Windows Vista build 5456

Windows Vista build 5456 is a pre-RC1 build of Windows Vista, released to beta testers on 24 June 2006.

New features and changes

 * This build includes the Windows Aero cursors, but they aren't enabled by default until build 5469.
 * The startup sound now also plays during the orb animation. In this build, it will play a second time at login.
 * After connecting to a network, a balloon tip will notify the user that the network has been set to public. The user should click on it to reconfigure the network as private.
 * Game Explorer tiles, which were first introduced in build 5219, have been removed.
 * If a UAC popup appears, the system plays the "Critical Error" sound.
 * Windows DVD Maker no longer quits if a blank DVD is not inserted.
 * The Sidebar Gadget Gallery has been redesigned.
 * Windows Defender uses a new background gradient.
 * Windows Journal received new icons.

Setup

 * The page of setup before the restart has been redesigned to resemble the RTM. Most notably the "Restart now" button no longer has the arrow icon from pre-reset Longhorn, but it does not work in this build. You will need to wait until setup restarts automatically.
 * During the first boot, the message "Please wait while Windows prepares to start..." has been changed to add "for the first time..." at the end. This will persist to the RTM and will be changed again in Service Pack 1.
 * Windows Experience Index stage has been added to Setup. Unlike later builds, it is performed before the OOBE.
 * Added some new messages when logging into a user account for the first time such as "Preparing your desktop".

Control Panel

 * Windows Update has been integrated with Windows Ultimate Extras.
 * Network Center has been revamped and is now called "Network and Sharing Center".
 * Game Controllers applet received a new icon.

Windows Media Center
Upon its first start, Windows Media Center no longer directly opens the Setup wizard. Instead, the user can select between Express and Custom options. Selecting the Custom option will lead to the Setup wizard. Selecting the Express option will lead instead to the home screen.

Bugs and quirks

 * When shutting down, the sound will only play for a quarter of a second.
 * and System Properties incorrectly refer a "Service Pack 0 v."
 * Windows Media Center will freeze when in full-screen mode.