New Windows 7 build hits the Net

A new build of the much-awaited Windows 7 operating system has leaked onto the Internet.

Various reports indicate that the build may be the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC), which could be made available as early as May 5. However, MSDN and Technet subscribers are likely to receive the Release Candidate a week earlier.

The latest RC (7100.0.winmain_win7rc.090421-1700) was apparently compiled on April 21, 2009. Images of the newest build are posted on a number of websites, newsgroups and forums.

An earlier build, referred to as 7077, was widely disseminated approximately two weeks ago.