Do I need a product key to install Windows Vista Beta 2 ?

[Guest]

I'm currently subscribed as a Microsoft TechNet member. I recently
registered with Microsoft to participate in the evaluation of Windows Vista
Beta 2. I notice that I can click on the download link for Windows Vista
Beta 2, English 32 bit edition @
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/en/x86/download.htm. This
procedure involves using the Akamai download manager.

However, I'm wondering do I need a product key in order carry out the
installation of the Beta software. I don't want to proceed with the download
and the creation of the DVD ISO image file and then realise that I need to
insert a product key while carrying out the installation. At the moment when
I click on the download link, I'm prompted to save or open the
_client-LB2CFRE_EN_DVD.iso file.

Anyway, could anybody please advise me if I require a product key for this
Beta 2 software. Finally, is it possible to dual boot between Windows Vista
Beta 2 and Windows XP professional using NTFS file system or do both
partitions need to be FAT32 formatted? Alternatively, would it be
recommended to use a separate hard disk for both client operating systems?

Thanks,

Martin

 

[Andre Da Costa [Extended64]]

Yes, you need a product key, it should be available in your subscription.
Yes, you can dual boot Windows XP and Vista. You need to have a logical
partition created first, launch Vista setup from within XP, click Custom >
click the partition you created for Vista and click next.

http://windowsconnected.com/blogs/andre/archive/2006/06/14/3002.aspx