Windows 7 release candidate leaked
updated 02:10 pm EDT, Fri April 24, 2009
Windows 7 RC 7100 build
Microsoft has already delivered an updated build of Windows 7 to OEM partners and TAP gold customers that is likely to be the release candidate (RC) for the operating system. Build 7100 is an update to the 7077 RC build leaked onto BitTorrent sites and contains roughly 2,000 bug fixes made to the beta version that have been planned for the RC phase. The company has previously said it will have just one RC before the software is finished, hinting at a launch later this year.
Microsoft may officially release the latest 7100 RC version of the operating system before users have a chance to leak it on torrent sites, as it has stated on its Partners page that a version -- though not necessarily 7100 -- will be made available to MSDN/TechNet customers on May 5th. Whatever version becomes available, a leak is expected soon afterwards.
Another Microsoft source, an Online Chat Concierge, is countering the rumors by saying that only OEM partners including but not limited to Dell and Siemens are involved in an RC build's testing. "Currently the Windows 7 RC has not been available through the TechNet subscription yet," the spokesperson said.
This is in line with an earlier report that had the official RC release pushed back to May. [via DailyTech]
