Last Vista test released

Microsoft on Friday issued what it hopes will be the last public test version of Windows Vista, as it works to put the final program in the hands of some businesses by next month.

The company said Release Candidate 2 of the new operating system is being made available to its usual crop of technical testers and developers, as well as to some of the enthusiast consumers who are testing the earlier, RC1 version.

Microsoft did not change its timing for the software's final release but did indicate it could still miss its goals.

It said in a statement: "As we stated from the beginning of Windows Vista development, the quality of the product will always be our first priority. That said, Microsoft continues to target Windows Vista availability for volume licence customers in November 2006 and general availability in January 2007, although the final delivery will be based on quality."

The software maker had hoped to have Vista on store shelves and in new PCs in time for this year's holiday season but said in March it would miss that date.

Analysts have been divided on whether Microsoft will make its revised goal. Goldman Sachs analyst Rick Sherlund said earlier on Friday that Microsoft was on track to meet its current timetable but Gartner has been predicting for some time that Redmond will be forced to again delay the product.

The software behemoth is encouraging developers and others to provide feedback on any issues that remain unresolved in the latest test builds.

It said: "Microsoft has continued to receive excellent feedback that is helping to improve the overall quality and performance of the product. RC2 reflects that feedback and includes important improvements in performance, application compatibility and 'fit and finish' work."

Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com