Windows 7 Day in India on 18th April 2009

On Saturday, 18th April 2009, several User Groups in India would host Windows 7 bootcamp event.

Windows 7 Beta is attracting a lot of buzz recently, and here is your chance to dive in the same. Attend the one-day workshop to gear up on all the necessary skills to get started on Windows 7 efficiently.

• Walk in with your laptops and get them powered with Windows 7
• Participate in the parallel sessions running
• Even if you are not carrying your laptops, feel free to attend sessions
• Lot of surprises await you!

Gurgaon (Hosts: Delhi IT Pro): Register here

Mumbai (Hosts: Mumbai IT Pro): Register here

Pune (Hosts: Pune User Group): Register here

Bangalore (Hosts: Bangalore IT Pro): Register here

Chennai (Hosts: Chennai IT Pro)

Siliguri (Hosts WindowsSupport)

Registration for the event is free.

Please obtain your own Product Key by visiting: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

SPECIAL NOTE:

I wanted to share some quick tips if you’re attending Install Fest so that you get the best possible experience.

1. Ensure that your BIOS is at the latest revision (must be ACPI compliant). Go to your manufacturers website to download and flash your system.
2. Keep in mind that if you’re doing an upgrade, the amount of data in your profile will greatly affect the length of your upgrade. (we’ve had one last over 2 and a half hours) so clean up before you show up.  Delete temporary internet files,  backup and move off your 10,000 song library – whatever you can do to reduce the # of files on your system. If you don’t – your upgrade process could take more time then we have scheduled for the install fest.
3. We STRONGLY suggest you go for a clean install (wipe and replace) or Dual Boot. Fast, clean, simple – SO TAKE THE FULL MACHINE BACKUP BEFORE BRINGING YOUR MACHINE
4. Bring all the needed drivers on a USB key/Driver Disk. Check out your manufacturers site for Beta Windows 7 drivers OR bring 32 / 64 bit VISTA drivers. Not absolutely required but it’s in case your hardware is not covered by the “In-Box” drivers. This will ensure you get the best possible experience onsite.
5. THERE IS NO INTERNET AVAILABLE ONSITE. Sorry about that. We wanted to, but with 150+ people in the room, the first thing Windows 7 does is try to connect with the internet and download 150 megs of updates, fixes and drivers. There just wouldn’t be enough bandwidth to accommodate everyone. As soon as you “get home” from the event – plug into the internet and ACCEPT all the downloads / patches for your system – you’ll need them.
6. Bring an open mind – it is about sharing, connecting with each other and HAVING FUN.
   

What you need to know before installing the Beta

Thank you for participating in the Windows 7 Beta. To help make sure you have a great experience, please read this section before you install the software—even if you've previously been a beta tester.

• The Windows 7 Beta is a pre-release version of Windows. While we consider this a stable and high-quality beta, it's not the finished product. It could crash your computer or cause you to lose important files or information.

• The Beta will stop working on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. You won't be able to upgrade from the Beta to the final retail version of Windows 7.

• Important Note to Internet Explorer 8 Beta testers: If you're already testing Internet Explorer 8, please be aware that the version in the Windows 7 Beta is at a different stage of release. If you're beta-testing Windows 7, you need to use the version of Internet Explorer 8 that comes with it.

To learn more, see Windows 7 Beta: Frequently Asked Questions.

Please do...

• Do install the Beta only on a dedicated test computer.

• Do make frequent backups while testing the Beta. You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder. (See How to backup a PC.)

• Do prepare a recovery disc. A recovery disc restores your computer to its out-of-the-box state. Most computers come with one. If yours didn't, contact your PC maker.

• Do update your antivirus program, run it, and then disable it before installing the Beta. After you install the Beta, remember to re-enable the antivirus program.

• Do connect to the Internet after you install the Beta. Being connected helps make sure you get useful security and hardware updates. (If you don't have an Internet connection, you can still install the Beta.)

• Do download the Release Notes. Release Notes provide important information that you should know before installing and using Windows 7. You should familiarize yourself with all of the known issues in this document prior to installing the software. For example, the Release Notes describe a bug in which MP3 files may become corrupted and provide information on mitigating risk.

Please don't...

• Don't install the Beta if you're uncomfortable troubleshooting your own PC problems. Microsoft does not provide technical support for the Windows 7 Beta.

• Don't install the Beta on your primary home or work computer. Microsoft is not responsible for downtime stemming from the Windows 7 Beta.

Microsoft’s technical advisors and local experts will be on-hand to assist you and share how they’re taking advantage of Windows 7. They’ll demonstrate some tips and tricks to make the most of your experience of Windows 7, as well as highlight elements relevant to you.