Activation

[DSL-Dave]

I need some help in activating the current beta, which I just downloaded.
I tried to use the activation code from my build 5308, which didn't work.
The current download doesn't seem to show a new activation code.
I'm sitting here with my test system waiting to enter a product key ...
help!

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Tom Ziegmann]

Hi Dave,

If you have a product key that you need to enter open the system properties
in control panel (Start -> Control Panel -> System and Maintenance -> System).
Then click on Change Product Key or Activate Windows now.

One quick question: Did you get the product key emailed to you are are you
trying to use an existing one?
If you need a new key go to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/preview.mspx

-tom

 

[DSL-Dave]

Hi Tom,

I downloaded the beta from the website, but nowhere on that page does it
mention anything about a key!
Since it is a time-limited beta, I expected it to install without a key, or
that they key would be supplied.
Am I missing something???

Thanks again,

Dave

 

[Tom Ziegmann]

Hi Dave,

If you go the link in my previous post go down to the bottom of the page
and then select your location, sign in with your Live ID / Passport and then
complete the requested information and then a Product Key will be emailed
to you. Then use that key to Install / Activate Windows.

 

[DSL-Dave]

Hello again,

I wonder why I didn't see that when I did the download?!
Many thanks... now I can finish the install!

Dave

 

[Tom Ziegmann]

You are welcome! Enjoy Vista

Hello again,

I wonder why I didn't see that when I did the download?! Many
thanks... now I can finish the install!

Dave

 

[DSL-Dave]

I'm back...

Well, it accepted the key, but is now giving me an "80070241" error!
I had no problem installing the earlier beta!
Any ideas???

Dave

 

[Tom Ziegmann]

Hi Again,

I'm going to take a suggestion from Andre and suggest that you try to run
a CRC check on the iso. Personally if you are using daemon tools or some
other mounting software I would suggest burning it to a DVD and then running
the install. Umm...If that doesn't work try redownloading from this link.

http://download.windowsvista.com/dl...inmain_beta2_x86fre_client-LB2CFRE_EN_DVD.iso

-tom

 

[DSL-Dave]

Interesting... after getting the error, it wouldn't accept the product key!
I had to do a cold boot & restart the install. Once I did that, it would
accept the key again.
This time, it seems to be installing... at least, while I am typing this,I
am up to 36%.
Some flag must have been set that would only clear on a cold boot.

I will let you know if the install completes.
Thanks again.

Dave

 

[DSL-Dave]

Hi Tom,

Looks like the clean install was successful. It took slightly under 1 hour.
Now to reload all those nasty drivers...

Dave

 

[DSL-Dave]

Final comments on the install:

Improvements over the last beta:
Sidebar on by default.
Aero Glass works with my nVidia card by default!
Resolution defaulted to 1280x1024 by 32 bits.
Probably more, but this is just in the first few minutes.
Unfortunately, no native support for the RealTek AC97 audio, which is used
on many motherboards.

Will elaborate after I get some sleep!

Dave

 

[Jane C]

Do a Windows Update...the Realtek AC'97 drivers are there