Windows 8 build 7973 (fbl core1 kernel npc)

Windows 8 build 7973 (fbl_core1_kernel_npc) is a build of Windows 8 that was uploaded to BetaArchive on 19 September 2015 only in the x86 architecture.

Changes

 * Updated the boot screen to include the fish from the wallpaper of Windows 7 builds 6910 to 7231 and a boot spinner, albeit at a slightly larger size compared to later builds.
 * Changed the startup kernel font from Lucida Console to Segoe Mono Boot.
 * The system crash screen font has been changed from Segoe UI to Segoe WP.
 * The boot manager entry is now named "Windows 8" as opposed to "Windows 7".
 * As of 2022, it is the earliest available build of Windows to feature an early system crash.

Redpill
The Redlock tool can be used to unlock all features in this build, including the Start screen.

In this build, the Start screen is starting to look vastly different from the previous builds, with the design of the tiles being changed to a look that more closely resembles its final design. The Immersive Control Panel has also been redesigned, along with the splash screen for MS Help being changed to a rather crude one done in Microsoft Paint.

This build features a new File Copy dialog, which has more features than the one in Windows 7, such as the ability to pause the action.

The Metro folder icons and thumbnails seen in build 7963 have been disabled.

Compatibility
In VMware, the hardware compatibility must be set to 8.x or below, otherwise, a BSOD with error code 0x0000001E or 0x0000000A will occur.

Upgrade

 * It is not possible to upgrade to this build using the new Windows setup tool. When setup is  a runtime error will occur with   alt-tabbing after clicking OK will reveal another error saying that  . In order to upgrade to this build, use the older setup tool located in sources.

Aero
This build appears to have a slightly broken Aero theme, with only the top portion of the window frame using the blur effect, leaving the side borders without the effect.

DWM
After installing the video card driver, Immersive Control Panel will open after using Ctrl. It will not close unless Ctrl is pressed again.

Aero Glass in Starter and Home Basic
This build automatically enables Aero Glass transparency even when installing the Starter or Home Basic SKUs, which is not supported by default. However, changing the color scheme (visual style) to another one and then back to the default one will disable it.