Windows Neptune
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| Microsoft Windows codename Neptune | |
| Codename Preliminary name |
Neptune, NepTune |
|---|---|
| Kernel version | x86 NT Kernel, NT 5.50 |
| Release date | Unreleased |
| Support end | None |
| Preceded by | 2000 |
| Succeeded by | XP |
Windows Neptune was planned to become the successor of the Windows 2000 family as well as the first consumer version of Windows under the NT code. It was under development in 1999, until it was canceled, along with Odyssey to give way for Whistler, which would be named Windows XP. Windows XP included the new login screen, help center and user accounts panel originally envisioned for Neptune. However, Activity Centers were eventually dropped. As stated in confidential Microsoft documents, it was to be released in Q4 of 2000. It was also planned to have 64-bit support. A planned successor called Windows codename Triton was also involved, not as a service pack, but as an operating system itself. It was also planned to be released with Internet Explorer 6 which was also in development at the time. Five service packs were planned for NepTune.
Planned features
Login screen
The login screen in Neptune was based off of HTML. Trying to install Internet Explorer 6 (on build 5111) will cause the login screen to stop functioning.
User Accounts Panel
Help Center
Activity Centers
Ex-BetaArchive member, KenOath was able to fix the Activity Center compeltely using different files and resources from unleaked Windows Millenium builds in build 5111.
Builds
Timeline
- Early December 1999: "Neptune" ideas sent to testers
- December 10, 1999: Neptune build 5111 is compiled
- December 27, 1999: Neptune build 5111 sent to testers
- January 21, 2000: Paul Thurrott reveals that both Neptune and Odyssey are cancelled and will be replaced by Whister.
- March 20, 2000: Windows Whistler build 2211 leaks, it looks like Windows Neptune but it isn't.
