When Will Windows 7 RTM Be Available?

According to this Windows Team Blog posting, Volume License (VL) customers with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 7, 2009 via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). The rest of the languages for Windows 7 RTM should be available within a couple of weeks following the English release. For IT professionals who are not part of the VL program, if you have a TechNet subscription, you will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6, 2009, and the remaining languages by October 1, 2009. Evaluation versions of Windows 7 Professional for IT professionals will be made available via the Springboard Series shortly after RTM. 

Windows 7 Upgrade Paths
For a quick view of the supported and unsupported upgrade paths for Windows 7 SKUs, download the Windows 7 Upgrade Paths document that outlines possible upgrade scenarios from older versions of Windows. For a Web version of this document, see Windows 7 Upgrade Paths in the Windows Client TechCenter Library. 

Windows 7 RTM Announcement

Sign up for newsletters | Update your profile Announcing: Release to Manufacturing It's almost here! We're very happy to tell you that we've hit the last big milestone on the way to Windows 7: Release to Manufacturing. We're packaging copies and manufacturers are putting it on new PCs. On October 22, you'll be able to get the final shipping product. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done; you helped make this an operating system we're all going to enjoy. Don't miss the good stuff. With the final release rapidly approaching, make sure you learn about special offers and other news including details about launch events in your area. A great way to keep up with what's going on is to sign up for one of our free newsletters. Not only will you get the scoop on the Windows 7 launch, you'll get useful news throughout the year. - If you're interested in general Windows topics, Exploring Windows is the best choice. - Want technical guidance and resources? Sign up to be a Springboard Series Insider. - Developer? Get MSDN Flash. Meanwhile, RC's downloads are still available. You can get the release candidate download until August 20, 2009. After that, you won't be able to get the download, but if you have the software, you can still install the RC and get a key if you need one. (Keys will be available till March 2010. To get a key, just go to the Downloads page and follow the instructions.) We're listening. Tell us what you think. If you're using Windows 7 Release Candidate, please go http://input.microsoft.com and tell us what you think. You'll be able to give feedback on various aspects of the operating system. Got the RC and need help? Experts on the Windows 7 Forum can help answer your questions. The forum also gives you a way to share what you've learned with other people. Essential resources - The Installation Instructions give you the info you need to get started. - To get more information about Windows 7, such as feature descriptions, visit the Windows 7 website. - Looking for technical help or information? Here are a few sources: - The Windows 7 online forums are a great place to start. - You can keep up to date on news about Windows 7 on the team blog. - Find essential "getting ready" info at Microsoft Answers. Thanks again for your investment in Windows 7. The Windows 7 Team Resources: • Download Page • Installation Instructions • FAQ • Windows 7 Forum • Get Windows Live You are receiving this important message about Windows 7 because you downloaded the Beta or RC from either TechNet, MSDN or the Windows web site. Microsoft respects your privacy. Please read our online Privacy Statement.  Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, Washington, USA Sign up for newsletters | Update your profile © 2009 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement

Savings on Win7 pre-orders

Microsoft Windows 7 is now available to pre-order -- and Amazon.co.uk is offering special low pricing on Windows 7 Home Premium (£74.97, saving £75.02), Windows 7 Professional (£179.97, saving £40.02), and Windows 7 Ultimate (£189.97, saving £40.02). This pricing is only available while stocks last, and must end by midnight on August 9, 2009.

Click HERE to pre-order. US readers click HERE to pre-order.

Windows 7 Release Candidate downloads will end August 20

Windows 7 is about to be released for manufacturing (RM), for sale
from October 22.
Free downloads of Release Candidate (RC) vesions will cease on August 20.
Previously downloaded RCs can still be installed after that date and
keys will be available from Microsoft's downloads page.

MAP Toolkit 4.0 for Win 7

The Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 4.0 for Windows 7
and Windows Server 2008 R2 has been announced for those planning to
deploy Windows 7 on existing desktops.
This multi-purpose solution accelerator may be used to determine if
existing PCs meet the Windows 7 hardware requirements and to check for
device compatibilities.
In addition, MAP offers Window Server 2008 R2 hardware compatibility
assessments and Hyper-V server virtualization candidate assessments.
The MAP Toolkit 4.0 is a free download.