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Windows Vista RC2 Set for Release

By Scott M. Fulton, III, BetaNews

October 5, 2006, 10:30 AM

A Portugese-language blog post from a member of the Windows Local Test and Support team in Brazil Wednesday, along with a download page on Microsoft's Web site confirmed that Windows Vista RC2 is arriving shortly, and will be available for public download.

According to the Web page for Customer Preview Program (CPP) participants, which has since been removed, RC2 will be build 5744.

In a Google translation of the blog post, the word "Vista" is replaced with "Seen," which explains the headline, "Seen Windows RC2 Arriving."

"We're in the final queue for the launch of Build RC2 of Windows Vista," a more accurate translation reads. "Currently, thousands of desktops are already spinning RC1, and tests of compatibility and reliability signal that Vista is almost ready. Build RC2 will be the last build beta before the final RTM version."

"As we have previously discussed," a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews late today, "Microsoft does plan to deliver one more interim build of Windows Vista before releasing the final product. The exact name of the build, and the date of its release, have not been announced."

Wednesday morning, a positive report from a Goldman Sachs analyst, stating he believed Vista's shipping deadlines would not slip further and reiterating his firm's "buy" recommendation, helped Microsoft stock value over 2 percent on the NASDAQ exchange, closing at $27.94.

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By photonboy

edited Oct 5, 2006 - 5:55 PM

Many problems are drivers and software compatibility which aren't related to Microsoft.

No matter which date is picked, many companies are actually waiting for the final release to finalize support.

Based on my usage of Beta1, Beta2, and RC1 I'm expecting to see a very good product a few months AFTER release. However, the true need for Vista will be apparent with software and hardware that only runs on Vista but that will be a good year or two materializing. I advise all businesses to wait at least a year then consider a x64 installation.

x64 will become standard and once it becomes popular software support will rapidly increase.

Score: 0

By deminicus

edited Oct 6, 2006 - 7:55 AM

to add, most large corperations won't upgrade to vista for years. My company has 10k+ employees and they're just rolling out xp and we're on one of those top lists for working in IT. Much more is considered in the big leagues.

Score: 0

By tipsyboy

edited Oct 5, 2006 - 2:50 PM

Oh yeah - go ahead and drive in this nice new car! Doesn't have all breaks for now (who cares driving with just the rear one!) and you have to use a stick for a driving wheel, oh, not to forget the windows which are still in design by Ennio Farruri - but, oh - - who cares for the honor to be driving the latest, not even finished Didgerati!-LOLROTF

Score: 0

By cranbers

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 2:25 PM

The overall state of vista at post rc1 build 5728 is pretty good. The biggest complaint I have is third party applications. Nero is still behind and marjoity of older games do not work still especially those older then 2-3 years. Oblivion and quake 4 are examples that do work but others seem to have issues with dx10 they think it is older then dx 9 which doesn't allow them to run. I guess either stick with xp or wait for some kind of compatability setting that makes it think its dx9. The current run as xp sp2 compatible doesn't help.

Score: 0

By IceyKola

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 2:13 PM

You know, I've been wondering, for compatibility's sake, most people will be using the x86 version. Does MSFT allow an install of the x64 and the x86 versions on the same computer using the same key? I'd like to use the x64 version for it's HD-DVD play back and stuff, but the x86 version for compatibility, until the programs I use can for sure work in x64.

Score: 0

By DumKopf

edited Oct 5, 2006 - 4:35 PM

I received a hard copy of the BETA and it came with both x86 and x64 two different keys. So my guess is a no, but might be mistaken.

Score: 0

By alphatrigon

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 5:09 PM

I think...(because I did it one way)...

You can't upgrade from x86 to x64...you have to clean install. So based on that I don't think you could dual boot having x86 first.

You might be able to install an x86 instance if going from x64.

I'm thinking given the above, that you can also NOT virtual mode an x64 instance in x86 but can the other way around.

As for now, I don't agree with the HD lockout on the bit version. I play Windows Media HD clips on my vista...so it sucks thinking about it.

However, I do prefer dedicated home entertainment players.

Score: 0

By smarterthanyou

posted Oct 6, 2006 - 3:01 AM

Microsoft did say previously that the original announcement on a lockout for HD-DVD playback on 32-bit Vista was a mistake and is not true at all.

Score: 0

By Yakumo

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 6:20 PM

you've got that backwards, they support x86 to x64 upgrade but not a downgrade.

Score: 0

By alphatrigon

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 6:42 PM

didn't I say that? I meant it...I swore I did!!!

Score: 0

By YinCh

posted Oct 6, 2006 - 2:06 AM

I'm Dual booting x86 and x64 with no problem.

Score: 0

By Pensador

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 1:11 PM

I haven't installed Vista yet but after hearing the feedback on RC1, I think I'm gonna try RC2.

Score: 0

By Paradise-FH-

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 2:15 PM

i just wish you could uninstall from rc1 back to xp.

Score: 0

By Pensador

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 3:47 PM

Well, if I do install it, I'll dual boot.

Score: 0

By alexweber15

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 12:13 PM

seems to me like they're rushing it a bit... i'm sure most ppl wouldn't mind waiting a while longer and getting something more polished that needs less patching etc...

they should just be like google and not announce software...just release it! they brought these deadlines on themselves and its so stupid. you can't rush software development!

Score: 0

By GBH

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 6:46 PM

"they should just be like google and not announce software...just release it! they brought these deadlines on themselves and its so stupid. you can't rush software development!"

Google releases beta's just like microsoft.

Perhaps your thinking of Apple who do not tell anyone whats happening until Steve Jobs stands up and says "one more thing..."

Score: 0

By mjmarshall

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 1:09 PM

Common sense would suggest "release when ready", but unfortunately between shareholders, computer builders like Dell, OEMs and VARs there's a LOT of pressure to set firm release dates: Development needs to be scheduled, marketing plans drawn up (and ads booked), training materials have to be updated, etc.

Score: 0

By Paradise-FH-

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 2:16 PM

yes, unfortunately most people are not suppliers ... which is where the real money comes from.

Score: 0

By PC Rat

edited Oct 5, 2006 - 11:46 AM

...

Even Bill Gates is only "80% sure" that
WinVista shall be released on time. And
~he's~ an optimist !

...

The Computer Rodent

...

Score: 0

By Murphmeister

edited Oct 6, 2006 - 12:15 AM

The most pathetic forum personality on BN strikes again.

Score: 0

By PC Rat

edited Oct 6, 2006 - 2:57 AM

...

"Murphmeister" is the nic used
by Patty Dunn of HP.

...

The Computer Rodent

...

Score: 0

By Paradise-FH-

posted Oct 5, 2006 - 2:13 PM

good lord ... you are never funny ... ever.

Score: 0

By cscampxp

edited Oct 7, 2006 - 3:52 PM

What the ???? I ordered the RC1 DVD 2 weeks ago which is still i havent received and here is Microsoft releasing RC2.

Now which Release am i getting by mail...RC1 or RC2? ima be pissed if get RC1 even though it only costs 5 bucks.

Score: 0

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