Microsoft has left children across the US tearful and upset after pulling the Windows 7 Family Pack offer that promised the whole family could enjoy the upgrade from Vista.

However, UK customers can continue to enjoy the benefit of the package - for now anyway.

Windows 7 Family Pack gave US consumers three licences for Home Premium for a single price of $149.99. The equivalent in the UK costs £149.99.

US bloggers spotted that Microsoft had pulled the offer over the weekend, with the US Windows shop offering just the Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate editions.

Now, assuming you can find Microsoft's Family Pack page on Microsoft's US website, you're spared a checkout button, and instead get the following message:

Thank you for your interest in Windows 7. The Windows 7 Family Pack offer has ended. Please check our other offers. And, to receive helpful articles, tips and tricks, and the latest special offers, subscribe to the monthly Exploring Windows Newsletter.

Oh, and the opportunity to buy three full fat licences at $119.99 a pop.

Inevitably, Microsoft watchers started comparing the beast of Redmond to Dr Seuss's Grinch.

Luckily, the UK is not so familiar with the works of Dr Seuss, and as far as we can make out, the offer is still valid, although for the somewhat stiffer price of £149.99.

Of course, the US is always ahead of Europe, so there's no telling how long the offer will be valid for in the UK. ®

Bootnote

Microsoft have now been in touch, to confirm that UK families better get their skates, as the offer is for a limited time, and “ The UK offer will close once all stocks of the Family Pack have been purchased."