Any way to recover from this mistake?

[Jeremy]

I installed Vista RC1 Public, which I downloaded from a direct link to
the ISO that someone posted on Slashdot. I didn't realize I needed to
get a product key. When it prompted me, I selected Vista Business since
that is probably what I'll buy when it's released.

Once the activation nagger started coming up, I realized I needed to go
through the registration process to get a key. So I did so. When I
enter the key I received into the activation dialog, I get an error:
"The product key you entered will not work with this edition of Windows
Vista(tm). You mus either run Windows Vista(tm) Setup or enter a
Windows Vista(tm) Business product key".

So, first of all, is there any way to get a Vista Business key from
Microsoft, or is that not covered by the public beta program?

Second, if that's impossible, do I need to completely wipe and
reinstall, or can I somehow revert to non-Business Vista without doing that?

In case it matters, this is the x64 edition.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[AJR]

Use the key you received. Since it is the Ultimate version - all aspects of
the two business versions are included.

 

[wgd]

I installed Vista RC1 Public, which I downloaded from a direct link to
the ISO that someone posted on Slashdot. I didn't realize I needed to
get a product key. When it prompted me, I selected Vista Business since
that is probably what I'll buy when it's released.

Once the activation nagger started coming up, I realized I needed to go
through the registration process to get a key. So I did so. When I
enter the key I received into the activation dialog, I get an error:
"The product key you entered will not work with this edition of Windows
Vista(tm). You mus either run Windows Vista(tm) Setup or enter a
Windows Vista(tm) Business product key".

So, first of all, is there any way to get a Vista Business key from
Microsoft, or is that not covered by the public beta program?

Second, if that's impossible, do I need to completely wipe and
reinstall, or can I somehow revert to non-Business Vista without doing that?

The version of Vista you received a product key for is Vista Ultimate
Edition. You can't use an Ultimate Edition product key to activate the
installed Business Edition. It's just like the error message said. As far
as I know the MS CPP only provides Ultimate Edition keys. It looks like
you will have to reinstall Vista and activate using the Ultimate Edition
key you received.