Microsoft has stated that it plans to release Windows 7 to manufacturing in July 2009, with general retail availability set for October 22, 2009, less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7’s server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, is slated for release at the same time. Just in time to possibly give the slumping PC industry a lift in the holiday season.

In a move designed to placate regulators, Microsoft will be shipping Windows 7 without a web browser in Europe.

According to a confidential memo sent out to PC manufacturers and seen by Cnet, Microsoft will be releasing a special version of Windows 7 for the European market that has had Internet Explorer 8 removed.

The browser will still be available free of charge, either for makers to install prior to shipping new PCs or for consumers to side load at home.

Windows 7 is due for launch on October 22, with the move potentially leaving owners of new PCs no means to surf the internet – even to download Internet Explorer. Because of this, Microsoft will probably be making its browser available on CD, via FTP and also through shops