As reported by Ars Technica, beginning July 1, 2009, Windows 7 users who are still on the beta (build 7000) will begin to receive bi-hourly shutdowns reminding the user to upgrade to the release candidate (build 7100). On August 1, 2009, all Windows 7 beta licenses will expire triggering the non-genuine experience for any user still using the beta. The user's wallpaper will be removed and a message with the words "This copy of Windows is not genuine" will be displayed in the lower right corner above the taskbar.
Users who would like to continue testing the next Microsoft operating system are asked to download the Windows 7 Release Candidate that was released to the public in May 2009. The release candidate will be available to download until August 15, 2009 when the software will no longer be offered by Microsoft. Windows 7 users who are currently on the release candidate will not have to worry until March 1, 2010 and June 1, 2010 when bi-hourly shutdowns and license expirations will begin.
With the given dates taken into consideration, Windows 7 users will have an ample amount of time to move over to the RTM build that is rumored to be released on July 13.
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