A good friend of mine known as Utakz posted that the February CTP build of Windows Vista and Server Code Name: “Longhorn” is supposed to be 5308.winmain_idx01 (a very recent compile), and should be released by Microsoft tomorrow (Feb 22nd). This particular build has been recompiled more than ten times which would mean that the original code did contain bugs. Microsoft will also publish an updated version to the Windows AIK (Automated Installation Kit) which contains the deployment tools for Windows NT 6.0, including the famous XImage tool for creating, editing, mounting and deploying Windows Images.

According to Utakz, the build will indeed contain the anticipated Windows Sidebar, perhaps updated versions of the Calendar and Digital Library features. (Do note that Windows Sidebar is anticipated by some people, while the others either don’t like it or would like the 4000-era Sidebar back - including myself.)

Hopefully, known drivers and common bugs have been resolved in this new build and testers will be able to continue testing the next version of Microsoft Windows.