Internet Explorer 7 and distribution via Automatic Updates

I've had a number of people ask me about Internet Explorer 7, which was released last week. 

It is currently available for download at this site, where it was downloaded by over three million people in the first four days.

Microsoft announced back in July that IE7 was going to be distributed via Automatic Updates as a high priority update, in order to ensure that all Windows PCs are more secure and up-to-date. 

As I write this, the current advice is to be ready for the Automatic Update distribution to go live by November 1st. 

IE7 setup will preserve your current toolbars, home page, search settings, and favorites and will not change your choice of default browser. You will also be able to roll back to IE6 by using Add/Remove Programs. Only a user who is a local administrator will be offered the update. You can find more details and screenshots here.

Organizations using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and System Management Server (SMS) can manage the IE7 deployment like they do other updates. The IE7 package will be classified as an Update Roll-up and must be approved to install on designated groups of Windows XP and Server 2003 clients.  

Organizations that use Automatic Updates to keep their computers up-to-date can use a free Blocker Toolkit to block automatic delivery of IE7. This blocker has no expiration date; you can find more information in the blocker FAQ.  Organizations that want to block the distribution of IE7 through Automatic Updates should have their blocking measures in place by November 1, 2006.

Developers who are looking to ensure their web applications are compatible with IE7 should view this list of recommendations and download the IE7 Readiness Toolkit.

For more information about IE7, please visit the IEBlog.