Windows 7 testers to get free copy of Windows 7 Ultimate

In a surprising turn-around, Microsoft announced today that members of the Windows Technical Beta Program will receive a complimentary copy of Windows 7 Ultimate on August 6th. This applies only to those that part of the Technical Beta, not the beta and RC testers that received their copy of Windows 7 for free through the public channels.

To show our appreciation, members of the invitation-only Windows 7 Technical Beta Program will be eligible for a free, final copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. For more information on how to take advantage of this, refer to Paul’s post in the .Beta_Program newsgroup for details.

Testers that are eligible for the complimentary copy of Windows 7 will be able to download the code and receive an activation key on August 6th. Earlier this month, Brandon announced that those enrolled in the program would not receive a complimentary copy of Windows. The decision was faced by negative responses throughout the community.

Here is the message that could be found on the .Beta_Program newsgroup:

Details:

All current members of our English technical and international mini-beta programs are eligible.

• We are offering you a full (non-upgrade) copy of Windows 7 Ultimate Edition for your own personal use, not to be resold.

• You will be able to get access to your copy one of two ways:

A) To get up and running quickly you will be able to download your copy and get your product key via Microsoft Connect. English downloads will be available August 6th and other languages will follow as they become available.

B) Members of our English beta program have an alternative. We have reserved a limited amount of boxed retail copies that you can choose to receive instead. These are ‘first come, first served’. If you opt to have us ship you the boxed copy you should be aware that it will take much longer until you will be up and running on the final version. We will need time to manufacture and ship the copies to you. This means that you may not receive them until they are available on shelves October 22nd or later. Also, for people outside the United States you may be required to pay duties or other local taxes upon receipt.

Instructions and forms for choosing one of the above options will be available on Microsoft Connect on Monday August 3rd.

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. Read the rest at windows7center.com.