When the launch of Windows 7 was announce Microsoft for the first time decided to offer a Family Pack deal. What the deal consisted of was three upgrade licenses for Windows 7 Home Premium edition for the single price of $150.00 (US dollars).

Considering that the stand-alone Home Premium edition retails for around the $110.00 mark this was a really good deal. The only problem is that Microsoft said it was only going to be available for a limited period of time.

Well according to a post by Ed Bott we’ve just discovered exactly how long that limited offer was meant to last.

Today, barely six weeks after the public launch date on October 22, Paul Thurrott reports that stocks of the Family Pack have “disappeared” in the United States. Sure enough, when I checked at Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and Walmart this morning I found that the Family Pack stocks are gone, and scalpers have moved in. Enterprising Amazon Associates are offering copies for $260 or more. Even Bing Shopping turns up only one seller with the product in stock, at $272, which is nearly double its list price.

I have to agree whole heartedly with Ed when he calls this one of the most short-sighted moves that Microsoft could pull. However I’ll go one step further and suggest that it was equally stupid to limited the offer to – in the words of Microsoft – selected geographical areas only.

Something like this Family Pack deal was a great ‘goodwill’ gesture towards consumers that basically cost Microsoft dick all. Talk about turning a great public relations, and sales, idea into another rallying call used by people who love to point out how evil and greedy the company is.

I know myself I was looking forward to picking up a Family Pack (or two) in the next month or so as I rebuild my machines. I also know people in places like Australia and New Zealand who would have gladly scooped the deal (some of whom are now using Linux). Now none of us can and I seriously have to reconsider my plans machine wise come the new year.

Smart move Microsoft. Smart move.