Trying to PreOrder Vista Ultimate x64

[Stuart]

I'm looking at various vendors to get a copy of Vista Ultimate x64 - but I'm
concerned that I will only get the x86 version! There are a plethora of
rumours about whether or not the DVD will include the x64 version and I'm
really not sure who to believe!

The Microsoft site doesn't help nor do the vendors.
There's no point buying an x86 Vista Ultimate DVD, it would simply be a
waste of shelf-sapce!

Can anyone point me to a page that clears up this confusion?

TIA

 

[Robert Blacher]

I have been SOOOOOOO resisting saying what I am about to say. What the
heck:

You want a fully licensed, RTM version of Vista in 48 hours?

Subscribe to Microsoft's TechNet Plus Direct ($349 US plus tax for the first
year) and download both DVDs -- the 64-bit version (which includes Ultimate
and the lesser versions depending on which key you use) and the 32-bit ISO
(ditto for versions). And, you'll get keys for all versions which are not
in any way crippled or time limited.

The EULA says you may use TechNet direct downloads *for evaluation purposes*
and activate each *version* on up to 10 computers. As a lawyer who knows MS
can write a killer EULA when they want to, that vague language is not likely
to be a mistake. If it is, act soon before MS's General Counsel reads
this newsgroup (as I am sure he does in his spare time) and re-writes the
thing.

For fear of killing the golden goose, I'm not going to go on about what a
bargain Technet Direct Plus is at this moment in the Microsoft product
cycle. Er, but Office 2007 Ultimate RTM is there, too.

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with TechNet Plus other than being a
(recently) paid subscriber.

 

[Chad Harris]

I'm not going to cover any deals various vendors have because I figure
anyone can go to the
Vendor sites and some are still unfolding and there are so many.

You have one purchase option right now to use a license now other than
Technet or MSDN via Comp USA if you're in the USA. You can buy licenses
from them and go to a website and download and I've detailed this in other
threads if you search with Comp USA in the thread.

Any questions you want to clear up can be done by calling 1-800-MICROSOFT
and using the appropriate pre-sales option that fits you. I'd believe MSFT
because after meticulous research, I have determined that they make Vista
and Office 2007.

We have also covered this in detail in numerous threads if you use View>Find
Stuart.

Buying an X86 DVD of course has nothing to do with X64, but you can get 64
Bit Vista on a DVD. You're going to have to have a 64 bit machine which you
seem to, and upgrades to Vista 64 if you don't get a full edition can of
course only be done from a 64 bit XP.

Again, if you want to hear it from MSFT I can point you to the nearest
convenient phone, and 1-800-MICROSOFT using the appropriate pre-sales
option for you.

Since you are a 64 bit guy, you might enjoy following the MSFT 64 bit
website where Charley Russell and some MVPs who are 64 bit gurus and
enthusiasts hang out but we have our share here. Just type in 64 in search
in Winmail or whatever you're using to hit these groups and you'll see that
group pop up.

It's microsoft.public.windows.64bit.general

Extended 64 is a good site with good forums and it has detailed discussion
of features and apps and how they work with tips on a 64 bit box.
http://extended64.com/Default.aspx

CH

 

[Stuart]

We have also covered this in detail in numerous threads if you use

View>Find Stuart.

A search produces 10,000 messages on this topic and not one single
definitive answer.
I am in the UK, 1-800 anything doesn't work, I'll try Directory Enquiries.
Honestly I've never had so much trouble giving my money to anyone!

I don't mind waiting 'til Jan/Feb, RC2 x64 is working well, but I want to
know what I'm buying when I try to place my order for a retail copy.

 

[Stuart]

I tried phoning Microsoft UK, they are out!

A search produces 10,000 messages on this topic and not one single
definitive answer.
I am in the UK, 1-800 anything doesn't work, I'll try Directory Enquiries.
Honestly I've never had so much trouble giving my money to anyone!

I don't mind waiting 'til Jan/Feb, RC2 x64 is working well, but I want to
know what I'm buying when I try to place my order for a retail copy.

 

[Stuart]

PS: Chad, did you condider answering my question before poking fun at me?

 

[John Barnes]

Here is a post on the subject. Best I can do for you.

Hello Colin,
I stand corrected Colin you are correct. It does appear they will ship
both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs in the same box at least for Windows Ultimate.
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]

 

[Stuart]

Hello Colin,
I stand corrected Colin you are correct. It does appear they will ship
both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs in the same box at least for Windows Ultimate.
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]

Thanks John

Although his use of the qualifier "It does appear" won't instaill confidence
in anyone! I've run up a huge bill phoning UK vendors today and none of them
seems to know either!

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You get both for one price. Either both x86 and x64 dvd's will be in the
retail box or it will have x86 and instructions for obtaining x64 at no
cost. The product key works for both and you install one or the other but
not both. Retail boxes are not in the hands of dealers yet so there are
scanty details online. You are just going to have to wait a few weeks.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Stuart, the information you want has not been put on the internet yet. You
are too early. Pricing is up but no one has the retail boxes yet. They are
not due to be sold to the public until Jan 30.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Thanks for the reminder. I suspect that Ed Bott's blog, which started the
one-disk-or-two debate, probably referred to tentative plans for the Upgrade
Editions. Since XP Pro x64 is not a retail sku I can believe that Vista x64
UE disks might be "on-demand." It would also make sense because otherwise
too many people might buy the UE boxes thinking that they could upgrade from
x86 to x64 that way. There would be a lot of confusion and a lot of
returns. It would really make sense to ship the UE boxes with only the x86
dvd.

We shall see.

 

[Stuart]

" You are just going to have to wait a few weeks."


ROFLMAO

I've been waiting for a year!

After four hours sat, credit card in hand, at a browser window - I wonder if
MS realise that I could have downloaded and installed an illegal copy in
half that time?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

We don't know any more than you do.

Hello Colin,
I stand corrected Colin you are correct. It does appear they will ship
both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs in the same box at least for Windows
Ultimate.
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]

Thanks John

Although his use of the qualifier "It does appear" won't instaill
confidence in anyone! I've run up a huge bill phoning UK vendors today and
none of them seems to know either!

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

I have been waiting five.

" You are just going to have to wait a few weeks."


ROFLMAO

I've been waiting for a year!

After four hours sat, credit card in hand, at a browser window - I wonder
if MS realise that I could have downloaded and installed an illegal copy
in half that time?

 

[John Barnes]

Don't know in the UK, but when XP was introduced into retail here there were
huge promotions offered by the stores that included various software titles
and even free scanners, cameras etc. In the US I wouldn't be in a hurry to
preorder at list price.

 

[Marty]

So was I.

Marty

I have been waiting five.

 

[Daze N. Knights]

Being a subscriber to Technet Plus Direct is not in any way considered
by Microsoft to be the same thing as being a member of either the
"Microsoft Partner" program or the "Microsoft Developer Network," is it?
I ask because I earned a "gift" copy of MS Office Professional 2007 in
the recent PowerTogether.com activities and receiving my copy depends on
NOT being a member of either the "Microsoft Partner" program or the
"Microsoft Developer Network."

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Stuart;
32 bit and 64 bit will not share the same DVD.
What I am unsure is if both DVDs are included in the same package.
Keep checking the vender sites.

If you are buying in North America, you can always return it to Microsoft
within 45 days if the seller will not take it back.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

TechNet membership is not a membership in either of the other groups.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

According to Darrell Gorter both dvd's are in the retail box (at least the
full edition boxes). It may be that the x86 dvd is the only one in the
retail Upgrade edition boxes (based on Ed Bott's blog) but that is not
confirmed.