By George Norman - Software News Editor
Added on 05 Aug 2009(1095 Views)
When the Windows 7 operating system officially reached the RTM (Release To Manufacturing) milestone in its development process, Microsoft made sure to announce who can get the OS, and when they can get it. The fact that Windows 7 Beta testers were left out came as a big disappointment to many, but the Redmond-based software developer soon addressed this problem by saying that it will provide Windows 7 Beta testers with a free copy of Windows 7 RTM.

Handing out free copies of Windows 7 RTM to Beta testers sounds like the proper way to thank the people that put the operating through its paces and uncovered bugs and problems with it. The catch is that Microsoft said that not all Beta testers would get Windows 7 RTM for free – just those who received an invite to test Windows 7 Beta. In other words, only members of the Windows 7 Technical Beta Program will not have to pay to get Windows 7.


Microsoft has now come out to announce additional details on how a technical Beta tester can get hold of Windows 7 RTM. The details were included in a Microsoft Connect article entitled “Information on getting your windows 7 RTM “Thank you” copy,” article reproduced below:

Instructions and details for free RTM Windows 7

Both the download option and the boxed product will include x86 and x64.
In both cases your product key will activate your choice of one of these.
Downloads will be available to members of the Technical Beta Program on August 6th.
We are not offering evaluation copies as download therefore only those who choose download as an option will have access to the download images.
We can only ship boxed product to the shipping address you have on file with Connect. Please make sure it is up to date.
Because there will be a limited amount of boxed product available we will notify you no later than the end of day August 6th as to whether we were able to fulfill your request. If not, we will automatically convert your request to a download.
Members of our international “Mini beta” efforts do not need to do anything yet. Starting August 6th you will be given access to downloads and over the next several weeks we will ensure all languages are posted and available to you.

Please fill out the survey to register your choice.





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Via: windows7news.com

Tags: Windows 7, Windows 7 Beta, Windows 7 RTM, Technical Beta Program, Microsoft

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Comments

Linda Amar - 21 Aug 2009 02:55
I was among the open beta testers to sign up the first week it became available and I have (delightedly) used and updated the software up to the release candidate (but not RM) versions. Somewhere along the line I thought I read that those of us in this group would be allowed to buy the RM for something like $45--but I can't find where I saw it or what to do to get it if that's true. Any help offered is appreciated.

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