Windows 7 build 6956

Windows 7 build 6956 is a pre-beta build of Windows 7, which was shared online as an x86 Ultimate compile on 4 December 2008 and is currently the last available build before the official beta release. It was originally available as a VHD which can be installed using the WinPE of build 6801. This build, as well as other ensuing builds up to build 7022, has hidden features in Internet Explorer 8 that can only be unlocked via apps such as Bluepill.

This build has been mislabeled as build 6965 in multiple sources, including ZDNet, which has posted a few screenshots of build 6956 with the article name mislabeled.

Changes

 * The Superbar once again has minor appearance changes, including a more-bluish accent and less-appearing outlines around places such as the Start orb.
 * Many features - such as the desktop slideshow - are now enabled by default, leaving the only features locked behind Redpill being a few changes in Internet Explorer 8.
 * The places bar of the legacy Common File Dialog seems to be disabled by default like in build 6910.
 * When changing themes, the Login sound is played instead of the Tada sound.
 * User Account Control now shows a background again.
 * The About page of Windows Media Center now references Windows 7, removing the final reference of Windows Vista.
 * The Windows logo on the Start button (when the Windows Classic theme is in use) has been uplifted and now resembles the RTM.
 * The Windows Explorer now uses the icon as used in the RTM.

Upgrade

 * It is not possible to upgrade to 6956 with the current leak, this is due to the leak using 6801's files for setup. However, this can be fixed by replacing build 7000's install.wim with 6956's install.wim.
 * Upgrading to this build will result in an additional Windows Media Player icon being placed on the Superbar if there is only 1 or 2 Windows Media Player icons prior to the upgrade.
 * Upgrading can result in a  error.