Windows 7 RC shutdowns start today

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Anyone still running the Windows 7 release candidate (RC) rather than a fully paid for version will face automated shutdowns every two hours from today, Microsoft has warned.

The release candidate is the version between the last beta and the final edition being released, so the code is nearly perfect. To encourage users to upgrade to the full version of the new operating system, the Windows 7 RC will start shutting down every two hours and not save your work.

"What this means is your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won’t be saved during shutdown," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email.

"In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop," he noted. "You’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation."

Microsoft noted that downgrading to an older version of Windows such as Vista or Xp, or upgrading to a full version of 7, will require a clean install.

The RC will expire as of 1 June this year.

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