Microsoft Opens Windows 7 Beta for 2 Weeks

Microsoft has apologized for problems eager Windows users encountered downloading the Windows 7 beta...and will offer unlimited downloads for two weeks.

Microsoft formerly introduced Windows 7 last week at CES, and announced a beta version of the software would be available for downloading last Friday to the first 2.5 million users. However, as soon as the beta download site went live, demand from eager customers pummeled the service into the ground, resulting in some angry backlash from frustrated users eager to be on the bleeding edge of Windows technology.

Now, Microsoft has apologized, saying it has expanded its download capacity and has removed the initial 2.5 million-download limit on the public beta until January 24, 2009. Until that date, users will be able to download the beta software even if the total number of downloads goes over the 2.5 million limit.

“Thank you for your enthusiasm, interest and willingness to beta test,” wrote Windows communications manager Brandon LeBlanc, on the Windows 7 blog. “As you know, this is a beta product. We are working hard to get Windows 7 ready and right. Your input is a critical part of that process.”

Early response to Windows 7 has been generally positive, with the update addressing interface and functionality shortcomings in Windows Vista, while adding new technologies and attempting to make users’ computing experiences more secure and straightforward. Microsoft is trying to have a major hit with Windows 7 after lackluster consumer response to Windows Vista, which had been plagued by performance and hardware compatibility problems—not to mention class-action lawsuits over what machines are truly “Vista-capable.” Under the hood, however, Windows 7 isn’t a re-invention of Windows, and relies on many of the same technologies that first debuted with Vista.