license / cd-key / exp. date / final release

[unknown]

i was wondering...

back then in 2001 (about) i attend a microsoft event where they release
Windows XP, and they gave us a free copy of Windows XP (thats what i use
now, and very gratful to Microsoft for doing so).

I filled out online and I apply and I got it CD-KEY for Vista and for
Office, anyone knows if I'll be able to use same key for their final release
of both products? or is there any other benfits for helping Microsoft with
bug reports on how to improve Vista?

overall I really like Vista and I think (once again) that this is the best
OS yet, why again? because i once thought same of Windows XP

I'm a UNIX Administrator myself, but I love every single product that
Microsoft made, and I give them 100% props for doing best job to make their
product even better!

"Thank you" to Microsoft.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

It is unlikely that the keys used for beta builds will work with the final
("gold") release. Benefits for filing bugs are basically self satisfaction,
there is nothing else guaranteed. By filing, you help in molding the final
release. Plus, you get to play with the OS long before it's released as a
for sale product. If you happen to be at a release, you might obtain a free
copy, but there's nothing stating that there will be any.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

The beta product key is an evaluation copy product key and will not work
with the final release.

 

[Neal]

I was one of those lucky ones also with XP Pro and even XP 64. With XP 64 I
did the Beta and received one key and when I received my free retail version
of XP64 they gave me a new key. The beta keys are just for the beta
versions.

I have to say it has been nice not having to pay for my last two OS
upgrades.

 

[Jim Fraas]

I went to the release pthing for 98. All we got was a T-Shirt.

 

[unknown]

well... in 98 they were giving t-shirts, in '01 they were giving windows
cds, i hope in 06 they'll do at least the same as they did in 01

 

[alexus]

i understand that this key will not work.. i'm saying maybe microsoft will
provide us with a free key after they go to gold and let us download it from
them..

that'd be nice ...

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Not a chance. At least not the public testers. Maybe in one of the highly
specialized private beta groups, but I doubt that too.