Moving ahead with the development of Windows 7, Microsoft has reportedly compiled the official RC version of its hotly awaited operating system and delivered the milestone to OEM partners and TAP gold customers. More recent internal builds have been leaked, such as the 7106 version we were telling you about last week, but apparently 7100 is the official RC build.

Recent reports suggest the Windows 7 Release Candidate will be available for public download on May 5th, although we wouldn’t be surprised to see it leaked before then particularly as MSDN and TechNet subscribers should get it in advance. Last month the firm inadvertently confirmed that the RC was coming in May, would be available through June 2009 with no product key limitation, and that it will expire in June 2010. They also offered up some details earlier this month on the move from Windows 7 beta to RC.