With Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 available to the general public since January 10, 2009, users that have installed the operating system have undoubtedly noticed that the installation process has evolved compared to what was available in Windows Vista. However, Patrick Azzarello, Senior Program Manager/ Windows Deployment, Microsoft, described the changes between the setup of Windows Vista RTM and Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 as only minor. But at the same time, Azzarello emphasized that “minor” is by no means an equivalent of insignificant in terms of the effort Microsoft poured into taking the deployment process one step further, or the actual impact of the changes.

“In Windows 7 we moved the license key to the Windows Welcome page, so you can enter it after the install. This makes it easier for people to evaluate and get started with Windows. We also provide a better experience when upgrading editions (i.e., from Home Premium to Ultimate) by enabling specific, licensed components, not reimaging the system,” Azzarello stated.

In comparison to Windows Vista, Windows 7 introduces an additional hidden partition by default, Azzarello stated, explaining that the next version of the Windows client offers increased support for Bitlocker and recovery environments. Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 creates a 200-megabyte partition which is being hidden from the end users. However, Azzarello pointed out that the hidden partition would be visible through the operating system's Disk Management. Microsoft intends to decrease the size occupied on disk by the hidden partition when it ships the RTM (release to manufacturing) Build of Windows 7.

“Finally we wanted to improve the end users experience during the machine configuration phase (the second to last phase - the last phase is Windows Welcome) of setup. In Windows 7 we’ve taken pains to resolve some of these issues, making it faster and providing better graphics with information about what’s going on so users can understand what the machine is doing (and that it will soon be ready for use). Why invest here? Because many resellers’ save time in their factory process by shutting down the machine before this phase begins, boxing it up, and shipping it to the customer. When the customer gets the machine, they’re excited to set it up and use it (I know I am). Windows Vistas’ experience here left a lot to be desired, even causing some users interrupt the process which caused system corruption, something we needed to invest in to avoid,” Azzarello added.

Windows 7 Beta is available for download here.

Product keys to activate Windows 7 Beta are available here.