Microsoft

Product Key:
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

It will be nice to have the Ultimate edition of windows through June 07 to ponder it's value compared to the lower editions as that's going to cost 399.00 if I can't get it cheap from my friend at Microsoft. (need Ultimate to have both Media Center and Remote Connection)

[Animalor]

I've using the 64 bit version Since I put up that post 2 weeks ago.

Been solid and stable. Java doesn't make the new UI revert to the non-transparent form, which is good news.

The OS is fast and stable till now and everything I use on a day to day basis on my home system has worked fine.

[Winnow]

I just ordered a new hard drive from Newegg. I figure this next install of Vista RC1 will be my actual primary OS eventually if it's going to be kept updated by Microsoft. A simple product key purchase will probably be all that's necessary to convert it to a full copy by June 07.

With that in mind, I needed a faster OS hard drive. My Raptor went out on me awhile ago and was one of the original loud 36GB ones anyway which is too small. After reviewing the latest HD geek talk, the latest versions of the 150GB Raptor are still the fastest but the new Seagate hard drives with Perpendicular Recording Technology are the next best thing (faster than the older Raptor 74 G's) and much cheaper for a lot more GB.

I went with the 320GB Seagate for $94.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822148140

The 750GB version is 399.00 which sucks for $/mb. Eventually I'll get one of those or the new 1TB or 1.5TB hard drives that should be out relatively soon for a second storage drive in the main PC.

I'll make a 50-60GB partition for the main OS and Apps, easy to backup using Acronis True Image, then use the rest of the drive as a workhorse for heavy read/write data activity..DVD burning, conversions, rar/unraring, etc. The second large drive will be for archiving as my 1TB network station is full and I'm not updating that until 1TB HDs are cheap or maybe 4X750's.

TMI, but anyway, looking forward to a fresh install this weekend! I don't want the dual boot mess which causes potential issues when restoring backups, so will install Vista with the other HD unplugged.

[Animalor]

I believe a reinstall will be required when moving to the retail version. With the amount of copies MS is putting out though, I wouldn't be surprised if they allowed the upgrade path from RC1 to Retail vista.

[Winnow]

I believe a reinstall will be required when moving to the retail version. With the amount of copies MS is putting out though, I wouldn't be surprised if they allowed the upgrade path from RC1 to Retail vista.

If MS is going to keep RC1 patched with updates, it doesn't seem necessary unless of course, they change someting that can't be patched.

My guess is that Microsoft will allow something simple like a product key upgrade to retail version as this huge beta is partially to get people hooked on Vista as you can't go back to a previous version after installing.

I'm keeping my current windows XP totally separate as there's no need to screw up a well working XP Pro and it takes a hella long time to install all the apps and configure everything again.

------------

hmmmm, I think what I'm going to do is install a fresh backup of my current XP OS on the new hard drive and then upgrade to Vista RC1 over that. From what I've read, Vista is doing very well with XP upgrades and that way I won't have to install all the apps again for this beta.

[Kelshara]

Been running Vista through Beta 2 and now RC1. RC1 is a HUGE upgrade to Beta 2, not even in the same ballpark. I am starting to enjoy Vista but at the same time I have come to hate IE7. It is complete JUNK. I used it for a while to make sure it wasn't just a first impression thing but I am sticking to the junk comment. It is slow, I have had it time out on pages that work perfectly, it loads slow etc.. for a browser I am definitely sticking to Firefox Beta 2. I also wish there was a way to get the gadgets split up on the side bar. I want a couple at the top, then a space and a couple on the bottom. Tried to drag them there but they pop back up. Might be missing something here though..

The OS is fairly stable but definitely resource hungry. I would not use it on a gaming machine where XP performs about 20% better. Also haven't been able to get EQ to run on it but haven't bothered to spend much time on that to be honest.

[Winnow]

Been running Vista through Beta 2 and now RC1. RC1 is a HUGE upgrade to Beta 2, not even in the same ballpark. I am starting to enjoy Vista but at the same time I have come to hate IE7. It is complete JUNK.

I wasn't impressed with IE7 at all. I'll be sticking with Opera 9 which has been outstanding in all aspects. The one minor issue I've had is whatever NFL.COM and CBS Sportline use to run their scoreborards (java of some sort I'm sure), won't work with Opera so I have to pull those up using Maxthon. It could be a security setting or something and I haven't researched it on the Opera boards yet to see what others have done.

My new HD arrives Friday so I'll be spending the weekend cloning my current XP boot partion to the new HD and then upgrading it to Vista. I read on a blog that upgrading has been going very well and some Apps which won't install on a fresh copy of Vista will run if you use the upgrade path from XP.

One app according to the guy's blog that won't work is Adobe Elements 4.0 so I'll have to look into that.

He also scared me about upgrading to Vista 64 as the driver support isnt as good as 32? wtf, when in the hell are we going to upgrade to 64bit? You'd figure that with a new windows release, 64 bit driver support would be a given. I definately need to read up on this today. Since it looks like the final will require a full reinstall, I'll probably use 32bit for now as I'll be able to play around more with my current apps, etc.

[Zaelath]

Been running Vista through Beta 2 and now RC1. RC1 is a HUGE upgrade to Beta 2, not even in the same ballpark. I am starting to enjoy Vista but at the same time I have come to hate IE7. It is complete JUNK.

I wasn't impressed with IE7 at all. I'll be sticking with Opera 9 which has been outstanding in all aspects. The one minor issue I've had is whatever NFL.COM and CBS Sportline use to run their scoreborards (java of some sort I'm sure), won't work with Opera so I have to pull those up using Maxthon. It could be a security setting or something and I haven't researched it on the Opera boards yet to see what others have done.

My new HD arrives Friday so I'll be spending the weekend cloning my current XP boot partion to the new HD and then upgrading it to Vista. I read on a blog that upgrading has been going very well and some Apps which won't install on a fresh copy of Vista will run if you use the upgrade path from XP.

One app according to the guy's blog that won't work is Adobe Elements 4.0 so I'll have to look into that.

He also scared me about upgrading to Vista 64 as the driver support isnt as good as 32? wtf, when in the hell are we going to upgrade to 64bit? You'd figure that with a new windows release, 64 bit driver support would be a given. I definately need to read up on this today. Since it looks like the final will require a full reinstall, I'll probably use 32bit for now as I'll be able to play around more with my current apps, etc.

I'm sure MS will explain that it's the vendors fault...

[Animalor]

Been running Vista through Beta 2 and now RC1. RC1 is a HUGE upgrade to Beta 2, not even in the same ballpark. I am starting to enjoy Vista but at the same time I have come to hate IE7. It is complete JUNK.

I wasn't impressed with IE7 at all. I'll be sticking with Opera 9 which has been outstanding in all aspects. The one minor issue I've had is whatever NFL.COM and CBS Sportline use to run their scoreborards (java of some sort I'm sure), won't work with Opera so I have to pull those up using Maxthon. It could be a security setting or something and I haven't researched it on the Opera boards yet to see what others have done.

My new HD arrives Friday so I'll be spending the weekend cloning my current XP boot partion to the new HD and then upgrading it to Vista. I read on a blog that upgrading has been going very well and some Apps which won't install on a fresh copy of Vista will run if you use the upgrade path from XP.

One app according to the guy's blog that won't work is Adobe Elements 4.0 so I'll have to look into that.

He also scared me about upgrading to Vista 64 as the driver support isnt as good as 32? wtf, when in the hell are we going to upgrade to 64bit? You'd figure that with a new windows release, 64 bit driver support would be a given. I definately need to read up on this today. Since it looks like the final will require a full reinstall, I'll probably use 32bit for now as I'll be able to play around more with my current apps, etc.

I'm sure MS will explain that it's the vendors fault...

It really is the companies fault though. A vendor that chooses not to support 64bit is someone who is holding adoption of the technology back.

MS is forcing 64bit in some aspects though. Exchange 2007 will only be available for 64bit servers. Not sure if other server platforms will be however.

[Winnow]

Starting to read up on some Vista stuff. This sounds kind of useful. Built in search and commands by hitting the Windows Key and typing. Seems simple and fast.

If you're looking for a laptop DO NOT BUY ONE WITHOUT A WIN-KEY you can do _everything_ in vista by hitting the win key and starting to type. want to log off? logoff, want to start outlook? out. Want to find an email writen by steve jobs yesterday? from:steve sent:yesterday.

Hopefully you'll be able to make your own shortcuts and macros using the windowskey/type feature.

[Zaelath]

Starting to read up on some Vista stuff. This sounds kind of useful. Built in search and commands by hitting the Windows Key and typing. Seems simple and fast.

If you're looking for a laptop DO NOT BUY ONE WITHOUT A WIN-KEY you can do _everything_ in vista by hitting the win key and starting to type. want to log off? logoff, want to start outlook? out. Want to find an email writen by steve jobs yesterday? from:steve sent:yesterday.

Hopefully you'll be able to make your own shortcuts and macros using the windowskey/type feature.

Aren't you the same guy that was a couple weeks ago explaining the superiority of your browser in terms of not having to type?

[Winnow]

Aren't you the same guy that was a couple weeks ago explaining the superiority of your browser in terms of not having to type?

And? You're upset that Microsoft made the Windows Key actually useful?

Gotta type to search for files unless you want a little virtual keyboard to pop up for your mouse, have plans for some sort of voice recognition, or you can talk to your mouse like Scottie.

[Winnow]

Some initial thoughts on Windows Vista RC1 installation.

Summary: some good, some bad

I checked out Vista Beta 2 awhile back and wasn't that impressed...wasn't disappointed but just didn't do anything for me.

This time I decided to clone my XP OS hard drive and then install Vista as an upgrade on top of it.

I was unable to restore just the OS partion to the new hard drive using Acronis True Image, so I used Acronis' clone disk option. My 300GB HD was pretty much full so it took a little over an hour to completely clone it to the new 320GB Seagate drive.

Windows booted up fine and I began the upgrade process (you upgrade by launching Windows Vista DVD from within XP).

The installation process too a looooong fucking time. Looooong time. Emphasis on looooong fucking time.

First stage is analizing your current apps and telling you what you must uninstall before Vista can proceed. For me it was Alcohol 120% and Nero Burning ROM...no surprise there. CD/DVD software has always been an issue with Windows upgrades.

I uninstalled those apps and made a note that Partition Magic, Photoshop Elements and some USB card reader software...not too much considering I've got a shitton of apps installed.

I passed out at my PC around 3am and woke up to a black screen. Got some sleep, came back and rebooted. Vista resumed installation (resumed at 21% completion in expanding files stage) It finally got to "Completing Upgrade" and took another 45 minutes just sitting there. If not for the fact that I had my PC case open and could feel my HD cranking along, I'd think it froze.

It finally finished that and rebooted to start Vista for the first time....blue screen of death...fuck. got stuck at crcdisk.sys. I spent hours reading on the net to try and find out what the deal was and was about to reformat my HD and jsut do a fresh install when I saw someone suggest disconnecting IDE drives. My DVD drive is IDE (like most people's) so I disconnected that and Vista booted right up.

Installation was definately not smooth. And took a looooong time (see above about how long it took) A loooong fucking time.

I think the "completing upgrade" part may have taken exceptionally long because Vista may very well have been indexing everything on my HD for the new advanced search features it has and I have a bazillion files on my 300GB, not to mention even more on the terabyte station but I don't think it indexed those.

So now, besides needing to figure out how to get my DVD drive working with Vista, I'm checking out the actual OS and am very impressed. It's a huge improvement over Beta 2. It feels smooth and snappy. I haven't had a chance to check out all of my apps but I did take a look at Copernic and it's working fine with everything indexed as before. Whew.

I briefly tried out Vista's new search hitting the WinKey. I typed in "Company of Heroes" to see if it would find those files and instead it launched the game. Nice but not what I expected!

The 3D app switcher thing looks cooler than the old ALt-Tab app switching, if not more useful.

Networking setup is amazingly easy.

Vista looks ready for primetime with everything except the installation. I anticipate lots of upgrade issues although in the end, it manages to preserve just about everything. Even my fancy file manager, Directory Opus works fine.

When Vista comes out, I HIGHLY recommend either buying a new HD and cloning your old one or making a backup image of your hard drive as you could run into BSOD issues and it's not a simple fix for non computer geeks.

Office 2007 wasn't supposed to work with Vista RC1 without the technical refresh update but does work.

If I can get my DVD player working and burning software working with Vista, i'll keep it as my main OS for the next 8 months of testing.

[Animalor]

As a side note, Upgrading from XP to vista is the really painful part. Installing fresh from a DVD takes about 20 minutes or so. Much much faster.

[Winnow]

As a side note, Upgrading from XP to vista is the really painful part. Installing fresh from a DVD takes about 20 minutes or so. Much much faster.

Agreed. My DVD drive worked in Beta 2 with a clean install. For people that don't have a lot of apps, a clean install would be best. I didn't want to take the time to install so many apps again and reconfigure them all again for beta testing. I probably will for the final version.

It wasn't 20 minutes though for a clean install for me. more like 40.

Upgrading was more like 1.5-2 hours + issues. For those long stretches of staring at a moving bar or blinking dots, the install should have a progress bar or something as I get the feeling many will feel the install has crashed.

I spoke too soon on Copernic. It partially works.

Had to install new version of Java for Vista.

Media Center looks awesome so far, in config stages though but wow, looks fantastic up on the projector screen and it seems Vista handles multiple monitors better than XP as well.

[Kelshara]

The 3D app switcher thing looks cooler than the old ALt-Tab app switching, if not more useful.

Networking setup is amazingly easy.

I find the 3D app switcher as a complete waste. I truly don't see the point of it. I also thought networking was a pain compared to XP but that might have something to do with what I am used to.

I have heard other horror stories about the XP upgrade but I got no experience since I did a clean install.

Oh and my DVD player works fine