Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate

[Arthur]

Microsoft have just released the first Release Candidate of its upcoming service pack for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Before installing this service pack please read the release notes here.

Direct Download Links (Download Page)
32-bit (514.7MB) / 64-bit (865.4MB) / ISO (1875.2MB)

Windows Update Signup Tool
32-bit (402KB) / 64-bit (397KB) - This tool enables your Windows 7 machine to participate in the public beta via Windows Update. Run this tool and then check for updates in Windows Update.

In order to download and install the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Release Candidate you must currently have a Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 already installed.

If you have previously installed the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta on your machine, you must uninstall the beta before installing the Release Candidate.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Release Candidate is available for installation in the same languages made available at original launch of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

NOTE: If you are already participating in the public beta via Windows Update, go to Windows Update in the Control Panel, uninstall the beta, select Check for Updates, then install the release candidate. You do not need to run the WUSignupTool a second time to be offered the release candidate. You do not need to install any updates before installing the release candidate.

The software will stop running on November 30, 2011. You may not receive any other notice. You may not be able to access data used with the software when it stops running.It is important to note that you must uninstall the Service Pack 1 Release Candidate prior to installing future builds, including the final release, of the Service Pack.Upgrades from the beta or release candidate will not be supported.

[PiqueABoo]

Mmm.. saw this earlier.. new remotefx & hyper-v memory blah blah blah.. but what does it fix Microsoft?!?

[Arthur]

what does it fix Microsoft?!?

A lot...

Hotfixes and Security Updates included in Windows 7 and 2008 R2 SP1 Release Candidate (XLS)
Notable Changes (DOC)

[Arthur]

Just installed SP1 RC on my home computer and everything is still working (fingers crossed ). For anyone thinking of doing the same, the following links maybe useful...

How to Uninstall Windows 7 SP1 Beta
Tip: wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:976932 /quiet /forcerestart is the quickest method.

To remove the "Evaluation Copy" watermark in the bottom right of your screen after you have installed the service pack, download and run this patch.