Your Windows 7 Free Ride Is Coming To An End

Remember when Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced at CES 2009 that the beta of Windows 7 was available for all? "Go get it," he said.

Since then, it's been possible to have a free Windows experience running pre-release versions of Microsoft's latest desktop operating system.

Well, the party's over. Microsoft sent out this e-mail today to stragglers:

While most people who tested Windows 7 have now moved to the final version, some are still running the Release Candidate. If you haven't moved yet, it's time to replace the RC.

Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Your work will not be saved during the shutdown.

The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010. Your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won't be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop. You'll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn't genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation.

(Emphasis in original.)

It should be noted that Microsoft tried to make it as clear as it could, when it made its Windows 7 betas available, that the software wouldn't work forever.

Many will agree that if there's one thing in which Microsoft has experience besides making software, it's annoying people. So now pay them, or be annoyed.

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