It keeps trying to connect and download but won't finish. The 99% takes about and hour. I've tried downloading the RC about five times. I even installed Chrome to try and bring it in through a different channel. Any suggestions or way to download it without using the download manager?

I have the same issue.

There are lots of posts on this and no real answers. Akami download manager has a data file that contains the actual link to the .iso file. If you can find the link in that configuaration file and paste itinside a shortcut you may be able to complete the download through internet explorer or your favorite download program.In my application data I found this link for the 32 bit 7100 .iso file:http://wb.dlservice.microsoft.com/dl/download/release/windows7/4/0/c/40c1e714-7910-4b38-9b5e-67fa522e6a44/7100.0.090421-1700_x86fre_client_en-us_retail_ultimate-grc1culfrer_en_dvd.isoSimply clicking on this link won't work, you have to drag it to your desktop.Set your computer so it does not sleep or hibernate.

It's also possible you already have this file even if the download manager seems to be hung. Enable "view hidden files" in Folder Options and look if you have a file like "7100.0.090421-1700...etc....dvd.iso.dlm" anywhere. If so, just remove the *.dlm extension and you should have your *.iso file.Mobile AMD64 3000+, VIA Apollo K8T800 chipset, 1 G RAM, ATIRadeonMobility 9700, 20x DVDRW, C:XPSP3 (55G),D:WIN7 (25G),F:DATA (250G)

Thanks for the response. Both suggestions are likely helpful to someone. I tried both of these early on. At this point I've just given up and will wait for my $50 upgrade from Amazon.