WinInsider

Ditto, our Microsoft beta insider has just sent me this Windows XP SP2 RC1 info...  Microsoft is urging all SP2 beta testers to install this latest build of the SP2 and to conduct thorough evaluation.

We are pleased to announce the availability of Release Candidate 1 of Windows XP Service Pack 2. This build contains a significant number of fixes and improvements since the initial beta release. We ask that you please take some time to download, install and evaluate this build for any issues. Please see below for CD shipment information.

Installation Information Collection
During installation you will be prompted to send installation data to us. We would appreciate very much if you would click "Send" on this dialog. The information we collect will allow us to better ascertain the kind of installation coverage we're getting when a build is released. This helps us determine if we have the right mix of Home and Pro, Update vs Slipstream, etc during the beta. If you are concerned about the information we send you can view the list at http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/filecollector. The data we collect is completely anonymous.

Bugs, Problem Reports & Support
We prefer that you download and install the Microsoft Beta Client for bug reporting. Doing so assures that proper system configuration data is gathered and uploaded with your bug report. This speeds processing time and makes it more likely that your issue can be understood and fixed. Please visit http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/IssueReports/default.aspx to download and install the MBC. It's important to note that the earlier a bug is filed, the more likely it will be fixed. Please don't delay filing issues that you encounter. You are encouraged to discuss these and other issues in the private beta newsgroups. See http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/support/default.aspx for details on accessing the newsgroups.

Install Survey
Please visit http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/survey/installsurvey.aspx and complete an installation survey as soon as you can. This data is important for us to track and we rely on our beta sites to help us out by telling us about their install experience. This is something you only have to do once per build and it doesn't take too long, please help us out here.

Availability
The build is available for download immediately at http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/download/dl3.asp. CD's will be mailed to those sites that requested them at signup. Those CD's should arrive in approximately 2 weeks.

RC1 will be available as Update and Web Express (English) immediately, other versions will follow shortly.

Specifically, the following will be available for RC1:

• Professional Integrated aka "Slipstream" (English, German & Japanese)
• Home Edition Integrated aka "Slipstream" (English, German & Japanese)
• Service Pack CD (English, German & Japanese)
• Professional Checked (For developers)
• Symbols and Deployment tools will also be available

Please Note: There is a 48 hour processing time before the WindowsBeta website will be available to new testers. Please allow 48 hours before attempting to access the website.

Technical beta testers of the Windows XP SP2 beta program are not issued WPC_ or MPC_ IDs.

If, when entering the WindowsBeta website, you are asked if you have an MPC or WPC ID that has been issued to you, please select the option "No" then click "next" on the bottom of your page.

Tablet PC Support
Updating Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is supported. Applying the service pack will update Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to 'Lonestar'.

Support for Media Center Edition

Updating Windows XP Media Center Edition is supported

Thank you for you your help in making SP2 the most secure Windows yet.

Microsoft Windows Product Group