Microsoft offered the first taste of Windows 7 to the general public at the start of January 2009. But as early adopters that followed closely the development process of Windows Vista’s successor already know, the public release of Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 did not go as smooth as initially planned. The Redmond-based company was blasted with criticism at that time for not being prepared and failing to anticipate demand, but until November 11, 2009, it never revealed what actually happened.

And it seems that the software giant was in fact ready for overwhelming Windows 7 Beta demand for the public availability date set of January 9. However, Microsoft was taken by surprise by Windows 8 beta bots, built especially to grab Build 7000, according to Tony Scott, Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

"Some people had gone out and created these bots to download the beta," Scott said, via TechFlash. "We didn't anticipate that they were going to do that. We did a clever marketing thing that said, there's only limited quantities available. The bot guys figured that out and decided they were going to get in early and get part of the limited quantities."

Back in January, Microsoft revealed plans to open up access to Windows 7 Beta only for a limited period of time. It was the "while supplies last" part of the Windows 7 Build 7100 public availability that caused a veritable user stampede, which in combination with the bots caused Microsoft to delay releasing the Beta bits in order to add more servers and guarantee a smooth download experience.

In order to make up for the slow start, Microsoft offered unlimited public downloads of Windows 7 Beta Build 7000. Later this year, the Release Candidate Build 7100 followed in Beta’s “unlimited download” tracks. All in all, in excess of 8 million people have tested Windows 7 while in development and provided Microsoft with feedback.