Pre-RC1 Public Download, no key?

[Guest]

I, like many others, was able to download Pre-RC1 via the link that popped up
on sites like Gizmodo this morning. Since the download was direct from MS, I
expect it is legitimate for the 100,000 people they say they're going to
allow to get the file.

However, there's nothing on that site that points you toward a product key.
Since I'm not an MSDN, TechNet, or any other subscriber, I don't have a Beta
2 key or any other key. I'd like my copy to not expire in 14 days.

Where do I go to get a key, or whom do I need to contact? While I
appreciate the chance to beta the OS, it doesn't seem like this "limited
public release" was terribly well planned.

 

[Tom Ziegmann]

Hello dark54555,

Use your Beta 2 key.

Tom Ziegmann
Microsoft Certified Professional
Windows Vista / Server Longhorn Technical Beta Tester
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Technical Beta Tester

 

[Guest]

As I said in my prior post, I don't have a beta 2 key. I didn't participate
in Beta 2.

 

[Roy Coorne]

As I said in my prior post, I don't have a beta 2 key. I didn't participate
in Beta 2.

Then you will have to wait for RC1 which should be downloadable with a
key around Sept. 7.

Roy

 

[Guest]

You could email (e-mail address removed). I'm not sure if they will actually give
you a key but it is worth a shot.

 

[Guest]

If that's the case, what was the point of this:
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/prerc1/en/download.html

It just seems a bit contradictory. Here's the OS, and we're only allowing
the first 100,000 downloads, but you can't have a product key.

I suppose September 7 is within the 14 days, so it may be a moot point.

 

[Tom Ziegmann]

Hello dark54555,

It was meant for those that had originally signed up for Beta 2 CPP.
Tom Ziegmann
Microsoft Certified Professional
Windows Vista / Server Longhorn Technical Beta Tester
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Technical Beta Tester

 

[Guest]

I do have a beta2 key and I couldn't download it because non-key holders have
stolen all 100,000 copies of the limited download.

THANKS A LOT!

 

[Dennis Pack x64, v64B2 \(5384\), OPP2007B2]

Mikey43:
It's still available at
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/prerc1/en/download.html , the site
was still active just prior to this post. The other download link was a test
link getting ready for RC1.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Leave the space for the Product Key blank.

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

If that's the case, what was the point of this:

http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/prerc1/en/download.html

It just seems a bit contradictory. Here's the OS, and we're only allowing
the first 100,000 downloads, but you can't have a product key.

The biggest failure was on MS's part to mention anywhere on that page that a
key from a previous build was required. The "point" of making this link
available was very much valid.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

But no key is required.
Without a key, a screen comes up giving you an option which version to
install, Ultimate, Starter etc.

 

[Guest]

I resent your insinuation here....nothing was stolen....like other people, I
was led to believe that I could download Vista and use until further
notice...How the hell do you think the public should be aware that a cadre of
testers were already in line for this download.....Try to be more logical.....
Kenny

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

But no key is required.

Without a key, a screen comes up giving you an option which version to
install, Ultimate, Starter etc.

I didn't realize this--you're saying you can leave everything empty and just
hit Next?

 

[dotcom]

YES!
dotcom

I didn't realize this--you're saying you can leave everything empty and
just hit Next?

 

[Jim Fraas]

That is not currect. I have a beta 2 key (come to think of it I have THREE
of them) and i was able to grab one of those downloads

 

[Jim Fraas]

Bummer! Had I known I would have tried to install either Basic or Premium

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Exactly and I tested it.
I chose "Starter" just to have a look.