It’s been much easier to get my hands on the Windows 7 Release Candidate, so here are some of the details for those interested in how Windows Vista should have been.

If you are interested in downloading a copy to play with and for application testing then head on over to the Microsoft site. This time it will be available until July so there is plenty of time, there is also no limit on the number of product keys either. The Windows 7 RC expires on the 1st June, 2010.

File information for Windows 7 Release Candidate 32bit:

File information for Windows 7 Release Candidate 64bit:

Well after a nights sleep I’ve now got my hands on a Windows 7 Beta Product Key. (So after all I didn’t miss out)

Now come the fun part, since I have a product key now, I can actually download the software as it’s worth my time and bandwidth to do so now. So now again we play the waiting game for the files to download.

Update 1

To get a serial number you will need to go to the Microsoft site.

Here is the file information for Windows 7 Beta 32bit:

Here is the file information for Windows 7 Beta 64bit:

While I wait because the release has been delayed due to overwhelming demand, I thought I would at least create a blog post so I can put the details here once I have my hands on the serial number for the Windows 7 Beta. (If I get my hands on one)

At present the Windows Team Blog is looking like it’s getting hit pretty hard by nerds desperate to get their grubby hands on the Windows 7 Public Beta.

Update 1
A new message has appeared on the Microsoft site saying:
Thanks for your interest in the Windows 7 Beta. The volume has been phenomenal — we’re in the process of adding more servers to handle the demand. We’re sorry for the delay and we’ll re-post the Beta as soon as we can ensure a quality download experience.

Update 2
Ok, today is over, so it’s time to go to bed, hope I don’t miss my opportunity to get a key while I’m asleep.

An article that appeared on PC Advisor is running the claim that Microsoft, due to the unpopularity of Windows Vista is pushing up the development schedule for Windows 7.

PC Advisor Article