Microsoft has now released the RC (Release Candidate*) for download from the Microsoft website.

Windows 7 can be downloaded from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx?ITPID=mscomsc (http://technet NULL.microsoft NULL.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205 NULL.aspx?ITPID=mscomsc)  or  http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/windows/windows-7/download NULL.aspx). 

There are both 32bit and 64bit versions. (Keep in mind that you can install a 32bit version on a 64bit system, but you CAN’T install a 64bit version on a 32bit version.

Here is some Windows 7 information from the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/windows/windows-7/download NULL.aspx)

This is pre-release software, so please read the following to get an idea of the risks and key things you need to know before you try the RC.

• You don’t need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we’re not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.

• Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/windows/windows-7/installation-instructions NULL.aspx).)

• Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test the RC on your primary home or business PC.

• Tech details/updates: Before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/downloads/details NULL.aspx?FamilyID=139ff495-0cd2-4e88-be98-1090867ab28f) and Things to Know (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/downloads/details NULL.aspx?FamilyID=139ff495-0cd2-4e88-be98-1090867ab28f) for important information about the release.

• Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/windows/newsletter NULL.aspx) the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.

• Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.

• Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you’re running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you’ll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/windows/windows-7/pc-backup NULL.aspx) for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.

(* Release candidate (RC) refers to a software (http://www NULL.infopackets NULL.com/#) version with the potential to be a final product, ready to be released to the public for final testing.  In this stage of product stabilization, all product features have been designed, coded and tested through one or more Beta test versions with no known software defects.)