How to disable auto shutdown of Windows 7 RC

[Updated] The release of Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 was great news for Windows operating system users and fans around the world. The OS has been made available with some great new features and improvements. There is, however, one disadvantage in Windows 7 RC that has earned negative feedback even from non-users.

At the Windows 7 RC download page, under the "Here's what you need to know:" bullets of the download instructions, there is a reminder for downloaders to "Watch the Calendar".

The instruction says:

The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use.

That one's catchy isn't it? Windows 7 RC will expire June 1, 2010 alright, we will not oppose. But turning a very good software into something annoying three months before the expiry date will surely get our thumbs down.

Update 3/1/2010 9:00 p.m.:

• The automatic shutdowns have officially started.
• You'll experience a blue/black screen of death during shutdown.
• You can still restart your computer; no files are affected.
• Computer shuts down once every two hours.

So, how do we disable the Windows 7 RC auto shutdown? How to fix Windows 7 reboot every 2 hours? Our readers came up with suggestions, and then we trimmed down the list to suggested solutions that are working, as follows.

Warning: Use of these methods and softwares is your discretion. We shall not be held liable for any damage these may cause to your computer. If you are not sure and does not have any tweaking know-how, please do not proceed.

ShutdownGuard
ShutdownGuard prevents applications to shutdown, reboot or log off your computer. When it prevents a shutdown it will pop up in the tray and ask you if you want to continue. ShutdownGuard is compatible with XP or Vista. We have proven that it also works with Windows 7. [Download]

Screenshot in Windows 7

Read our post on how to use Shutdown Guard, click here.

The 'Antedate' Method
Set the clock of the computer to a date before March 1, 2010, say February 14, 2010 =). It has been posted elsewhere that the expiry date follows the date set on your computer.
Lead: Anonymous
Tried & tested: Commenter "Jason"

SetDate
A Y2K DOS utility program for Win7 today?
Suggested by: Anonymous

w7lxe
Tried and tested: Anonymous

Any more ideas?