(Unofficial) Windows 7 RC Build Out

[Nick]

I'm still missing the point where this is so much better than a regular VM... Also, I keep getting random "Hardware Disconnected" sounds on my laptop while using the RC.

Well, a "regular VM" requires users to have a window open with the other OS in it and then launch applications and arrange windows within that window - moderately annoying.

XP Mode is transparent to users once configured. They won't even know they're running a VM when they opened up their old XP-only LOB application and it comes up next to their Office 2010.

Yes, other VMs have those features, but the point is this is free for the people who will actually need it and is relatively quick and easy to setup. It's also a Microsoft-supported solution, which is very important for many businesses that have service contracts with Microsoft. So it isn't really meant to be "better" than VMWare or another VM, it's meant to just work for the people who need it at no extra cost.

Also, I would say this is the first step into the future of backwards compatibility for Windows. Gone will be the shimming of versions past, replaced by system-wide VMs for prior kernel version that give each application its own sandbox; at least, that's my bet.

Nick

[Cortexian]

Oh my, switching windows is such a big deal.

I'll stick with the tried and true Microsoft Virtual Machine + whatever OS I want.

[Nick]

Oh my, switching windows is such a big deal.

I'll stick with the tried and true Microsoft Virtual Machine + whatever OS I want.

It is a big deal for a car salesman or office admin or accountant.

Don't you get it yet? XP Mode is not meant for you or people like you - it's meant for average, everyday people who are just barely computer literate and expect things all look the same and work together seemlessly because they lack the interest or capacity to learn what a virtual machine is, how they start one up, how they install and open application on it, etc.

Honestly, you really have no business even trying XP Mode if you already like how VMs work, want to VM an OS other than XP, or have no applications that NEED to run under virtualized XP to work.

You complaining about XP Mode is like a car enthusiest complaining about a car model being redesigned to ship with a turbocharger next year. There are already aftermarket parts you can stick in to make it do what you want it to do, but that doesn't mean the average driver wants to go through that hassle or needs the same functionality as you.

Nick

[sdavis117]

I seem to have lost my old Activation Key, and W7 is suddenly asking me for a key. Do any of you have any key lying around?

[Nick]

I seem to have lost my old Activation Key, and W7 is suddenly asking me for a key. Do any of you have any key lying around?

You can get yours back or get a new one here.

Nick

[Cortexian]

You can also hit F5 over and over on the page that shows your key, generates a new one every time.

[sdavis117]

While I have enjoyed my time with Windows 7, I must say that I will have to downgrade back to XP. This whole issue with my DVD Drive is bothersome. That, plus I can't play CoD4, BF2142, or any other game that uses PunkBuster on W7. Added with the fact that while I can install almost any game I have using my 4GB flashdrive, the issue remains that if a game requires a disk while playing, I cannot play the game.

This, plus some network issues and other unmentioned problems, has convinced me that I do not have the hardware to use W7, that I don't have the money to upgrade my PC right now, and that the lack of some major 3rd party software companies from making their (sometimes very vital) programs compatible with W7 has led me to no other choice then to downgrade.

It's been fun W7, and I must say that you are an OS with much to be proud about. But your issues are just too much.

[Bhamid]

It is a big deal for a car salesman or office admin or accountant.

Don't you get it yet? XP Mode is not meant for you or people like you - it's meant for average, everyday people who are just barely computer literate and expect things all look the same and work together seemlessly because they lack the interest or capacity to learn what a virtual machine is, how they start one up, how they install and open application on it, etc.

Honestly, you really have no business even trying XP Mode if you already like how VMs work, want to VM an OS other than XP, or have no applications that NEED to run under virtualized XP to work.

You complaining about XP Mode is like a car enthusiest complaining about a car model being redesigned to ship with a turbocharger next year. There are already aftermarket parts you can stick in to make it do what you want it to do, but that doesn't mean the average driver wants to go through that hassle or needs the same functionality as you.

Nick

Is that why XP mode is only going to be done with Professional upwards? Its meant for businesses who want to keep compatiblity with their old programs...

[sdavis117]

For some reason I just can't bring myself to downgrade to XP. Before with XP, it would be over a minute before I could start browsing the web. With W7, it's more like 15 seconds.

I might use GParted to split my HDD in half, or I might get a second HDD.

[Nick]

Is that why XP mode is only going to be done with Professional upwards? Its meant for businesses who want to keep compatiblity with their old programs...

Exactly. Home users will probably still be able to purchase it as a separate option, but it comes free with Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate.

I might use GParted to split my HDD in half, or I might get a second HDD.

You do know that Windows has a built-in disk manager that can partition drives and such, right? Right-click on "Computer" and click "Manage". I'd read some tutorials before you start messing around, though.

Nick