Microsoft has resolved an issue that prevented the installation of Virtual Earth 3D into Windows 7 Beta Build 7000. Users that attempted to integrate the latest version of Virtual Earth 3D with the first Beta of Win 7 were confronted with an error message, followed by the application's crash. The error message only informed them that the Virtual Earth 3D failed to install, but did not provide any additional details.

“If you’ve tried installing Virtual Earth 3D on Windows 7 you may have see a little problem with the installer crashing during setup stating, “Virtual Earth 3D Install has stopped working,” Chris Pendleton, Virtual Earth tech evangelist, revealed. Microsoft was quick to resolve the issue identified by independent testers that affected not only Virtual Earth 3D, but also additional programs including Windows Explorer, and applications comprising some relying on MSI-based installers.

“As it turns out, there’s an issue with the Software Quality Metrics (SQM) in Windows 7 that it doesn’t like VE 3D. If you want to get it working, you’ll need to make a manual registry change. The fix is actually quite simple – just rename (or delete) the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\SQMClient\Windows\DisabledSessions. Once you’ve done that, run the install again, and it should work without issue,” Pendleton added.

However, at this point in time users no longer have to delete the registry key mentioned by Pendleton. Microsoft has already solved the Windows 7 Customer Experience Improvement Program bug with a fix released through the platform's Action Center. In this regard, all applications that previously suffered crashes due to the bug residing in the SQL (CEIP) client, including Virtual Earth 3D should no longer deliver any integration problems when it comes down to the installation process on Windows 7 Beta.

Windows 7 Beta is available for download here.

Product keys to activate Windows 7 Beta are available here.

Virtual Earth 3D is available for download here.