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Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor: Check if PC is Able to Run Windows 7

eches — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:26:41 +0000

We are seeing consistent leaks of Windows 7 Beta and it signifies the official debut of Windows 7 is drawing near. We hear pleasant news from people who testing it on their machines; more new features and more importantly, it performs better than Windows Vista at low-specification machines. Majority of Windows users are no doubt considering to upgrade their existing Windows OS to the latest Microsoft OS Windows 7. But how can we be sure that our machine is completely capable of running Windows 7 flawlessly?

Confused? Don't be. Microsoft has recently released a tool that can be used to determine whether or not your PC is able to run Windows 7. Windows 7 upgrade Advisor helps you in to analyze your PC compatibility for a Windows 7 upgrade. This freeware, however, is currently only available in English.

This tool check processor, storage, memory and graphics as well as identifies any compatibility issues with installed devices. Don't worry this tool will not leave you in the dark should you have any compatibility issue; it provides you guidance on how to sort out the problem.

Requirements

Operating Systems: Windows Vista; Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows 7
.NET 2.0 Framework or higher if running on Windows XP

Download Link

Windows 7 PC Advisor Beta

[via]

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, windows 7

Leaked Windows 7 Build 7077 32-bit (RC 1) on Torrent Sites

eches — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:39:16 +0000

Here is another exciting week with Windows 7 latest news. Legitimate leaked Windows 7 build 7077 x86 (32-bit) is currently spreading widely on torrent network amongst many of fake torrents. This latest build is originally believed to be leaked by a German female on a Russian torrent site before other seeders who have completed the download continue to distribute the copy over the torrent network.

There is confusion on this latest leak because it has build string 7077.0.090404-1255 which in turn means it was coincidentally compiled on April 4, 2009, at 12:55pm; almost the same time Windows 7 Build 7105 with string 6.1.7105.0.winmain.090404-1235 was compiled.

Here is the quote from Windows7center:

Windows 7 Build 7077 is the same as Build 7105 and you will see that both these builds were compiled on the same day. Build 7077 comes from the RC escrow branch and will be renamed Build 7100 if no showstopper bugs are found. Windows 7 Build 7105 is the first build of the RTM branch. In other words, Build 7105 is branched off from Build 7077.

Anyways file details of leaked Windows 7 Build 7077 after the screenshots.

Windows 7 Build 7077 32-bit details

Filename:7077.0.090404-1255_x86fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GRC1CULFRER_EN_DVD.iso
Size : 2.35GB
SHA-1: 6B4D676257C57607B951A101C7B2C559CD7A5730
MD5: BDCB388DAFFAD32D6264144C05B29700
CRC32: BFE066D4

Download Window 7 build 7077 x86 (32-bit)

Mininova

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 Build 7077, Windows 7 32-bit RC 1, torrent sites, leaked windows 7

How To Customize Windows 7 Logon Background

eches — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:16:46 +0000

There are significant changes after the release of Windows 7 Build 7057 as compared to its previous builds. Some of the changes are the introductions of new set of Windows 7 wallpapers, the ability to remove Windows component like Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) and the roll-out of New User Account pictures. However there is significant feature overlooked by many but spotted by a good observant Windows user, Rafael Rivera.

With this latest build, you can now change Windows 7 Build 7057 login UI background without the use of third-party software or manual hacks; thanks to Windows 7 for having the ability to load images into the background of the login screen.

Step-by-step to change Windows 7 Build 7057 Logon Background Image

1. Press Win button + R key and type regedit at run prompt

2. Locate the following registry key

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background

3. Look into right pane, find OEMBackground and change its value to 1.

4. Now place your custom image in %windir%\system32\oobe

5. Create a new folder info and background within the newly created info folder

Folder path should look like this %windir%\System32\oobe\info\backgrounds

6. Now you can place your preferred logon wallpaper within this background folder with file name as backgroundDefault.jpg

Image name with respective resolution:

backgroundDefault.jpg
background768×1280.jpg (0.6)
background960×1280.jpg (0.75)
background900×1440.jpg (0.625)
background1024×1280.jpg (0.8)
background1024×768.jpg (1.33-)
background1280×1024.jpg (1.25)
background1280×960.jpg (1.33-)
background1440×900.jpg (1.6)
background1600×1200.jpg (1.33-)
background1920×1200.jpg (1.6)
background1360×768.jpg (1.770833-)
background1280×768.jpg (1.66-)

NOTE: Images must be less than 256kb

The backgroundDefault.jpg image is loaded and stretched to fit when a specific ratio/resolution background cannot be found.

Technorati Tags: Customize Windows 7, Logon background

Windows 7 Build 7057 x64 (64-bit) Leaked

eches — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:08:40 +0000

As expected, Windows 7 Build 7057 x64 (64-bit) followed suit right after Windows 7 build 7057 x86 (32-bit) was released couple days ago. This build was released by the same Russian user who is also responsible of releasing the 32-bit one. Initially, seeding of this build seemed a bit slow with low number of seeders but as I'm writing this post, it is gathering the momentum with the steady increase of seeders.

The build tag on Windows 7 Build 7057 x64 is 7057.0.amd64fre.winmain.090305-2000, dated March 5 and is distributed in the form of ISO image.

Windows 7 Build 7057 x64 (32-bit) Details

File: 7057.0.090305-2000_x64fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GB1CULXFRER_EN_DVD.iso
MD5: 3e262526f9a758c5b3624910a05c2699
Size: 3.2 GB
CRC32: 22ef1237
SHA1: b79d4552a7a871901e881ae308f9188e04a4f929

If you still don't have the activation keys for Windows 7 Beta, you could find it in the download page (see download link below). There are several universal activation keys included.

Windows 7 Build 7057 x64 (64-bit)

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 Build 7057 x64, Windows 7 Build 7057 64-bit, windows 7, torrent release

Windows 7 Build 7057 x86 (32-bit) Leaked!

eches — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:25:57 +0000

Not long after the leak of Build 7048, someone has just leaked another latest pre-build (Windows 7 Build 7057 32-bit) and the compilation was dated March 05, 2009. Wow! Are we going to see new leak for every 10 builds? Anyway, this an exciting development because we can see some sort of significant changes on the latest build (visually). For your information this release was done by a Russian user and this build is currently available on major torrent sites.

I'm sure many have doubt on the authenticity of this build but it has been confirmed that the torrent is real.

Windows 7 Build 7057 details

DVD Name (ISO): 7057.0.090305-2000_x86fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GB1CULFRER_EN_DVD.iso
Size: 2.51 GB
MD5 Hash: 1D6FE0F1 47B28CCD 6B69622C 31E509CF 521EADED

Here are several screenshots of Windows 7 latest built (special thanks to PCBeta and wins7 blog). As we can see above, Windows 7 gets new interface for both welcome screen and shutdown screen. What is more exciting about this build is it will expires on March 2nd, 2010.

Download Windows 7 Build 7057 x86 (32-bit) Torrent

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 Build 7057, Windows 7 32 bit, Windows 7 Build x86, Windows 7 leaked, torrent leaked

Download Windows 7 Build 7048 x86 (32-bit) Torrent Leaked

eches — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:45:12 +0000

A few days ago, I posted about Windows 7 64-bit Build 7048 RC1 that was recently leaked and eventually available for download via torrent network. As expected, Windows 7 32-bit Build 7048 is not far behind. It finally makes its way to the internet; many thanks to the uploader, ofsound over at PirateBay for uploading the latest build of Windows 7 32-bit. This Windows 7 32-bit Build 7048 is an actual DVD ISO image itself, so it is in handy form for anyone who wants to have fresh install of Windows 7 by booting up PC with the DVD.

There are rumors circulates the internet claiming that Windows 7 Build 7048 could be the release candidate (RC) for Windows 7, even though other sources reported that Microsoft has compiled higher builds of Windows 7, as high as Windows 7 Build 7056.

Windows 7 Build 7048 x86 (32-bit) Details

ISO Name: 7048.0.090219-1845_x86fre_client_en-us_Ultimate_EN_DVD.iso
Size: 2.61 GB
Volume ID: GB1CULFRER_EN_DVD
Version: 7048.0.090219-1845
Phase: Beta (win7rc1 milestone branch at the closing phase of milestone branch)
Expiry Time Bomb: July 1 2009 or Aug 1 2009
CRC32: 84649CAD
MD5: 85BC597D6975E188F01B1DC011EC9639
SHA-1: BA4323984FCFCF88DA8B2479A9635A157658EE50

(credit: SoLoR)

Download Links

Mininova | Ofsound

Note: Mininova site is down as I'm writing, should be back up online soon.

[via]

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 Build 7048, windows 7 x86, windows 7 32-bit, torrent leak, mininova

Devianart – Windows 7 Logon Pack for Windows XP and 2003

eches — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:22:30 +0000

Windows 7 Beta keeps getting phenomenal attention from Windows enthusiasts. In fact, there are many news related to the latest Microsoft's operating system revolve around the blogosphere and not to mention, various kind of transformation packs which are specially dedicated to Windows XP and Vista users being introduced from time to time on the internet. I have already featured Windows 7 transformation pack for Windows XP yesterday and now it is time for highlighting another great Windows 7 transformation pack.

mjamil85 from DeviantArt is the person responsible to develop Windows 7 Logon Pack v 1.1 for Windows XP and 2003 which will change the looks of your Windows XP Logon process (including the animation).

Windows 7 Ultimate Logon v1.1 for Windows XP & Windows Server 2003 includes:

Windows 7 Ultimate Logon (Small Frames)
Windows 7 Ultimate Logon (Big Frames (Fish Version))
Windows 7 Ultimate Logon (Big Frames (Flower Version))
Logon Loader v3.0 Software. (Freeware & Easy to use)
8 Font included. *(Must install for this logon)
ReadMe - Installation Guide.txt

Size Resolution Available for Small & Big Frame:

1024 x 768
1152 x 864
1280 x 800
1280 x 960
1280 x 1024
1440 x 900
1600 x 1200
1680 x 1050
1920 x 1200

Download Windows 7 Logon Pack v 1.1

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 transformation pack, windows XP, windows 2003, Windows 7 Logon pack, devianart

Download Windows 7 Build 7048 (64-bit RC1) Torrent Leaked

eches — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:03:37 +0000

Just a few days after Microsoft notified its subscribers about Windows 7 build 7048 distribution, DiamondNRG, the guy from sevenforums.com leaked Windows 7 Build 7048 x64 via torrent. This build which is claimed to be part of release candidate is currently being distributed on popular torrent sites.

Windows 7 Build 7048 (64-bit RC1) details

File Name: 7048_x64_Ultimate_EN_DVD
Size: 3.31GB
MD5 hash: AD6F261F 6AC20FA0 F50F7DE7 54491863 A2DD16C2.

Here a quick list of changes made on Windows 7 Build 7048 (64-bit RC1)

Alt + Tab now works with Aero Peek
New Start orb animation
Taskbar improvements have been made to accomodate 24%-39% more icons depending on resolution
Windows Media Center updates
Paint icon changed
Calculator icon changed
Sticky Notes icon changed
Windows 7 Professional is there instead of Business
No more send feedback buttons in every window

Download Windows 7 Build 7048 (64-bit Release Candidate 1)

- Torrent Site (Mininova)

More information here.

Technorati Tags: microsoft, windows 7, windows 7 64-bit RC1, Windows 7 Build 7048, torrent leak

How to Dual Boot Windows 7 and Windows Vista

eches — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:13:17 +0000

Windows 7 Beta gets so much attention from Windows enthusiasts and it is proven when the official page of Windows 7 was crippled temporarily by the continuous stream of traffic who looked for download link on January 9th. Windows 7 is way much better than Windows Vista and XP, no doubt about it. However many are not willing to give up their current OS because it is still in beta stage.

Dual boot is one of several options to those who want to keep their current OS for daily works while simultaneously giving themselves chance to play with new Windows 7 Beta features. It is not really that hard to create dual boot for both operating system Windows 7 and Vista; it requires only few steps to make it happen.

Step 1: Burn Windows 7 Beta on DVD

Assuming you have already downloaded a fresh copy of Windows 7 Beta, you need to burn it onto a DVD. There are wide range of DVD Burning tools that can deliver what you want. Here are some of them; InfraRecorder, ImgBurn and Nero 9 just to name a few.

Step 2: Partition Your Hard Disk
Creating partition in Windows Vista is easy because it has a built in function for partitioning. I have covered this in great length in my previous post, so may want to take a look at this post.

Step 3: Windows 7 Installation

Now come the easy part. Insert your Windows 7 disc and start installing Windows 7. After successfully copying files, it will reboot your computer. Make sure booting from your DVD drive is enabled - (most PCs and laptops will have this enabled by default anyway).

A simple installation wizard will come up after DVD boots up. When you are choosing installation type, make sure to select custom (advanced) and the partition you have created.

Windows will take care of the rest of installation process. Grab a drink and sit back. If you insist not to do anything else but staring at your PC screen you will notice it restarts a few times. Eventually you'll be prompted to set up your account and enter the license key.

If everything goes as planned you will be brought into the new realm of Windows 7 :)

Next time when you start your PC, you will see new entry in boot screen. You will be given 30 seconds to decide which operating system you want to use. If you don't choose after 30 seconds it will automatically choose Windows 7 as the default OS.

Technorati Tags: windows 7, windows Vista, dual boot, partition, how-to, tutorial

How to Enable Hidden Administrator Account in Windows 7

eches — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:10:46 +0000

Windows 7 has resemblance to its predecessor, Windows Vista, in many respects. Speaking of its security, the UAC is one of useful features that has mixed up reactions from Windows users when it was first introduced in Windows Vista. You can turn this off if you work on administrator account in Windows 7 but the administrator account is no where to be seen because it is not activated by default. This post will show you how to activate the account.

Please note before proceeding with the following steps, you don't have actually to activate this account at all unless you need the administrator account for troubleshooting your Windows 7.

Basically there are 2 ways in order to activate the account:

a) Command Prompt
b) Local Security Policy

1. Command Prompt

First you need to run Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do that by right clicking on the command prompt in the program list and choose "Run as administrator".

After that you only need to enter the simple command below to activate it.

net user administrator /active:yes

You can also specify your password for this particular account by using the following command

Net user administrator password

where you can replace "password" with your own password. You can see the account immediately after you logoff your Windows 7. In order to deactivate it, you can use the command below

net user administrator /active:no

This will effectively turn off the administrator account.

2. Local Security Policy

Another way of activating the administrator account in Windows 7 is via Local Security Policy. Type secpol.msc in the search bar and hit enter. After the Local Security Policy pops up, navigate to Local Policies-> Security Options where you can see an entry that reads Accounts: Administrator account. Double click the entry to enable it.

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 tips, hidden administrator account, Windows Vista, How-to tutorial

Windows 7 Beta Universal Activation Keys – Download Period Extended to February 10

eches — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:53:32 +0000

After almost 8 hours, I finally finished downloading fresh copy of Windows 7 Beta from Microsoft, got it installed on my laptop (dual boot with Windows Vista) and successfully activated it. The installation is way much faster and everything looks better than Vista. Anyway, let's save it in another entry. In this post, I just want to share some good news to Windows 7 enthusiasts.

Microsoft has decided to further extend the availability of Windows 7 Beta until February 10 and those who are still downloading Windows 7 Beta, will be given ample time up to February 12 to finish up their downloads. The activation keys however will not be limited and be made available after the date.

As we already know, the activation links for both 32-bit and 64-bit are no longer available. Fortunately, Brian over at Windows 7 Center has a list of universal keys for activation.

D9RHV-JG8XC-C77H2-3YF6D-RYRJ9
482XP-6J9WR-4JXT3-VBPP6-FQF4M
RFFTV-J6K7W-MHBQJ-XYMMJ-Q8DCH
JYDV8-H8VXG-74RPT-6BJPB-X42V4
7XRCQ-RPY28-YY9P8-R6HD8-84GH3

I haven't checked the entire list but I successfully used the first activation key. If you haven't yet get a copy of Windows 7 Beta, you must act now before it's gone.

Windows 7 Beta Direct Download Links

1. Windows 7 Beta 1 (x64)
2. Windows 7 Beta 1 (x86)

Technorati Tags: windows 7 beta, download links, activation keys

Windows 7 Beta Direct Download Links

eches — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:55:47 +0000

The official page of Windows 7 is not displaying the direct download link of Windows 7 Beta anymore due to unprecedented surge of traffics and load, experienced by Microsoft servers from the January 9th event. Even at one point, the official page of Windows was barely loading and seemed to take ages to fully load.

Fortunately, Haris over at Sizzlecore managed to get this valuable information that allows people who never get chance to get the download links to be able to download Windows 7 Beta.

Windows 7 Beta Direct Download Links

1. Windows 7 Beta 1 (x64)
2. Windows 7 Beta 1 (x86)

Update: Links are fixed!

Windows 7 team confirmed that the download links will be restored soon once their infrastructure supports are updated to deal with huge load. And don't forget to get a valid license key from Windows 7 page.

Technorati Tags: direct download, windows 7 beta direct download, microsoft, public download

Official Windows 7 Beta for Public Download on January 9th (Friday)

eches — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:45:09 +0000

Windows 7 has taken internet scene by storm with many rumors and download leaks have been circulating amongst Windows enthusiasts these days. Recent announcement by Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO at CES that Windows 7 will officially make its public debut on Friday 9th January has generated tremendous buzz in the blogosphere. With the announcement, it's confirmed that the beta 1 build will be 7000 that leaked recently via torrent sites.

According to Windows 7 Team Blog, the available 32-bit and 64-bit edition for tomorrow's download are in .ISO files and are limited to only 2.5 million copies (for a limited time).

Windows 7 Beta is currently available for download over at Technet and MSDN as well as via Microsoft Connect (for those enrolled in the Windows 7 Beta program). Be sure to check out Windows 7 page on regular basis because download link is going to be posted over there.

According to sources close to Microsoft, the company is significantly further on from build 7000 and it's understood that the development has branched from 7003 onwards ready for the RC/RTM stages. Microsoft is also providing a QFE patch for the MP3 corruption issues that have plagued build 7000, this should be online shortly as KB961367 for those with official access.

Windows 7 Beta Direct Download Links

1. Windows 7 Beta 1 (x64)
2. Windows 7 Beta 1 (x86)

Update: Links are fixed!

Technorati Tags: windows 7, public download, beta 1, January 9th, microsoft

WMP 12 in Windows 7 Build 7000 Could Corrupt Your MP3s

eches — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:38:16 +0000

This is not really a pleasant news to be heard related to the latest leaked Windows 7 Build 7000 (recently posted here) but anyway here it goes. Several Beta testers recently reported bug that could potentially corrupt data (more precisely mp3) when these specific files are played with Microsoft's Windows Media Player 12.

This irreversible damage happens when you choose "express" option during first time setup which effectively turns on Windows Media Player 12 to retrieve information from internet and update files. As a result, few seconds of the beginning mp3s will get shaved off.

As pointed out by a member of Neowin,

The problem only happens when you edit metadata on a certain class of MP3 file (a file with a header larger than 16KB). When the new metadata is written, it corrupts the beginning of the file. This can happen either when you edit the metadata from inside WMP or Explorer, or it can happen if you have WMP set to automatically fill in missing metadata using the online service and add the MP3 to your library. This problem is only present in the recently leaked build.

A Microsoft spokesperson also confirmed that there is a bug which affects the leaked build and Microsoft is now working hard preparing Quick Fix Engineering (QFE) patch that will be distributed by Windows Update for those with official and non-official access real soon.

Even though this bug is not affecting everyone, it is always safe to stick to this simple rule of thumbs when testing beta programs; always make BACKUP.

Technorati Tags: Windows 7 bug, corrupt mp3s, windows media player 12 bug, WMP 12 bug, quick fix engineering

Download Genuine Activation Patch for Windows 7 Beta

eches — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:05:35 +0000

Previously I wrote about Windows 7 Beta 1 that was leaked via torrent sites. The only problem that boggles all the unofficial testers is that the latest Windows 7 Beta 1 Build 7000 has 30 days limit while official Microsoft testers enjoy better privilege to use Windows 7 for a longer period (thanks to the product keys they received!).

Windows 7 Beta Genuine Activation Patcher allows those who has the unofficial Windows 7 Beta 1 Build 7000 to extends the limit period. Not only it activates, it also capable of removing the watermarks, sending feedback and even better rearming Windows 7 up to 5 times.

There are few more patchers out there but none works with the latest build of Windows 7. Download the namely "PlusPatcher V5" from the links below to activate your Windows 7. For more details and screenshots visit Windows 7 unofficial forum.

Download Links

Windows 7 Beta Genuine Activation Patcher (mirror 1)
Windows 7 Beta Genuine Activation Patcher (mirror 2)

Technorati Tags: genuine activation patch, windows 7 beta, windows 7