Windows 7 Beta 1 Leaked

Reports have been confirmed that the Windows 7 Beta 1 build 7000 that has leaked to Torrent sites is the real deal. Build 7000 is what Microsoft will issue next month as Windows 7 Beta 1, according to reports by Windows bloggers who have copies.

Neowin users began posting screenshots of the new build on Friday, shortly after reports had surfaced on various Chinese and Russian forums. The files quickly hit Pirate Bay and other BitTorrent sites, including Mininova, and now have almost 2,000 seeders and nearly 10,000 leechers.

Microsoft has promised to open the beta to all users in early 2009. There has been no direct comment from Microsoft as to when we can expect the official beta to be released, however speculation suggests the first half of January.

I for one plan to hold off until the official beta release from Microsoft has been made public. The popularity of the file and sheer number of downloads would indicate that its more than likely clean, as always you should still check any torrent for viruses, I just see no reason to jump the gun.