Windows 7 RC/RTM Builds – Clearing the Confusion

So I’ve actually been meaning to write this for a while because it’s been annoying the hell out of me.  I have seen people saying that 7105 and 7106 of Windows 7 are RC builds and the RC will be > 7100.  Well all I can say to those people is that you’re wrong, you fail, and you need to learn how the development process works inside Redmond before you go spouting about a build being an RC ESCROW or now.

There’s also the other camp that seems to think that Microsoft is strictly working on RC and have not let winmain continue building towards RTM.  Again, learn how the process works before you talk.

Ok so now I will attempt to explain all of this so you guys can walk away from reading this post knowing how it works in Sinofsky’s lair.

Basically, after build 7076 the tree was split.  7077 was compiled as an RC ESCROW build (winmain_win7rc) and the winmain lab bumped its build number up to 7105.  7077 and on are code frozen, meaning no feature changes will occur in that branch (the RC branch.  This allows them to work out the bugs to deliver a high quality RC release.

Any code changes internally are checked into winmain (7105 and higher at this point).  So from that standpoint you could say that codewise future 71xx.winmain builds are newer than the RC will be as those builds are still receiving new check-ins from the various fbl labs.

So for those who are wondering I will answer the question.  7105 or higher are NOT RC builds, but rather winmain builds pushing towards RTM.  7077, 7078, 7079, 7080 etc… are all RC ESCROW builds.  When the RC has passed testing, they will compile the final RC build as 7100.

Hope this clears up some of the confusion.  As usual if you have any questions feel free to ask!

UPDATE: The current situation has been clarified a bit to me. (Thanks to Tom W for this).  Build 7106, which leaked the other day in chinese, is in fact 7076 with a revved up build number.  So currently 7077 is the newest from a code perspective as 7106 does not contain the new visual style elements (updated taskbar buttons etc…) that are in 7077.  So for all of you who have 7077, stick with it and don’t bother with 7106, it’s not worth the hassle of attempting to translate it.  I really only did it myself to see if it was even possible.  7077 is re-installing on my laptop as I write this.

Posted by: Chris123NT

Published on: April 13th, 2009 at 7:56 PM

Posted in Windows 7

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49 Responses to 'Windows 7 RC/RTM Builds – Clearing the Confusion'

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  1. April 13, 2009 at 8:27 pm

    Paul:

    I lol’d when you pointed out Thurrott.

  2. April 13, 2009 at 8:54 pm

    Slimy:

    Thanks Chris.

  3. April 13, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    Robert Hallock:

    Anyone who understands how code escrow works should be able to figure this out. It baffles me that there’s still so much FUD being passed around about what’s happening with 70xx and 71xx.

    Bugs get stomped in winmain_win7rc, qualified fixes get ported to winmain_win7rtm. Not so hard.

    I wonder when the fapping over the 7100 series will stop, and when people will realize that it’s no different than a 70xx build compiled on the same day.

  4. April 13, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    windows7:

    Thanks Chris.

  5. April 14, 2009 at 12:35 am

    WizardCM:

    That does clear up confusion! Thanks Chris! :)

  6. April 14, 2009 at 1:45 am

    anonymuos:

    But Microsoft should stop building builds in the RTM brance until the RC is publicly available. Otherwise, people always want the latest and the greatest, they don’t care THAT much about stability esp when the overall quality of Windows 7 is so stable at any build.

  7. April 14, 2009 at 4:19 am

    Windows 7 RC/RTM Builds explained:

    [...] SiteMap April 14, 20091:18 am Windows 7 RC/RTM Builds explained I have seen people saying that 7105 and 7106 of Windows 7 are RC builds and the RC will be > 7100.  Well all I can say to those people is that you’re wrong. Basically, after build 7076 the tree was split.  7077 was compiled as an RC ESCROW build (winmain_win7rc) and the winmain lab bumped its build number up to 7105.  7077 and on are code frozen, meaning no feature changes will occur in that branch (the RC branch.  This allows them to work out the bugs to deliver a high quality RC release. “7105 or higher are NOT RC builds, but rather winmain builds pushing towards RTM.  7077, 7078, 7079, 7080 etc… are all RC ESCROW builds.  When the RC has passed testing, they will compile the final RC build as 7100,” explained Chris. [...]

  8. April 14, 2009 at 4:28 am

    Build 7100 wird Windows 7 Release Candidate - WinSupportForum:

    [...] Verwirrung über bekanntgewordene Buildnummern der neuen Windows 7 Version etwas aufzuklären, hat Chris Holmes in seinem Blog nun bekanntgegeben, dass die Buildnummer der RC-Version 7100 lauten wird. Unabhängig [...]

  9. April 14, 2009 at 4:52 am

    win7:

    Thanks for clearing this up :)

  10. April 14, 2009 at 5:27 am

    Robbie Ride:

    That’s complete rubbish, Microsoft doesn’t reduce the build numbers when working on os build’s they are always increased, it doesn’t matter if the build tree has been forked i.e 7077 and 7105, with each milestone reached the build number is increased.

    Look at Windows Vista, the build numbers were never decreased they always increased and Windows 7 will be no different.

    Winmanin and rc escrow changes are emalgamated into a build which will have a higher build number, you wont see another build using the number 7100.

  11. April 14, 2009 at 8:07 am

    Raj1402:

    so from build 7076 build has been split it two

    i just want to know what refinements will be in branch

    winman rc –7077…..7100

    and

    winmain 7105

    does this mean build 7077…7100 will have just bugs removal

    while build 7106 will have added features something like that????

  12. April 14, 2009 at 9:36 am

    kyle2227:

    Robbie Ride you are wrong. He is 100% right in his post the code in 7106 is actually behind 7077. It is an older build.

  13. April 14, 2009 at 9:47 am

    UNF:

    I have no clue or interest really in how MS hashes build numbers, but must disagree with your conclusion that 7106 is a downgrade from 7077.

    From my experience using both, it is an upgrade in terms of stability, networking and speed, and runs 10degrees centigrade cooler than 7077 under OCCT linpack stress test

    For laptop users like myself these are significant improvements … I recommend it and will not revert.

  14. April 14, 2009 at 11:15 am

    solor:

    @UNF

    rofl are you actually saying that windows is to blame for high temperatures under linpack stress? This would be only possible if OS would start to limit % of CPU time applications can get :) for example allow linpack to only use 90% of CPU (instead of 100) and you would get lower temps. Ofc windows 7 is not doing this, so mabe remove your arm from ventilation system next time you are trying :) or maybe it was just warmer day…

    @Robbie Ride

    haha and then why are they having two branches with different build numbers? in your theory since they already made 7105 on 4th there wouldnt be any reason to make 7077 – 7082 in win7rc branch, but they still made them :)

  15. April 14, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    James:

    Thanks again Chris!! Build 7077 x64 is currently on my machine and will await the final RC 7100 or other winmain builds that may be leaked..

  16. April 14, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    Monsta Kody:

    http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/276/7106.png

  17. April 14, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    Windows 7 build 7106 -FULL in english - Windows 7 Forums:

    [...] Windows 7 RC/RTM Builds – Clearing the Confusion at Chris’ Repository of Knowledge Quote: [...]

  18. April 14, 2009 at 4:26 pm

    peacho:

    @anonymuos: The RC escrow process can take some time (for instance, Windows 7 Beta entered escrow [or at least build 7000 was built] on December 12, some 4 weeks before it’s general release). If you were working on some sort of project that had two different parts that had to be developed, would you stop working on one part for a month and build them in series? No, not if you could easily develop them in parallel.

    Microsoft splits development in two branches. That way, while they work on refining the RC build, they aren’t at a total code standstill, and don’t lose the x days escrowing the RC.

    Besides, most people that Microsoft needs to test Windows 7 (developers, businesses, etc.) don’t really care about the latest and greatest. They care about stability. With Windows 7 only having one release candidate, they have to get it right. If this build isn’t up to snuff, people may recall that come purchasing time.

  19. April 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    Daniel:

    It’s maybe a bit off-topic, but could somebody explain me how they have split up the branches of the Vista/2008 SP2 builds?

    There is one lh_sp2rc branch (16659, 16670) and later there was a lh_sp2rtm branch (17506-08, 18001-03), which makes me think they have reached a new milestone and are working on the final release.

    If there are those two branches, why do they have another branch, just called “longhorn” (build 17043)?

  20. April 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    Robert:

    So! When will the actual Rc/Rtm be released to all of us that are waiting? Because I can’t much longer. As I am quite pleased Microsofts new OS.

    Thank You

  21. April 14, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    WGUIMB:

    Thanks Chris, good info. As always, you bring sunshine to a foggy day. :) Build 7077 has been very very good to me. I think I will run it until 709X is leaked or 7100 RC is released.

    The builds from yesterday (Monday 4/13) appear to be:
    6.1.7083.0.winmain.090413-1900
    6.1.7109.0.winmain.090413-1552

  22. April 15, 2009 at 12:45 am

    noway:

    Thanks, man, now I understand these Windows 7 builds things. :)

  23. April 15, 2009 at 2:41 am

    Kristan Kenney:

    @Daniel: I believe the version number scheme for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP2 is a bit different, where those longer numbers (16659, 16670, etc) are part of Component Based Servicing.

  24. April 15, 2009 at 9:21 am

    JoJo Lawren:

    ROBBIE!
    What’s the URL to YOUR website?
    If “RUBBISH” is the best you can come up with….

    If you’ve ever bought a video card, a hard drive or a CPU…. then you should be well aware that “numbers” are deceiving!

    Considering Chris’ reputation for HELPING..doing all the legwork AND taking the time to explain how things work (and don’t)… I’d suggest you go do your own thing and leave us morons in the dust! :D

    [img][object Object][/img]

  25. April 15, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    rover3500:

    Hi there,i’m sure everyone is thinking this,but wont say it,and u don’t want to blow your horn…but why do u think(or know) u have better information than anyone else?
    I’m not being funny,it’s just an obvious question to me.Did u used to work for microsoft or something?Thanx

  26. April 15, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    Christopher:

    Windows 7 is better then vista and xp

  27. April 16, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    Autre31415:

    I currently have 7057, what build should I go up to? A 70 or 71? It’s not clear to me which is superior.

  28. April 16, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    JoJo Lawren:

    I’ll never understand why people feel the need to take the time to post negative garbage on a website like this. You DON’T have to agree!
    You COULD try posting something positive and helpful or simply surf on!

    Rover…
    Not sure who you’re directing your post at…so, I’ll take the credit!

    I obviously never worked for Microsoft or something!

    That’s why I rely on folks like Chris..who has a known background and is knowledgeable in the Computer field…. not to mention that he uses his REAL NAME and has a website.

    Now,
    unless your real name is rover and you have something positive to share …go roll over and stop embarrassing yourself!

    If you want to have a descent conversation with me…you’re going to have to stop hiding.
    Anyone can talk a big game hiding behind a fake name.
    I just can’t take fakers seriously..so to me,
    you ARE being funny!

    Anyone check out Build 9104 yet? :mrgreen:

  29. April 17, 2009 at 5:40 am

    Balaji:

    Thanks Chris, for clearing up

  30. April 17, 2009 at 5:41 am

    Balaji:

    Autre go for 7077

  31. April 17, 2009 at 5:43 am

    TechN9ne:

    ->In response to- Autre31415-
    In response to your question of what build to go up to, build 7077 has been the most stable for me, there are no major problems. I’ve used about four different builds, and all were clearly in need of finishing/fixing, but since i have gone to build 7077 (.0.090404-1255) i have had no problems at all except for a few minor compatability issues with older software (which is to be expected anyway).

    In previous builds i also had a reoccuring issue with Windows 7 corrupting the file system after a few days of use. This too has been stamped out in 7077

    Lastly ,In all of the other builds i found that using P2P software messed up my internet connection, but with 7077 my internet is perfectly stable and even faster than Vista could ever dream of being.
    Also, more virus protection programs are compatible and run without a problem

  32. April 17, 2009 at 11:39 am

    iimaguest:

    thanks dude

  33. April 17, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    Autre31415:

    @TechN9ne

    When it comes to upgrading to another build, what are the implications.
    I usually set up settings very specifically, from the taskbar buttons to the security shares on folders and files. Not to mention all the drivers I Installed. (Creative being the most difficult) If I am to upgrade to 77, will there be any side affects to the upgrade? Or will my settings be as they were without having to reinstall programs/drivers, make new shortcuts, etc?

  34. April 18, 2009 at 1:23 am

    Simon:

    Rover again…my real name(satisfied).When people start saying things like ‘Well all I can say to those people is that you’re wrong, you fail, and you need to learn how the development process works inside Redmond before you go spouting about a build being an RC ESCROW or now.

    There’s also the other camp (*cough* Thurrott *cough*) that seems to think that Microsoft is strictly working on RC and have not let winmain continue building towards RTM. Again, learn how the process works before you talk.’
    Slating people off,and telling them they ARE wrong(no maybes about it)warrants what i said,and it is a genuine question.Why u have to attack me for asking it,i don’t know.It makes me think if the only answer u can give me is ‘who has a known background and is knowledgeable in the Computer field…’ instead of a link or something so i can check his credentials that he has no right to tell people they are definately wrong unless he has something to back it up(unless he’s just a complete arsehole)…I will use this site all the time if i know the information to be true.If u don’t know what i’m getting at,then ur a complete idiot.And just remember who got started with the insults:not me.I’m guessing ur just going to reply with another insult instead of an intelligent answer.I could go on,but i’m sure people don’t want to read more of this rant.But u moan about my comments??

  35. April 18, 2009 at 5:18 am

    JoJo Lawren:

    Sorry for getting down on you!
    I hit one too many …what I though to be…posts,on the negative side, and I vented my frustration on you.

    We can agree to disagree but, I was totally out of line turning it into a personal attack, and for that I sincerely apologize!

    At times, I think my fingers have a mind of there own! LOL

    I really am sorry!

    JoJo

  36. April 18, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    hhhh:

    Dear. You clearly don’t know the right info either.

    Confirmed by more than 10 people who worked on windows 7 ;

    7100 = RC
    7200 = RC2
    7300 = RTM

    ;)

  37. April 18, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    JoJo:

    I should have waited and vented on “hhhh”instead!

    You’re attention to detail is overwhelming! Let me know if you decide to start a religious cult!

  38. April 18, 2009 at 10:56 pm

    Paul:

    @hhhh

    RC2? O_o

  39. April 19, 2009 at 3:35 am

    simon:

    I must say i’m really suprised.U know some of the idiots u get on the net,but now i know ur not one of them.Thanx for the reply,and i also apologise for my words-very unlike me.Will bookmark page for info.Thanx again.

  40. April 19, 2009 at 5:23 am

    JoJo:

  41. April 21, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    greatgeek:

    I have run the web for months about all these different builds and 7077 is the one you want to use.
    Windows 7 RC/RTM Builds – Clearing the Confusion……this is the answer and I laugh when I read all the comments saying different. This other builds are just make overs and the builder is just messing with you. I am running 7077 and for a reason. Sit tight you are in for a big surprise.

  42. April 25, 2009 at 12:40 am

    Zomaian:

    Thanks for explaining the process of numbering Microsoft uses!

    Good posts, thanks Chris.

  43. May 1, 2009 at 11:12 am

    MutAgen:

    I have win 7 ver 6.1.7000 (beta) and it worked properly (for few months), and then I have started to have problems with graphic drivers (I think it is because of update:-S) :-( So I go back to XP, and now everything’s just fine… I miss win 7, so I’m searching for solutions! My laptop is Acer Aspire 5520:
    - AMD Athlon 64 x2 Dual-core 1.9Ghz
    - 2Gb ddr2
    - nVidia GeForce 7000m/610
    What do you suggest, which ver should I download?
    …TNX in advance…

  44. May 11, 2009 at 10:16 am

    The things that are better left unspoken : Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 Release Candidates available:

    [...] The Build number is 7100. Builds with a number between 7000 and 7100 are members of the Release Candidate (RC) branch. Numbers above 7105 are members of Branch pushing towards RTM. More information here. [...]

  45. May 24, 2009 at 2:38 am

    TechN9ne:

    Build 7127 is out for 32-bit and 64-bit systems

    @Autre31415
    I know its been over a month since you asked about implications of upgrading to a newer Windows 7 build, but better late than never…

    Upgrading will NOT have an effect on nearly all of your user settings. For example, your backgrounds, user accounts, internet settings, Start menu, SHORTCUTS, and Programs will not be affected at all.
    The only thing that seemed to change for me was my Power Plan settings, they seemed to be restored to default so just check those.

    I’m not sure whether or not an upgrade will affect your drivers, I did have to reinstall my MotionJoy driver for my PS3 controller but that was all. If you have alot of custom drivers maybe just jot them down to be sure.

  46. May 29, 2009 at 7:25 am

    TechN9ne:

    Build 7137 has been leaked for 32-bit and 64-bit systems

  47. June 29, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Jen:

    JOJO is causing problems here too. Seemingly unstable.

  48. July 3, 2009 at 4:22 am

    litemninyuszika:

    7100 is RC, and 7200 is RC2, OK. However, 7300 is NOT RTM! If not RC3, something different. Final version (RTM) will be out in October 22, 2009.

  49. March 29, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    Jolene:

    JoJo is an unstable and unwanted part of this message board.
    It has come to my attention, that this individual has been banned from several other boards.
    A word to the wise

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