As we all know, tomorrow is the big day for build 7100's release to MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers and May 5th is the release date for the rest of the world.Up until now, builds other than 7000 have been off limits. So once the MSDN and TechNet Plus (and assuming Connect) folks get the RC, assuming the rest of us (those who don't fall into any of the above catagories) will have to be at a disadvantage until May 5th. The question is - what's the policy going to be for the duration between April 30th and May 5th? Will the RC build still be off limits?

Only download Windows 7 RC1 from the authorized Microsoft Windows 7web site in order to insure it is genuine and thebits has not been tampered with.Third-party downloads have been, in many cases, unreliable and may result in undesirable results.Carey Frisch

Carey - I've said pretty much the same thing to many people over the past couple of weeks - but that has NOTHING to do with my question - which was - "How are we going to support Windows 7 RC between April 30 and May 5th?" The reason I ask - not everyone here will have access to the RC until May 5th. There aresome folks with TAP Gold memberships who are postinghere - asking questions about the RC build and I've been telling them that we can't help them out until it's released. Starting tomorrow (assuming everything goes as planned), TechNet Plus and MSDN people will be getting a first shot at downloading it. Meanwhile, we, the unwashed masses who don't fit into any of the above will have to wait until May 5th. So what is the official line for the next week if someone posts something regarding build 7100? There appears to be some level of confusion on the support policy - especially as noted here.

If someone is running a genuine Windows 7 RC1 build obtained directly from an authorized Microsoft web site, and have a question, they are welcome to post their inquiry in this forum. Those who have to wait five more days to obtain the build, can post inquiries also but what are they going to inquire about?Carey Frisch

Hi WolfieLike everyone else, we are also waiting for an announcement. As soon asit is posted we will all know.We really do appreciate the great help you have been providing and hope that you will continuesharing your expertise with other users here.Regards, Ronnie Vernon MVPForum Moderator

Ronnie - Thanks! I'm guessing then we're waiting on official word from the powers that be - perhaps Anthony Mann or one of the other MS employees.. I can wait...

Hi WolfieYes.Nothing is set in stone yet, and there could always be a last minute glitch. Waiting until it'sloaded and ready for download.Regards, Ronnie Vernon MVP

If someone is running a genuine Windows 7 RC1 build obtained directly from an authorized Microsoft web site, and have a question, they are welcome to post their inquiry in this forum. Those who have to wait five more days to obtain the build, can post inquiries also but what are they going to inquire about? Carey Frisch Carey - Ok.. Makes sense, I suppose. It's not a question of what we who have to wait will post as far as questions go, it's a question of what we who have to wait will post as a response.