Microsoft: Windows 7 Bug 'Not a Showstopper'

Microsoft is refuting reports today that a recently discovered bug in Windows 7 could cripple the operating system's much-anticipated October 22 launch. According to the Redmond-based company, the bug is not widespread and can be contained.

The issue in question is not security-based, meaning it won't likely cause your computer to be overrun by malicious hackers, but it could seriously affect system performance.

According to a report from several sites released earlier this week, a process in Windows 7 could in certain conditions use up a computer's maximum available memory in order to perform a scan, and by doing so could cause a system to crash.

Not a "Showstopper," Says MS

One of those sensationalist reports even called the issue a "showstopper," suggesting that it could have a significant impact on the Windows 7 release.

Windows executive Steven Sinofsky doesn't see it that way. In a discussion on his company's blog, Sinofsky said that although they recognize the issue and are actively working on a fix, they haven't yet been able to reproduce it, suggesting that it's not likely to occur during average use by Joe Public. (Source: crn.com)

"While we appreciate the drama of 'critical bug' and then the pickup of 'showstopper' that I've seen, we might take a step back and realize that this might not have that defcon level," Sinofsky said. (Source: cnet.com)

Is Win7 Really Ready?

A lot of the buzz over the issue has to do with the fact that Microsoft has more or less finalized Windows 7 with the Release to Manufacturing process, which took place about two weeks ago. That suggests the company is satisfied with the OS, and if these kinds of problems still haven't been fully worked out, some worry it means Microsoft could be rushing Win7 to the market.