There’s been an European Union (EU) antitrust case against Microsoft for ‘abusing its dominant position’ in the browsers usage share by bundling Internet Explorer along with Windows 7. This led to the introduction of the Windows 7 ‘E’ version that lacked an internet browser and was planned to be sold to customers in the EU.
Microsoft then suggested providing a ballot screen (after Windows 7 installation) that gave users the option to choose their preferred browser from a list of well-known browsers. This meant that Internet Explorer 8 would still be delivered as the default browser. (For more information about the ballot screen, see “Agreement About Windows 7E Likely“)
Brower Ballot Screen
The killing off of the Windows 7 ‘E’ version wasn’t confirmed until late Friday, where Microsoft mentioned in an official statement:
In the wake of last week’s developments, as well as continuing feedback on Windows 7 E that we have received from computer manufacturers and other business partners, I’m pleased to report that we will ship the same version of Windows 7 in Europe in October that we will ship in the rest of the world.
One reason we decided not to ship Windows 7 ‘E’ is concerns raised by computer manufacturers and partners. Several worried about the complexity of changing the version of Windows that we ship in Europe if our ballot screen proposal is ultimately accepted by the Commission and we stop selling Windows 7 ‘E’. Computer manufacturers and our partners also warned that introducing Windows 7 ‘E’, only to later replace it with a version of Windows 7 that includes IE, could confuse consumers about what version of Windows to buy with their PCs.
If the Commission of the European Union (EU) accepts Microsoft’s proposal, the ballot screen would be implemented to EU customers. Last week, Microsoft officials stated that the ballot screen isn’t Windows 7 exclusive, thus will be provided to users running Windows XP and Vista via Windows Update.
Those who’ve already pre-order Windows 7 ‘E’ edition from the EU might wonder what version of Windows 7 they would get. According to CNET News, they will receive the full version of Windows 7. Cancelling the Windows 7 ‘E’ also means that Microsoft will be able to sell the “upgrade version” of Windows 7 in Europe and solve the problem that EU users had to face: having to perform a clean install of Windows 7.
Source: Neowin
