Windows 7 RC Ends ThursdayWindows 7 RC Ends Thursday

Microsoft is warning computer users who want an early look at Windows 7 that the download period for the Release Candidate version of the operating system ends Thursday.

"After that date, you will still be able to register your product and get registration keys but the media will no longer be available for download," said Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's in-house Windows blogger, in a post Monday.

Beyond August 20, consumers will have to wait for a commercial version of Windows 7 to become available to get their hands on the new OS.

Microsoft earlier this month made Windows 7 available to its Software Assurance customers—businesses who pay an upfront fee to the software maker in exchange for the right to free upgrades whenever new software is released.

Tech pros who subscribe to Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN programs also got access to the new OS earlier this month, as did independent hardware vendors and independent software vendors.

Microsoft is releasing Windows 7 gradually to its industry partners and high-volume business customers weeks ahead of the product's Oct. 22 public debut to ensure it's fully supported and bug-free by the time it hits store shelves or shows up on new PCs.

Vista's January, 2007 launch was plagued by a range of hardware and software incompatibilities—including a lack of device drivers for some widely used Intel chipsets. The problems ultimately doomed Vista in the corporate market.

Gold or Certified members of Microsoft's Partner Program were slated to receive access to Windows 7 on Sunday, while Action Pack subscribers get the OS on August 23. Sept. 1 marks the day when Volume Licensing customers who do not have Software Assurance subscriptions can download the Release To Manufacturing, or final, version of Windows 7.

The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119. The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199. Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219.

Upgrading from XP to Windows 7? Here's a step-by-step guide.