Tech Guarantee Program

Microsoft is planning to offer a Windows 7 Tech Guarantee Program, where end-users who purchased Windows Vista systems will have the option (for a limited time) to upgrade to Windows 7. Additional details will be forthcoming in November, 2008. At this moment, the following features have been proposed :

• Eligible Editions : Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate
• Eligible Languages : Wave 0 to Wave 4
• Available Upgrade Paths : Like-to-like product paths only (e.g. from Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium)

Once Windows 7 is released, OEMs can send Windows 7 upgrade disks to end-users who qualify. The Windows 7 installation will require end-user activation.

Update @ November 22 : The anticipated Windows 7 Tech Guarantee Program will be revealed by next week. However, our source says that instead of the usual 6 months upgrade period, Microsoft may be considering much shorter periods of 60 days or 90 days.

Update @ December 15 : Microsoft has tentatively scheduled the Technical Guarantee Program to begin on July 1, 2009. The complete program eligibility dates will be provided at a later date.

Microsoft will announce, by April 1, 2009, the program eligibility end date and if the program eligibility start date will be moved to a later date.

Microsoft's OEM partners have been asked to send in their feedback of the draft Tech Guarantee Program by January 9, 2009 as Microsoft intends to provide a final Program Guide no later than January 30, 2009.

Update @ December 29 : We managed to obtain a copy of the draft, which tentatively refers to the program as the "Windows 7 Upgrade Program". We took a look at the key points here.

Update @ February 5 : Microsoft will announce the final version of the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program Guide later this week. It will be based on the draft posted here.

Update @ February 12 : We posted updates on the Windows 7 Upgrade Program as well as screenshots of the upgrade process here.

Update @ February 25 : Microsoft brought forward the Program Eligibilty Date from July 1 to June 28. Microsoft also clarified the Fulfullment Limitations of the upgrade program. More details in our Windows 7 Upgrade Program article.

Note : All future updates regarding this program will be posted in the Windows 7 Free Upgrade Option Program article.

Windows Live

Microsoft will be issuing a separate update regarding the Windows Live "Wave 3" (with Internal Live Meetings) service plan for Windows 7 in early November, 2008.

Update @ December 15 : Microsoft will make Windows Live Services available to Royalty OEM partners on December 17, 2008.

Update @ February 5 : Windows 7 and Windows Live Essentials are designed to work together to simplify how end users interact with their PCs, the Web, and mobile phones. Microsoft recommends Windows Live Essentials and sharing applications (e.g., Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Writer, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Toolbar, and Windows Live Family Safety) together with Windows 7 to ensure that end users have instant access to these applications at first use.

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