Vista - Rumor: public to get Windows 7 RC build on April 10, 2009

After rumors sprang up across the blogosphere of a Windows 7 build 7048, we debunked them and along with all the other Windows 7 users, we looked hungrily for information on new builds. Microsoft is currently compiling pre-RC builds of Windows 7, the latest build being 7046. Many beta testers are frustrated that they have not received a build since build 7000, which was released to everyone on January 9, 2009. Unfortunately, Ars has learned that this trend will continue. When I asked Sinofsky if Microsoft Connect testers as well as MSDN and TechNet subscribers will get the RC before the public, Sinofsky told me no: "The build will be available broadly."

Full Story: http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/02/rumor-public-to-get-windows-7-rc-build-on-april-10-2009.ars

If you roll back a few years to see when Vista's first RC was going to be available you will see one 3/2006 artcle off by several months since that RC1 didn't come out until November of 2006. The New Release Dates for the Vista CTP, RC1 and RTM - Build 5342 will be released today or early next week - Softpedia

You see that in Windows Vista RC1 impresses critics News - PC Advisor

I guess everyone will be waiting to see which number build is to be the RC1 for 7 and will be generally available. It's most likely to be seen between May and July 1st since 7000 expires on 8/1/09. Testers will need time to receive or download the first candidate build.

so what after 8/1/09? will it stop working or the features will be disabled or what?

When that date is reached you'll know for sure then. The 7000 build will likely present an expiration notice onscreen of some type and no longer receive any support then shifted to the Release Candidate 1 or builds that have followed 7000 already. You certainly won't be able to see it activated if you reinstall it.