January 9, 2009 4:52 PM PST

Where's Windows 7 beta? Microsoft posts, then pulls the download

by Jessica Dolcourt
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 49 comments
Windows 7 beta is late

Microsoft's message as of 4:50 PM PST.

(Credit: CNET)

Microsoft has been in the software game long enough to know that when you're announcing a release as big as an operating system to millions of itchy-fingered techies, you release it when you say you will and you have the foresight to get your servers in a row.

Yet, the general release of the much-anticipated Windows 7 beta is overdue by hours, Microsoft having first posted the files late, and then pulled them when servers buckled under the traffic. What's left now is a sort-of apologetic, but mostly noncommittal notice that there's no estimated arrival time for the download links, and a lot of angry people disappointed in Redmond once again.

A Microsoft PR representative I got hold of on the Consumer Electronics Show floor had no additional insight.

Lifehacker posted direct download links earlier Friday for your 32- and 64-bit PCs, with a few cursory instructions for installing the ISO files. We'll also host the Windows 7 beta files when we get them, on CNET Download.com.

Jessica Dolcourt reviews the latest and greatest smartphone apps, in addition to a healthy dose of Windows software. E-mail Jessica and follow her on Twitter.
Recent posts from CES 2009
2010 Best of CES Awards - call for entries
3D is coming to a living room near you
Haier launches new line of Rhapsody Ibiza players
Alpine KTP-445 Power Pack adds easy amplification
CES 2009: Computers and hardware wrap-up
CES 2009: Home audio wrap-up
CES post-show wrap-up: HDTV
CES 2009 home video wrap-up
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (49 Comments) (49 Comments)
advertisement
Click Here

CES awards and nominees

Best of CES, 2009

Best of CES 2009 and
People's Voice Award

Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top product in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.

Now accepting submissions for the 2010 Best of CES Awards.

LATEST FROM MACWORLD

Windows Starter Kit refreshed for 2010

Posted by Seth Rosenblatt November 25, 2009 4:30 PM PST

Sit your 'tude in the Mood Chair

Posted by Sharon Vaknin November 25, 2009 4:08 PM PST

Big changes in Security Starter Kit 2010

Posted by Seth Rosenblatt November 25, 2009 3:51 PM PST
See our full Macworld coverage

RSS FEEDS

CES 2009 Awards


Best of CES and
People's Voice Award

Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top product in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.

Now accepting submissions for the 2010 Best of CES Awards.


About CES

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world's largest consumer electronics trade show. CES 2009 is scheduled for January 8 through 11 in Las Vegas, and it will feature thousands of exhibitors showcasing their latest tech products. CNET's team of reporters and reviewers will be at the show, covering technology's heavy hitters and previewing thousands of products before they are released to the public.

Each year, CNET, in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association, produces the Best of CES awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show. The CNET editorial team recognizes the best new products at the show with awards in 10 categories, an overall Best of Show award, and the People's Voice award, which is selected by CNET's online audience.