| Update: |
The download links do not work anymore because Microsoft must have reached their download quota for Vista RC2.
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Thanks to the anonymous commenter on our last post for finding out that Microsoft activated the download page and links for Windows Vista RC2 (which is build 5744). I just started downloading it and it is maxing out my 5Mbps connection…so the speeds are pretty impressive (at least until the whole world finds out that they can download it).
It looks like for the time being Microsoft only placed the 32-bit file on the download page. I suspect that they do this because the 64-bit is a larger file to download so they wait until people start to finish their 32-bit downloads before posting this version. It is probably actually smart for them to do this because I know several people that download both versions. Heck, they normally don’t even get around to installing either of them but they want the “bragging rights” to say that they have them both. You know who you are. 
Looks like I will have something to keep me busy this weekend because the download should complete in 1.5 hours. For those people that haven’t experienced the joys of upgrading Vista I highly recommend that you just do a clean install. The upgrade process (for upgrading from XP or an older Vista version) typically runs 2-3 hours. That is opposed to doing a clean install which only takes about 20 minutes.
Direct Download Link: 32-bit Vista RC2
Filename: vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-LRMCFRE_EN_DVD.iso
Build Number: 5744
Build Date: October 3, 2006
MD5 hash: 83cee5f1642d094670147c5350c57762
SHA1 hash: 067CA4F94D001DE6276F08F76EF0780592B64BFD
Direct Download Link: 64-bit Vista RC2
Filename: vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x64fre_client-lrmcxfre_en_dvd.iso
Build Number: 5744
Build Date: October 3, 2006
MD5 hash: 23b213d7342b2e957b3db1d98c0ee3e6
SHA1 hash: 5D8C4BCEE51F6912801800E534F6DB5A22F654AE
Your previous Vista product key from Beta 2 or beyond will still work with this version. If you don’t have a product key you can try to see if this “trick” will still work for you. No one has said that it doesn’t work so your chances are probably still pretty good.
| Update: |
The 64-bit version has now been made available and the direct link is posted above.
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this and boot camp are currently downloading on a new macbook. thanks for the link!
You guys have moved up near the very top of my RSS feed list!
Your news and tips are right on the money!
Thanks Cybernet News team!
You were a PC user right? If so what are your takes on switching over to a Mac? I have been pondering getting one but I’m not sure if I would use it very much compared to a PC.
It always makes us feel great to hear that. We have been trying to expand our community and we are doing pretty good. Last month we had more than 500,000 pageviews and we hope to see that continue to grow. Thanks for following us so closely Claus and feel free to let us know of any cool features or articles you would like to see!
Direct Link to Windows Vista RC2 64 Bit Version
I found you on tweak guides. I have to say your amazing with your speed and quality of stories everyday. – Added to my RSS Feed
Well Done, Keep up the great work
Wipeout140
The direct download link does not work. it takes you to the download manager (I assume), which you must be using IE to work.
The actual direct download link for the 32 bit version is here.
So who knows what the changes are in this version?
OldManDeath seems only bug fixies and better overall peformance and touch ups.
Sorry i used the link button put 64 bit but hopefully this works
http://download.windowsvista.c.....en_dvd.iso
After hours of reformatting my computers I now have this version up and running. I would say that it actually appears to be faster (especially at the startup). Maybe not that much but enough for me to notice.
We are glad you have found us and hope you keep coming back to join in discussions. Also, thanks for the tip on the 64-bit…I got it added to the post.
Has anyone tried doing an upgrade with this new version? I really do not want to go through reformatting and installing fresh.
I did try out the upgrade on one of my machines and it went good, despite it taking over 2 hours. Once you get it going though you can walk away and let it finish. In order to perform the upgrade you need to make sure you start the installation from within Windows (do not try to boot from the disk).
Cool. I will probably do that then after I move next week (to the great(big) state of Texas).
the link is not good anymore.
Thanks, I have updated the post.
I think, only RC1 is to download.
Yes, this is an older post and only RC1 is still available. Microsoft quickly received the number of testers that they wanted for RC2.