Windows W7 SP1 RC runs to its end ...

[PeterSt]

Now what ?

Ever back it was promised that the SP1 Release Candidate would last until November (2011). At least that is what I recall. But now I'm receiving messages that there's 10 days left.

The first thing I like to know is whether others receive such messages as well. I mean, I don't trust it completely, because I also managed my PC to get into a state of not being "genuine". This is not real, because I manipulated a few things too many in the Registry here. Now it tells me to download some MS program in order to check it (for real ?) while I don't like additional stuff on my PC. So, I did not do that.

Next thing I like to know is whether someone -receiving that message- actually installed the SP1 RTM (official Release To Manufacturing) SP1 version, and how that goes;
I ask this, because the message tells me to backup my data and install the RTM version (it's telling nothing about SP1). The message is construted so that it implies nothing like an upgrade will be possible. Nor does it say that the RC can be uninstalled or something.

I could have dug into Google to find out, but somehow I believe that what we're doing in here is more genuine to my own situation. I mean, didn't we all install the SP1 RC somewhere at the start of 2011 ?

If you know anything which can help (in the end not only me of course), please let it know. At least I *really* don't like to setup a complete new system. Too much involved here ...

Thanks a lot,
Peter

[manisandher]

Yep, getting the same message on the single machine I have with RC still installed.

I installed SP1 RTM on my two 'hifi' computers and my work PC quite a few months ago. I can't quite remember exactly what I did, but I think it was a clean install on both occasions - I don't think there is an alternative. But SP1 seems OK me. Totally stable on all three machines I have it on.

And anyway, the new NOS1 is completely immune to anything the computer throws at it, so it doesn't matter... no?

Mani.

[Calibrator]

Peter, I also noticed a message pop up in the status area Monday night briefly which was likely similar to what you saw, but haven't followed up on it yet. I didn't switch on my music server yesterday but will do so later tonight most likely. I did check the system "properties" page and nothing seemed out of place there, nor were any warnings evident.

My music server has no connection to the Internet and is isolated from the rest of my LAN.

Cheers,

Russ

[Gerard]

Peter,

Yes i did get the message too. But it is my music pc only so i changed the date. Do not know if that will help.

 

[christoffe01]

......, but I think it was a clean install on both occasions.
Mani.

Yes, it was no problem to install ............... .

[PeterSt]

Hmm ...
And btw, I am not able to incur for the message myself. I have seen it three times or so by now, indeed since the beginning of this week or something.

No I am not worried about the SQ coming from the RTM version, or at least there will be nothing to do about it. And, we knew it was coming. But what I would not like is that new install (TIME).

Please let anyone come up with something like an upgrade being possible ...

[christoffe01]

Please let anyone come up with something like an upgrade being possible ...

Hi Peter,

the only way I can think of is to mirror your drive "C" and try to install SP1. If that fails you have a lot of work over the weekend.

But you know that already!

Joachim

[boleary]

When I installed SP1 it came with a bunch of OS and security updates that influenced SQ. Uninstalling all the updates except SP1 brought back the "RC sound". Talked about it here: http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=1668.0

[ivo]

Yes. I saw that message few days ago. I panic and uninstalled SP1 RC. Was no problem. Then installed SP1 RTM + all those updates. Runs OK, but not sure about the sound, have no listened yet. Just wanted my PC up before it locks down, cause use it also for web and other minor stuff.

[Nick]

Guys,

Not a direct solution to the RC1 update I am afraid but this may help with confidence regarding the performance of Vanilla W7 SP1 from standard Microsoft media.

I recently followed the advice that was kindly provided and upgraded to W7. My install is W7 Ultimate 64bit standard CD media with SP1 included, it sits in a non-networked music PC, so no further windows update activity. W7 SP1 straight from this media sounds very good indeed and although it’s difficult to be sure the bass and top end sounds as people have been describing elsewhere on the forum for W7 & RC1 installs (much, much better than Vista).

If you need to update from SP RC1 to SP1 I guess the problem is stopping any none essential (for music that is) Windows updates being applied. I don’t have a solution there but the vanilla W7 SP1 media seems ok if you have access to it.

Nick

[stefanobilliani]

Yes. I saw that message few days ago. I panic and uninstalled SP1 RC. Was no problem. Then installed SP1 RTM + all those updates. Runs OK, but not sure about the sound, have no listened yet. Just wanted my PC up before it locks down, cause use it also for web and other minor stuff.

Hello , I did the same uninstalled SP1 RC , then reinstalled all the RTM stuff ,and confirm the need to hotfixes (1) and other security updates .
While XX high end works exactly like before , same settings , it looks like there are running some more tasks , and the system seems overall just slightly slowed .  The sq very good still , but not sure if the same as before .

[PeterSt]

Well, it is good to know that it seems possible to uninstall and next upgrade. Thank you everybody !

Regarding the possibly less SQ or more slomo stuff, at this time I would not worry about this. I am right now finishing 0.9z-6-0 as a beta for at least one person to test (), and although not really finished, it wont take long now until you'll find yourself with an almost unplugged PC. Ok, I guess I could do that too by now, but I thought it wasn't the best idea.

Anyway, whatever it is that may run additionally to the W7 SP1-RC version, will be blown to hell by XXHighEnd anyway.
Watch it coming ...

Peter

[BertD]

Anyway, whatever it is that may run additionally to the W7 SP1-RC version, will be blown to hell by XXHighEnd anyway.
Watch it coming ...

Good, I am running W7 Pro with (official release) SP1 and all updates included... and that hopefully should not make a difference either.

Bert

[Calibrator]

I have a solution for myself, and depending upon how comfortable you are with dabbling within Windows and using third party apps, my method should work for you, although no guarantee's of course.

Firstly, determine whether you have a SP1 version that is expected to expire. Do a search within your system drive for "Winver.exe". You may have several hits/paths depending upon which version on windows you are running. Try running each entry in turn, and one (or all) should bring up a small window with details on your system. Mine highlighted the fact that I had SP1 RC installed and will expire on Sep 1st 2011 at 9:59 AM.

If you don't have mention of an expiry date after running winver.exe, then go make a cuppa and continue listening to music!

If you want to attempt to uninstall the RC version of SP1, and subsequently install the final version, the following web site should prove useful.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/99064-windows-7-service-pack-1-sp1-uninstall.html

If you prefer to try and stick with SP1-RC for the time being, then you need a "loader" to circumvent the expiry. If you google search for "windows loader DAZ" , you will see several references as to where to obtain this third party app by "DAZ".

In preparation to trialing the loader, I cloned my operating drive to another and booted up on that clone, thus keeping my current environment intact in case of calamity.

After installing the loader, I then reset system hardware date to a month ahead and booted the system. It came up fine. Further date resets to 2 months ahead and a year also resulted in no untoward consequences. I finally reset back to 1st Sep 2011 to see what would happen. Everything OK

The system date is now back to current, and later this evening I will apply the loader to my normal operating drive. I expect it all to work just as it did with the cloned drive.

Hope the above helps,

Cheers,

Russ

[PeterSt]

Thanks Russ. I guess all that ends at "Z" is good ...

But if I were you I would NOT count on that date trick. We IT people know all about such a thing (obviously) and the first thing I would do myself is covering for such a thing. Your best option might be to set the date ahead as you did, but now wait for the mesage to appear for at least two days (I have the hunch it pops up once per day). If it then stays away it may be allright forever.

Also notice that when it goes wrong afterall, you won't be able to get into your system - also not with the backup disk. At least such a thing can happen. This may be similar to not having your PC hooked up to the internet (while earlier on you said something like "register as soon as internet connection is there"), and when you at last connect, you're in trouble right away.

If you are dependend on a sort of unable to setup your system again (like I think I am / don't want that) I would not take the chances. Additionally, where you may be allright this time, at a next upgrade it maybe won't go.

Hey, I was just able to capture that fine message.
Peter