Q: What is the beta and How can I get it?

A: Beta Testing began for Windows 7 Media Center on Friday January 7, 2009 for approved beta testers. The beta will be released for public testing two days later, Jan. 9.

 

Q: What is the difference between the private and public betas?

A: The Private Beta includes testers using specifically chosen hardware set-ups and in specific locations around the world. They have signed agreements with Microsoft and will be working directly with our teams during the testing period.

 

Q: I am in the beta. Can I talk about it on The Green Button?

A: Please understand that a large number of people at Microsoft take part in, monitor, and test based on information arising from the private newsgroup. For this reason, we ask that you confine your discussion to the newsgroups so that they are actionable by us.

 

Q: Why wasn’t I chosen for the Private Beta?

A: Please don’t be upset if you were not chosen. Our selections have to cover a wide range of hardware configurations and geographic location; It is likely be we already had testers selected fitting your profile when we received your application.

 

Q: Will Microsoft support the Public Beta?

A: There is no formal support mechanism for users who choose to install the public beta of Windows 7. However, users of The Green Button are free to work with each other in support of the release. While we encourage our team members to be active helpers on these forums, the only formal support for this beta is in the private groups.

 

Probably also worth mentioning that the public beta will be limited to 2.5 million, first come first served. That's not a lot really.

http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/01/07/information-on-downloading-and-installing-windows-7-beta.aspx

 

Is there any mention of times on that link? (I can't open it, guess its getting hammered). Are those who have to work going to have no chance?

Q: What is the beta and How can I get it?

A: Beta Testing began for Windows 7 Media Center on January 7, 2008 for approved beta testers. The beta will be released for public testing two days later, Jan. 9.

I'm going to assume you meant 2009 or else this post was really late in coming.  So is it a midnight release or certain time in the mourning?

I've just reread the article - it doesn't give any clue as to what time, despite being asked many times in the comments. It just says it's based off Pacific Time. Make of that what you will.

 

The MS representative assured one user that when he got home from work on Friday at 4 pm it will be available.

makryger:

The MS representative assured one user that when he got home from work on Friday at 4 pm it will be available.

What timezone would that be in?

There was no mention of the timezone... it was a very vague answer with no elaboration. But it was enough for me not to wake up at 2 am Central!

I assume by Private Newsgroups, you mean the special Beta newsgroups MS set up for the official beta testers?

PeteBrownMSFT:

Q: I am in the beta. Can I talk about it on The Green Button?

A: Please understand that a large number of people at Microsoft take part in, monitor, and test based on information arising from the private newsgroup. For this reason, we ask that you confine your discussion to the newsgroups so that they are actionable by us.

The download appears to be off line. Anyone else experiencing the same?

It disappeared. It was there earlier in the day, but its gone now.

http://www.sizzledcore.com/2009/01/10/windows-7-beta-direct-download-links/

Looks like we broke it! "Thanks for your interest in the Windows 7 Beta. The volume has been phenomenal -- we’re in the process of adding more servers to handle the demand. We’re sorry for the delay and we’ll re-post the Beta as soon as we can ensure a quality download experience." ;)

It's back now.