Windows 7 Beta Download Extended to Feb. 10: Microsoft

While Microsoft originally was going to limit Windows 7 activation codes to 2.5 million, and then backtracked and said it would allow downloads through at least January 24th, the company has now indicated that it will extend the download program to February 10th.

It should be noted if you start the download prior to February 10th, Microsoft will give to until February 12th to complete the download.

In their blog post, Microsoft said:

Because enthusiasm continues to be so high for the Windows 7 Beta and we don’t want anyone to miss out we will keep the Beta downloads open through February 10th. Customers who have started but not completed the download process will be able to do so through February 12th.

The shutdown of general availability for the Windows 7 Beta will occur in 3 phases over the course of the next few weeks:

• Starting January 27th, the Windows 7 page will be updated with a warning that time is running out on downloading the Windows 7 Beta and that we will be limiting downloads shortly. People will be encouraged to register and start the download of the Windows 7 Beta sooner rather than later.
• February 10th, new downloads of the Windows 7 Beta will no longer be available. People who have already started their Windows 7 Beta download and have not yet finished will still be able to finish their download and are encouraged to do so.
• February 12th, people will no longer be able to complete their download of the Windows 7 Beta. Anyone who hasn’t finished downloading the Windows 7 Beta will be unable to do so.

If for some reason you don't get an activation key prior to February 12th, keys will be available even after that date.

The deadline applies to the general public, while members of Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN developer programs will quite naturally continue to have access to the code, and possibly later betas.