Windows 7 Release Candidate Shut Downs and Your Data

As I wrote about last month – the Windows 7 Release Candidate will be expiring soon. That posting describes exactly what you will experience during the expiration period which actually started back on 15 Feb and running until 01 June 2010.

However, I just got the Exploring Windows Newsletter and it is telling me something that I did not mention in that post last month. I think it is quite important and I will let the Windows 7 Team tell you directly from the newsletter:

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

All of the bolding is original from the newsletter and is the key piece. Your work will not be saved during those every 2 hour shut downs!

Upgrade, Upgrade, Upgrade.

Related Posts

• Windows 7 Release Candidate Expiration Approaching
• Time To Move On From Windows 7 Release Candidate
• Windows 7 Release Candidate Public Downloads Are Available
• Windows 7 Release Candidate Public Availability Info
• Upgrading to the Windows 7 Release Candidate

Richard Hay  (3359 Posts)

Richard is the Owner of WindowsObserver.com and has been involved in tech for over 25 years. His first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then he used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and what you see here today is the result of the work he has continued on the site since 1995. In January 2010 his community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when he was awarded the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for Windows Desktop Experience. In January 2011 he was renewed as a Microsoft MVP but in a new category called Windows Expert - Consumer and in January 2012 he received the award for the third time.