As well as additional software

May 26, 2009 13:04 GMT  ·  By

Just as it did for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has released a tool designed to fix issues in the next iteration of the Windows client and server platforms in order for future installations on top of the operating system to work smoothly. In this regard, the Redmond company made available for download the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 client Release Candidate and Windows Server 2008 R2 RC. The tool has the same purpose as the version aimed at Windows 7 precursors, Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008.

“This tool is being offered because an inconsistency was found in the Windows servicing store which may prevent the successful installation of future updates, service packs, and software,” Microsoft informed. However, the Redmond company failed to pinpoint the specific inconsistencies that can prevent installations on top of its next version of the Windows operating system, even as the platform is in Release Candidate stage.

For additional details on the tool, Microsoft is pointing users to the same Knowledge base article (947821) that deals with the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008. In fact, there isn't even a mention of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 in the article.

“System resources, such as file data, registry data, and even in-memory data, can develop inconsistencies during the lifetime of the operating system. These inconsistencies might be caused by various hardware failures or might be caused by software issues. In some cases, these inconsistencies can affect the Windows servicing store, and they can cause software updates not to work. The System Update Readiness Tool tries to resolve these inconsistencies,” Microsoft revealed.

Windows 7 RC and Windows Server 2008 R2 became available for download on May 5th 2009. The RC is, according to Microsoft, the last development milestone before the operating systems will be released to manufacturing in tandem in the second half of this year. Windows 7 is planned for general availability ahead of the 2009 holiday season.

32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 (Release Candidate) RC Build 7100.0.090421-1700 is available for download here.
System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate and Windows 7 Release Candidate is available for download here.