Lotus Notes 7.02 & 8.0 on Windows 7

I managed to get Windows 7 RC1 running successfully on my DELL D630. It recognized all the devices of the laptop with ease and I only need to perform a windows update to iron out the driver issues. It was up and running in less than 40 minutes (including time for me to grab a cup of coffeee, take a peek at the magazines, etc.).

However, I had my first stumbling block when I try to install Lotus Notes 7.02 (later 8.5) mail client. The installer just unable to complete the installation with an error message (will get that message again to share). I had tried almost all the tricks and tips that I can find on the internet but to no avail.

Finally, I had decided to download the Virtual PC and work on the XP mode. I was hoping that the issue only happens in a native Windows 7 environment, but, to my disappointment, it also takes place in the XP mode. Well, I assume that running the Lotus Notes installation in XP mode would shield me from whatever bugs/issues that I may have with Windows 7 since XP is being tested and proven working well with Lotus Notes.

I am still searching for an answer to that although I had read some postings on the internet that cited success attempts in getting Lotus Notes to run on Windows 7, I am suspecting that probably my copy (downloaded from MSDN) is not the same as those who had managed to get it up and running.

Anyway, I would appreciate if anyone can shed some lights on this and help me out!

Thanks a million.