Let me start by saying that I understand Microsoft's Bussiness... I mean, I don't love Windows ( Desktop OSes mainly) but I understand why it is like it is, it is amazing the amount of supported hardware, etc etc... so, I don't hate Windows either, I understand it... So, here is the thing, I got this "friendly note" from MS, probably you have seen it but just in case... It’s time to upgrade from the Windows 7 Release Candidate While most people who tested Windows 7 have now moved to the final version, some are still running the Release Candidate. If you haven’t moved yet, it’s time to replace the RC. Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Your work will not be saved during the shutdown. The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010 . Your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won’t be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop. You’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation. To avoid interruption, please reinstall a prior version of Windows or move to Windows 7. In either case, you’ll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the RC. As with any clean installation, you’ll need to back up your data then reinstall your applications and restore the data. For more details about replacing the RC, see the Knowledge Base article KB 971767 . For more information, visit the Window 7 Forum . Thanks again for helping us test Windows 7. The Windows 7 Team You are receiving this important message about Windows 7 because you downloaded the RC from TechNet, MSDN, or the Windows web site. Microsoft respects your privacy. Please read our online Privacy Statement . Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, Washington, USA Sign up for newsletters | Update your profile © 2009 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement Agreed, I downloaded and installed the RC on one of my PCs ... tested it, provided feedback and everything... and now I get this note....how can I say it, HAS MS GONE COMPLETELY STUPID ?? I mean, come on !! can't you give us a means to upgrade to Windows 7 or just an app to change the key ? NO, instead it seems this "revolutionary OS" will threaten me and shutdown my PC without saving my work until I finally find the time to FORMAT the drive and install THE SAME OS AGAIN... But what bothers me most, what I can't really understand, is the "thanks for helping us test Windows 7" -and screw you

OMG where do you people come from??The whole thing was laid out for you, the time limit and the restriction have been known to all from day one.The only 'stupid" around here is the folks did not read or understand the policy on beta testing..one more reason MS should not have opened this to the public.Had you read the info provided by microsoft when you downloaded the beta / RC it stated "NOT FOR PRODUCTION USE"how much clearer can that be??? Please by all means go MAC or Linux..I would hate for you to be runinng an OS built by "stupid" people.

Nikelaos, While generally taken as another complaint - the rules were laid out for you when you installed - but, I do think you raise a valuable point here. Microsoft has not offered an easy (or somewhat easy) upgrade path for the RC version of Windows 7. in so doing they have quite possibly alienated a number of possible customers (read WinXP). I do think Microsoft has the means to make money off of such scenarios, but they don't need too. Do I think Microsoft has the capability to offer an upgrade scenario for RC versions of Windows 7? Yes. While it may not be a replacement key (a number of system files would have changed in newer builds), but I don't think the technology involved in that prospect is beyond Microsoft's means. Perhaps in the next go-round' Microsoft will attempt to turn this massive number of users into customers? it certainly would be a smart move. Just a thought,Kevin Costain @calwell on Twitter Calwell's Blog Google Profile (Buzz)

The Windows 7 RC1 operating sytem contains significant developement and telemetry code (i.e. feedback) that cannot be removed if you were to upgrade to the final version. That is precisely why Windows 7 RC1 should not be upgraded to the final version.Please review: Can I do an In-Place upgrade from Windows 7 Release Candidate To Release Code??Carey Frisch

Correct. No operating system in history, from any company, has ever allowed you to upgrade from the beta to the final product as a supported path. It is too fundamentally different, and never 'recommended' or 'supported' by anyone in the past. You were warned about this (many times) when downloading, launching, and installing the RC version. You then also received at least 3 emails about it before this one. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

AMEN!!!

I think CALWELL is the only one who got the point... Bubbapcguy please read the post again, I did not say that the OS is for stupid people, I said that MS is... you obviously lack the maturity and objectiveness to make any negative comment about Microsoft, or even read one. Warnings... yes, they do warn you, still doesn't make it a smart design or marketing choice, and the actions taken seem too aggressive (i.e. shutdowns every 2hs without saving your work) Shawn B. Keene, you are wrong, many OSes allow you to move from Beta to a final product release, simply because their architecture allows it (as I am sure Windows Architecture does ) packages are removed and changed for the final version, remember than in most OS's you can change the entire OS, including the Kernel... ( that's for you too Carey) in Windows you should be able to do it as well, since all the "development and telemetry code" is actually running on top of the Win32 subsystem, so it's just soft, and even if it wasn't and they were included in the kernel they could be removed (check MS KB and you'll see MANY patches that make modifications to NT Kernel) The point being, this was a very poor and LAZY decision, and not providing upgrade AND downgrade paths (not only for RC products, but in general, take XP's case, it is WIDELY used, and there is no direct upgrade to 7 )

The final version of Windows 7 was available for purchase on October 22, 2009 which was 119 days ago. You have had plenty of time to make the move to the final version. It seems you are upset simply because you have procrastinated and instead of being proactive, wish to chastise those that now try to help. Time to move on now!Carey Frisch