14 DAY TRIAL // The public Beta testing program of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is now in full swing, with the bits having went live for early adopters earlier this month. Testers that have installed Windows 7 SP1 Beta or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta have undoubtedly noticed that their copy of the operating system displayed an “Evaluation Copy” message in the bottom right hand side corner. This happens even if the copies of Windows 7 RTM and Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM were genuine and activated properly ahead of the deployment of Service Pack 1.
Long-time early adopters are undoubtedly already familiar with the “procedures” when it comes down to taking pre-release software out for a spin. However, especially with large Beta testing programs such as those for Windows, new testers giving releases a try, tend to jump right to the goodies. It’s always a good idea to start by reading all the documentation provided by Microsoft, in the case of Windows 7 SP1, in order to understand what it really means to run pre-release software.
“After you install SP1 Beta, your desktop may display the following text: Evaluation copy. This text does not mean that your system is no longer "Genuine." This text indicates only that you installed a test version of software that is time limited. The "Evaluation copy" text may also be displayed on the second startup after you install the service pack. The "Evaluation Copy" text may be displayed on first startup after you uninstall the service pack. However, this text will not appear after the next startup,” Microsoft revealed.
It is critical for testers to understand that even though the underlying Windows 7 RTM operating system is genuine and activated, once they slap SP2 Beta on top, the operating system will become time-bombed. “You will be reminded beginning March 30, 2011. The beta will expire on June 30, 2011. You will have to upgrade to a newer build or uninstall and return to the RTM build by that time,” the Redmond company added.
The software giant will release Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 to the public in the first half of 2011. Microsoft traditionally also makes available a Release Candidate of upcoming Windows releases to the public, and RC is to be expected from the company, most likely by the end of 2010. Windows 7 SP1 Beta testers will have the possibility to also test Windows 7 SP1 RC, and then make the jump to the RTM build next year.
“SP1 Beta is time-limited software. You must uninstall this service pack beta software before you install the final version of the service pack. Also, this beta software will no longer operate after June 30, 2011. You must uninstall this beta software before that date,” Microsoft added.
Update: fixed spell check errors.
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta are available for download here.
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