Microsoft delaying Windows 7 Beta access

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The general public will have to wait to download Windows 7 Beta from Microsoft due to heavy traffic on the U.S. company's Web site, company officials say.

Microsoft's Windows Team confirmed on its online blog Friday that public interest in the testing model of the newest Windows system has been so heavy the company decided to delay the release of the beta model, PC Magazine reported.

"Due to very heavy traffic we're seeing as a result of interest in the Windows 7 Beta, we are adding some additional infrastructure support to the Microsoft.com properties before we post the public beta," Microsoft official Brandon LeBlanc said in the blog. "We want to ensure customers have the best possible experience when downloading the beta."

Microsoft's Windows 7 Web page also announced the release delay, offering customers the company's apologies for the necessary measure, PC Magazine said.

"Thanks for your interest in the Windows 7 Beta," Microsoft said on the page. "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."