One day, I received a mail from Microsoft inviting me to host a Windows 7 Launch Party in order to promote the new Windows 7 operating system. I didn’t think much about it and just registered at houseparty.com.

After receiving a mail confirming me to be a Windows 7 Launch Party host, I uploaded some pics and information about the party, invited my friends and waited for the promised “special Windows 7 party package”  that was said to contain a  complete Windows 7 Ultimate version for the party host. This was actually too good to be true, an Ultimate version for free even before release date? Amazon listed it for 298€ (445US$)…

A few days later shipping of my party package was confirmed:

HOUSE PARTY FULFILLMENT CENTER is shipping you a package via DHL.

DHL strives to provide you with a great experience every time.

The following 1 piece(s) have been sent by Shipping of HOUSE PARTY FULFILLMENT CENTER via DHL Express on October 01, 2009 using Waybill 8788665xxx.

Then I finally received the package and between napkins, puzzles, posters and Windows 7 bags there was my Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition, including both 32bit and 64bit releases and a license key:

Thanks Microsoft for giving me this great operating system for free!