VIRTUALBOY BLOG
*** Update 11/10/2006 *** - Unfortunately, Vista 5744 downloads for the Customer Preview Program (CPP) have now closed and the links are no longer active. We were bowled over by your response to RC2 -- in fact, we hit our download target (200K+) within 72 hours of propping the files! This is an incredible response..so thank you, and I am sorry for those of you who didn't manage to download in time. Rest assured, the RC1 release is still available for download, so feel free to download it here.
You can read more information over at the Windows Vista Team Blog.
***
That's right, it's here! For those of you who have tested Beta 2, CTP, RC1 or any of the other builds that we have released, it's time to get downloading again, with the release of RC2.
We have released this build to Technical Beta Testers, TAP Testers, and MSDN/TechNet subscribers and finally, the Customer Preview Program. However, the difference with the Customer Preview Program, or CPP, is that this download page will only be available for a limited time, so be quick!
So, what can you expect from RC2? Well, as it states over at the Windows Vista Team Blog, there has been a huge amount of feedback from RC1, and "This new build of Windows Vista offers users a higher level of performance and stability – improving what was established in Windows Vista RC1. We were able to also fix many of your bugs reported from RC1 and implement them for RC2" - good news I think!
Again, taken from the Windows Vista Team Blog, is an announcement from Jim Allchin;
"People asked for it, and here it is, Windows Vista RC2! We wanted you to be the first to get these bits; next week they’ll be available to a broader set of customers via MSDN and TechNet.
All your great feedback has helped us focus on nothing but bug fixes over the past month since RC1 - each and every day. There are thousands of quality improvements since Windows Vista RC1. You’ll probably notice improvements in performance, application compatibility, as well as fit and finish work. We will continue improving quality until RTM. If you are an ISV, please use this build (certainly at least RC1 or later) to get certified. Visit www.innovateonvista.com for more information on logo certification.
You are integral to this creation and refinement process. We are just around the corner from RTM and shipping this great product to the world. This will be the last build made available prior to RTM, so please keep the feedback coming so we can hit the finish line. Thanks for your help in finishing the job!"
Go-Do: Get along to the download site to start downloading straight away! you can download it in two ways, using Akamai Download Manager or using the browser in the normal way and they also come in 3, yes 3, languages. The versions available are:
Bear in mind, that all these downloads come in ISO format, so your DVD-Burning skills will need to be up to scratch to take advantage of your huge download!
Please note: This build may not have the same level of support or servicing via Windows Update as RC1, and you may not be able to upgrade from this build to the final version of Windows Vista. To continue, please use the links below to start the download. For those of you who would prefer to go with the supported 5600 RC1 build, you can still get your hands on it, here. Enjoy! :-)
Oh Man!
You've gotta be kidding me... I went to a Canadian Microsoft tour on Thursday and they gave me an RC1 build so I was just able to load that up last night (it wasn't done until about 11pm my time). Less than 12 hours later you guys are releasing a new version...?
Oh well, that's why I waited so long for the testing ;) Hey, will my serial key work on this new RC2 version (do you know?)?
Hi Dani,
I'm afraid we have released a new version - this will be, I believe, the last version that we release to the public before the final release.
I'm pretty sure your product key should work - did you get the product key with the RC1 release, on the back of the packaging?
Does the ISO you download from http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/en/x86/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_en_dvd.iso, when installed, prompt you for the product key? I've not downloaded from there, so I'm not sure, but there is no indication on the download webpage that a product key is required.
Anyone know when the download will be closed? I can't get access to a highspeed connection for another few days.
Hey Josh,
The download literally went live yesterday, so you should be ok for a few days yet. Microsoft will want to leave the download window open for as many days as possible, giving as many people as possible the chance to download, test, and provide feedback.
Don't worry - you should be fine! :-)
I was reading Mac McSpirits Blog and if you are interested RC2... is available now for download. Take
I'm glad to hear the upgrade went smoothly and I hope your experience with RC2 is a good one. If you have any problems, or questions, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Matt