Windows 7 For My HTPC

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TeMorituri

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#32078 11-Apr-2009 10:02

Ok..about to show my noobishness here. Apologies in advance

I have recently built an HTPC : (GAG31M-S2l, E2140, 2Gb RAM, 2* Seagate 1.5 Terabyte 7200RPM, Radeon HD 4550, Hauppage HVR 3000)

I really want the Media Center to work...so, having trawled Geekzone for several days I have tried a clean install of Vista Ultimate 64bit plus SP1 then the TV pack etc etc. It isnt what I expected so before I settle for less than I desire is there a guide for installing Wiindows 7 beta ?

And since Windows are no longer offering a beta is that even possible? Yes I realise I could find one on a torrent but I really dont like that idea (trojans for one). So is there still a way of finding a trustworthy site and installing one of the 5 original beta keys?

I also realise that the beta will stop working and therin lies my next question...can I just line up for a copy when the RTM (release to manufacture) comes out?

Will it install like an upgrade to the RC1 or whatever beta 1 or do I have to do a complete reinstall at that point.

I like the idea of being an early adopter but do not have much beta experience

boby55

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#206433 11-Apr-2009 10:08

Your only option atm is to find a torrent for it, Personly I would go for build 7000 (the offical one) I have had trouble with the other builds released on torrents.

I would presume it will be like the other versions of windows where you can upgrade.

gehenna

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#206438 11-Apr-2009 10:50

I actually spent a few hours getting build 7077 running on my rig last night (which is for sale btw - check my other threads /shamelessplug)

it's very stable, much more so than build 7000 was. The only codec I've needed to install was for MKV, everything else works out of the box.

I'm having a problem getting my Blu-ray working because Cyberlink PowerDVD 8 Ultra seems to think I have an incompatible graphics card - even though it worked on build 7000, but I'm sure I can fix that once I bother doing some reading on the problem.

Other than that it's a great looking build. the license keys from 7000 work on subsequent builds fyi

Satch

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#206456 11-Apr-2009 14:15

As far as I see it, you have two options:

1) Get a hold of either build 7000 or one of the leaked builds. You can still sign up for a license key on the Microsoft site (they just stopped downloads of 7000).

2) Stick with Vista until the official Release Candidate comes out. That is rumoured to be anwhere from today (10 April in US) to towards the end of next month.

If you decide to go with option 1 and get build 7000, you are going to have to go through the hassle of installing the RC before mid this year anyway because build 7000 expires then.

I've got a mate who is running VMC and is struggling with all its flakiness. I'm encouraging him to go the Windows 7 route, but suggested he hold off until the official RC too to save rework in such a short period of time.

All this, of course, goes out the window if you have tons of spare time on your hands... :)