Windows 8 build 7973 (fbl core1 kernel npc)

Windows 8 build 7973 (fbl_core1_kernel_npc) is a build of Windows 8, which 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 than 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.

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 beginning its evolution away from the Milestone 2 look of the previous builds. The design for the tiles on this build has changed to a look that more closely resembles the final. 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.

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

Compatibility
In VMware, you must set hardware compatibility to 8.x or below. Otherwise at startup an error code of 0x0000001E or 0x0000000A will appear, with text telling you "Your computer needs to restart. Please hold down the power button."

Aero
This build appears to have a slightly broken Windows Aero theme, with only the top portion of the window frame using the blur effect, leaving the side borders transparent.

DWM
After installing the video card driver, Immersive Control Panel will open after using Ctrl+Shift+F9. It won't close unless you press Ctrl+Shift+F9 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 Aero Glass.