Trial Vista

[J&P]

I wish to trial Vista before I buy.

If I borrow a friends legal copy, can I load if on to my PC and use it
until the activation date?

Advice appreciated.

Joe

 

[Mike Brannigan]

I wish to trial Vista before I buy.

If I borrow a friends legal copy, can I load if on to my PC and use it
until the activation date?

Advice appreciated.

Joe

No - your installation of Vista requires that you are properly licensed for
that install from day one (as per the End User License you agree to be bound
by during the install process)
The grace period for activation is there for technical reasons and not to be
used as trail software.
If you wish to try before you buy then Test Drive Vista at
http://www.microsoft.com/midsizebus...WT.mc_id=639904C6-D4C7-4A28-BCED-F9B159F218AB
or try the VHD at
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...37-d4d1-4b9b-926d-86493c7da1aa&DisplayLang=en

 

[J&P]

No - your installation of Vista requires that you are properly
licensed for that install from day one (as per the End User License
you agree to be bound by during the install process)
The grace period for activation is there for technical reasons and not
to be used as trail software.
If you wish to try before you buy then Test Drive Vista at
http://www.microsoft.com/midsizebus...WT.mc_id=639904C6-D4C7-4A28-BCED-F9B159F218AB
or try the VHD at
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...37-d4d1-4b9b-926d-86493c7da1aa&DisplayLang=en

Thanks for the quick reply, Mike.

I have tried the the test drive of Vista but every time you use it, you
have to start afresh as there does appear to be a way of retaining what
is inputted. Do you know if this is possible?

The VHD entails installing either Virtual PC or Virtual Server and I
cannot find any step by step instructions for this somewhat involved
procedure. Do you know of any?

Thanks for any help.

Joe

 

[Jerry Atricks]

I wish to trial Vista before I buy.

If I borrow a friends legal copy, can I load if on to my PC and use it
until the activation date?

Advice appreciated.

Joe

Yes you can load it on your PC, don't try and activate it. When the
activation period is over you will need to remove (format drive, install
something else) Vista from your PC. As long as you don't try and activate,
you can use it for 30 days.

Don't listen to the other fanboys!

 

[Mike Cawood, HND BIT]

I wish to trial Vista before I buy.

If I borrow a friends legal copy, can I load if on to my PC and use it
until the activation date?

Advice appreciated.

Joe

If you've got XP now, stick with it.
Regards Mike.

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Virtual PC 2007:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=04D26402-3199-48A3-AFA2-2DC0B40A73B6

 

[Jerry Atricks]

If you've got XP now, stick with it.
Regards Mike.

H E L L O - He said he wants to try Vista. Your post was completly
useless.

 

[The poster formerly known as 'The Poster Formerly]

I wish to trial Vista before I buy.

If I borrow a friends legal copy, can I load if on to my PC and use it
until the activation date?

Advice appreciated.

Joe

YES! Absolutely. Or you can download the VPC image which is also good
for 30 days:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...37-d4d1-4b9b-926d-86493c7da1aa&DisplayLang=en

You can also extend the period leading up to activation from 30 days to
360 days:

http://www.ghacks.net/2007/03/15/extend-vista-activation-period-to-12-months/

Note: I have not tried stuff from either of the posted links, so YMMV.
They are just posted by me in an effort to assist you. Also, I think
Vista really sucks so I hope you don't end up feeling like you've wasted
your time. Good luck.

--
Priceless quotes in m.p.w.vista.general group:
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html

"Fair use is not merely a nice concept--it is a federal law based on
free speech rights under the First Amendment and is a cornerstone of the
creativity and innovation that is a hallmark of this country. Consumer
rights in the digital age are not frivolous."
- Maura Corbett

 

[NoStop]

I wish to trial Vista before I buy.

Good idea. Should end up saving you a lot of money.

Cheers.

 

[J&P]

I wish to trial Vista before I buy.

If I borrow a friends legal copy, can I load if on to my PC and use it
until the activation date?

Advice appreciated.

Joe

Many thanks for all your replies. Nor sure which way to go yet, so will
take up offer to first spend a little time on friend's PC.

Regards,

Joe

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Jerry - it is not a "fanboy" issue - it is one of simple licensing.
The End User License that the person installing agrees to abide by clearly
states that they have to have a valid license to install the software which
the original poster will not have as he is just borrowing the media.
It really is that simple - you may not install Windows without a valid
license.