Microsoft Says Thankyou! to Select Vista Testers
Posted by Steven Parker on 17 November 2006 - 00:31 · 254 comments & 130577 views
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(5 replies)
#1 Posted by ziggie216 on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:32
- Vista final product acceptance agreement
Please read carefully and respond below
Thank you. Your download is available as "Windows Vista Final English DVD Images (x86 and x64)" in the downloads section. You will receive email notification when your product key is available, within 1 week.
Return to the connection home page
is this key to be used as a full life time version? -
#1.2 Posted by Neobond on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:38
- Yes, it will be unique to you and its not the 180 day version but a full copy

The only difference? Its the downloadable one not the media (pretty boxed version). I'm not complaining! -
#1.3 Posted by ziggie216 on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:41
- Quote - Neobond said @ #1.2Yes, it will be unique to you and its not the 180 day version but a full copy

The only difference? Its the downloadable one not the media (pretty boxed version). I'm not complaining!
i wouldnt care if I get the box version or not.. damn I should write MS a thank you card just for saving me a lot of money!!!
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#2 Posted by yourmotherisold on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:32
- I wish I was a beta tester

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#4 Posted by jordanspringer on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:37
- I was a CPP tester and submitted at least 10 bug reports, i want my copy lol.
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#4.1 Posted by MvT Cracker on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:51
- Quote - jordanspringer said @ #1I was a CPP tester and submitted at least 10 bug reports, i want my copy lol.
I submitted a few bugs and feed back and "problem reports" were is my copy -
#4.2 Posted by +Ryster092 on 17 Nov 2006 - 14:03
- Quote - MvT Cracker said @ #4.1Quote - jordanspringer said @ #1I was a CPP tester and submitted at least 10 bug reports, i want my copy lol.
I submitted a few bugs and feed back and "problem reports" were is my copy
Both of you were not beta testers. You were preview customers. The fact that you submitted a few bugs (where did you send them btw?) is irrelevant. Sorry.
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#5 Posted by tiddlie on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:38
- Wow! That's saved me £350 for the sake of a few bug reports! Thank you Microsoft. Good call

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#6 Posted by TEMPNEGROQ on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:38
- no way, has to be a joke...microsoft give out 6,000,000 worth of vista
can't wait for the leaked keys !!! -
#6.1 Posted by tiddlie on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:40
- Quote - TEMPNEGROQ said @ #6no way, has to be a joke...microsoft give out 6,000,000 worth of vista
can't wait for the leaked keys !!!
Would you leak a key specifically linked to you? Didn't think so.... -
#6.2 Posted by Chugworth on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:03
- And they would not be much use to him considering that the keys can only activate on one machine.
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#6.3 Posted by metalguy90 on 17 Nov 2006 - 14:06
- they arent giving out 6M copies of vista... more like 10% for that.... maybe 20%.... it shows that 211,249 bugs were submitted (and that stat is for all applications, not just Vista). Which means that less than 200,000 copies are being given to Connect testers. I know myself, I submitted at least 15 unique bugs, which means that it is more likely even less than 200,000.
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#6.4 Posted by tiddlie on 17 Nov 2006 - 20:03
- Quote - metalguy90 said @ #6.3they arent giving out 6M copies of vista... more like 10% for that.... maybe 20%.... it shows that 211,249 bugs were submitted (and that stat is for all applications, not just Vista). Which means that less than 200,000 copies are being given to Connect testers. I know myself, I submitted at least 15 unique bugs, which means that it is more likely even less than 200,000.
Don't quote me, but I think the total testers on the Vista beta on connect was 20,000..... I bet a larger majority didn't post bugs. I'd guess that maybe 10,000 copies have been given out.
Now consider the amout of copies Microsoft will sell.....
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#7 Posted by David Horn on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:39
- My email turned up 10 minutes ago, Vista x64 downloading now.

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#9 Posted by embj on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:40
- w00 Microsoft! I get a birthday present! This is great...got two new monitors today, and I'll have Vista to show off on them. They really know how to take care of their testers...webcams, messenger bags, and a free copy of Windows Vista.
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#10 Posted by +Manno on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:41
- Why am I getting no emails from Microsoft? Didnt get one at all today. For weeks actually :
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(1 reply)
#11 Posted by denzilla on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:42
- 1 bug??? ONE DAMN BUG!!!!!!????????? LOLOLOLOLOLO!L!LOL!OL!O!LLOlLL11111 0/ *Cries*
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#11.1 Posted by kev_gordon on 17 Nov 2006 - 12:16
- LOL! Brilliant!
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#12 Posted by jordanspringer on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:42
- so theres an explorer bug as explained in the news post that will ship with vista in january and consumers have to do a windows update to get rid of it? this sucks
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#13 Posted by da13ro on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:42
- Wow thats crazyly good deal. Nice work MSFT shame I wasnt apart of it.
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#14 Posted by chaosblade on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:45
- That's the way to do it Microsoft.
I'm really satisfied with how Microsoft has been behaving in this last year or so.
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(3 replies)
#15 Posted by ziggie216 on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:45
- what exactly is "licensed for DVD playback" there are dvd-roms not license for playback??
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#15.1 Posted by Neobond on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:58
- I wonder if that has to do with using it on a Virtual disk?
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#15.2 Posted by
markjensen on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:15
- It may have something to do with CSS decryption being a patented (and defended by invoking the DMCA) technology that must be licensed (i.e. not freely re-distributable).
We run into this sort of stuff frequently in the *nix world, which is why I am familiar with it. I haven't ever looked at Vista, so I can't vouch what is standard with it and what is not. -
#15.3 Posted by scyphe on 17 Nov 2006 - 05:16
- Quote - ziggie216 said @ #15what exactly is "licensed for DVD playback" there are dvd-roms not license for playback??
Vista Ultimate includes an MPEG2-codec (with MCE) which MS is paying a license-fee for (included in the price for Ultimate). Since they're not getting paid for it someone getting the free version has to have an existing license in the form of something like WinDVD or PowerDVD (shouldn't be too difficult since they're usually included when you buy new gfx-cards etc..)
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#17 Posted by kyro on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:48
- who wants to stab me ? common...... right here... in middle of my chest.... i didnt even submit one bug when i found plentlyy
cause i thought must be filed already. -
#17.1 Posted by +guylaroche on 17 Nov 2006 - 03:05
- Ouch...
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#17.3 Posted by Ruffneckting on 17 Nov 2006 - 16:05
- What use are you as a BETA tester if you do not report anything?
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#18 Posted by Hurmoth on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:50
- I don't remember how many I filed and didn't get an email. But that's ok with me, I wasn't actually expecting this so huge kudos to Microsoft
Congrats to those who get free copies!
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(1 reply)
#20 Posted by Rudy on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:52
- i didnt submit any bugs because of my past experience with MS betas, i was on the monad beta and i submitted TONS of bugs and i got NO FEEDBACK at all. so this time around i didnt bother....no regrets though
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#20.1 Posted by kekelar on 17 Nov 2006 - 09:43
- Hi, I'm a developer on Windows, and just wanted to say that the large volume of feedback makes it impractical to send responses to everyone. But we _do_ receive and consider every piece of feedback.
Also, to everyone who thinks issues may already be reported, know that the volume of feedback is considered when prioritizing fixes. Therefore don't worry about reporting duplicate issues; we can handle it.
Big thanks to everyone who helped beta test
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(1 reply)
#21 Posted by :: Lyon :: on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:54
- If only I was accepted to Vista beta testing many months ago

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#22 Posted by Jeremy1 on 17 Nov 2006 - 00:58
- Downloading it now, as fast as my connection will allow. I had no idea I'd be upgrading to Vista this soon!
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#23 Posted by BoyRacer on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:00
- Here it is dudes, Microsofts Email to us Beta Testers:
We would like to take a moment to thank you for your contribution to Microsoft Windows Vista. Quite simply, it would not be the product it is today without your time, dedication and thoughtful feedback. You should be proud to have helped us develop the highest quality, most secure and most reliable Windows to date. To say "thank you" we would like to provide you with a complimentary copy of Windows Vista for your use.
Please visit >> removed << to accept your copy.
If for some reason you are unable to accept this gift you may decline by clicking "Decline Invitation" on the "My Participation" page on Connect.
We would like to offer you a copy of the software and a product key for Windows Vista Business Edition or, if you are eligible Ultimate Edition. You are eligible to choose Ultimate Edition if the machine on which you intend to install Windows Vista already has a DVD drive and is currently licensed for DVD playback, i.e., you have already licensed one or more pieces of software for playing back DVDs- This is a full retail copy intended for your personal use and not for resale.
- It is being offered as a download only. No media will be mailed.
- Only currently active, invited members of the Windows Vista technical beta program who filed at least one bug are receiving this offer.
- Please visit >> removed << to accept this offer and indicate your preference for Business or Ultimate editions.
- After accepting the offer terms you will be immediately be given access to download the software.
- You may install and use the edition you chose for 30 days without a product key. Simply click 'next' at the product key prompt during setup, continue on and choose the appropriate edition from the list. You will be able to enter your product key at the activation prompt at a later time.
- We will email you when your product key is available for retrieval on Connect. In general this should happen within one week of your acceptance of the terms.
Thank you,
The Windows Beta Team
For another chance to explore features in the Windows Vista beta with scenarios provided by the Windows Vista teams, check out the Scenario Voting website: http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/scenarios/scenarios.aspx
We are able to download both the x84 and x64 Ultimate Edition Iso's, Product Key will be e-mailed within a week.
Yes Life is Good!
Removed some links - Neobond
Last edited by Neobond on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:10
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(1 reply)
#24 Posted by Pierce28 on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:01
- I am pretty sure I autosubmitted a bug when things like AIM crashed and such.. At least I pray I did!
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#25 Posted by IceFreak2000 on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:03
- This is a fantastic early Christmas present! Cheers MS!
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#26 Posted by excalpius on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:04
- Another classy move ( #2! ) by Microsoft for the enthusiasts. It's about friggin time they wised up. You're welcome!

Unfortunately, Vista is still a massively overpriced turkey of an XP point release.
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#26.1 Posted by Neobond on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:07
- When I think about it, the pricing of Windows makes it more attractive to go out and buy a new machine. If Windows were really cheap then hardware manufacturers might suffer as a result.
Why didn't I think of that before? It makes sense.. I bet OEM's will offer Premium and a dollar price to get Ultimate tho. -
#26.2 Posted by scyphe on 20 Nov 2006 - 02:08
- Quote - Neobond said @ #26.1When I think about it, the pricing of Windows makes it more attractive to go out and buy a new machine. If Windows were really cheap then hardware manufacturers might suffer as a result.
Why didn't I think of that before? It makes sense.. I bet OEM's will offer Premium and a dollar price to get Ultimate tho.
People with legit copies of 2K/XP can get upgrade versions which are a lot cheaper than the full retail packages. And of course, Ultimate IS expensive since it's something out of the ordinary compared to XP Pro etc..
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#28 Posted by ziggie216 on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:13
- wow... ms server must be getting raped right now.. my d/led started from 800KB/sec to now 80KB/sec
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#28.1 Posted by Jeremy1 on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:15
- That's why I chose the Europe servers instead of the US ones.
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#29 Posted by The Land of Smeg on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:13
- Nice One MS. If only I had been accepted into the Vista Beta on connect, and I would have got one too

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#30 Posted by yakumo on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:14
- w000t I submitted several and got a reply on one thanking me and saying it was being looked into

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#32 Posted by Pug on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:20
- Wow I'm so happy ! Getting it at 800 kb/s too. Can't wait to install it.
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#33 Posted by MkNawabi on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:23
- did those who got the beta 2 (who submitted bug reports) get free copies as well?
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#34 Posted by cchasem on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:25
- I'll remember this when Vienna comes around!
Way to go MS!
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#35 Posted by petrop on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:27
- Where is my email? I filled at least 5 bugs, and nothing here! Maybe is because I'm from Portugal, little country in Europe.
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#36 Posted by +saxondale. on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:28
- no email for me, oh well.
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#38 Posted by NickFritz on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:35
- no email yet. Hope mine arrives soon. Probably cause im in Australia
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#39 Posted by badazzEVO8 on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:37
- wow, i'm in shock! i'm amazed they actually give you guys something decent for doing THEIR work for them. bout friggin time
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#40 Posted by Martin Blank on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:47
- Remember, guys -- just because you had the beta installed doesn't make you a beta tester. Those who were invited were a tiny fraction of the overall number of installations.
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(1 reply)
#41 Posted by BoyRacer on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:48
- To Connect Beta Testers,
Sign up for Microsoft Game Studios Beta, inside track is Halo 2 for PC-Vista, Halo 3 Beta Testing for XBOX are among the goodies!
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#42 Posted by Xerxes on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:50
- Cool, I wasn't a beta tester (used the public BETAs) still how do you get into a Windows BETA? I've applied to a couple of them and never got invited
oh well doesn't matter, since I only have a Dx9 GPU Vista offers little to me over XP anyway (other then having a prettier GUI).
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#43 Posted by +Steven on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:53
- heh The one bug I submitted was not even fixed.

Thanks for the 400 Software for that.
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#44 Posted by signalpirate on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:06
- anyone else cant get their file transfer started???? mine just wont budge...
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(2 replies)
#45 Posted by maf_74 on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:10
- Just like a drug dealer giving away free samples to its addicted users. Now you're hooked. Right where they want you.
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#45.1 Posted by bibutteryboy on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:15
- That's got to be the worst analogy ever. Right where they want you? For what? It's not like they have to keep buying Vista every year or something. Unlike Apple, Ms gives their updates away for free.
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#45.2 Posted by ccuk on 17 Nov 2006 - 10:23
- Quote - bibutteryboy said @ #45.1That's got to be the worst analogy ever. Right where they want you? For what? It's not like they have to keep buying Vista every year or something. Unlike Apple, Ms gives their updates away for free.
So Vista is free? or you have to buy it?
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#46 Posted by ambiance on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:16
- I sent them feedback on how there was no contrast between the desktop and my computer in rc1, but feel left out as I tested both RC1 and RC2. Dammit!
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#47 Posted by Lasker on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:25
- I was accepted!!! thank you Microsoft you rock!!!
the problem now is how to make File Transfer to work, it does not work here
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#48 Posted by CoLdFuSi0n on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:27
- damn it, i can't download it, all i keep getting is an error

Is this the same version that is being leaked around the net right now? If so that would be sweet. Then i can use my key for that version
Edit:
Never mind it working now and at a cool 3800 KB/s
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(1 reply)
#49 Posted by signalpirate on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:28
- well congrats guys .. we've successfully killed connect lol Quote -The system has encountered an unexpected error. We apologize for the inconvenience. The issue will be addressed as quickly as possible.
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#51 Posted by +shihchiun on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:33
- /me wonders if they'll be doing something similar for Office 2007...
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#51.1 Posted by Chugworth on 17 Nov 2006 - 03:54
- I don't think they would give us the full product. But they might give us something. For testing Office 2003, we got a cheap radio.
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#51.2 Posted by jimbo11883 on 17 Nov 2006 - 06:07
- Yea, this is bulls**t. I only got on the Office 2007 beta, submitted 8 or 9 bugs, and got nothing, while the Vista testers get a free copy?

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#52 Posted by stooley on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:53
- I did. Logged in before I received it though due to the post here and the survey was there, so I had taken it and started downloading before I even heard from MS.
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#53 Posted by bmchan on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:54
- I wonder if it won't apply to users with gmail accounts for e-mail addresses. I definitely submitted a bug report and checked my e-mail... nothing for me so far
. Anyone who got the thank you e-mail using a gmail account?
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#54 Posted by Vista Waiter on 17 Nov 2006 - 02:58
- dont use firefox use IE to download, and also i have gmail account and got an email of acceptence
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#55 Posted by yakumo on 17 Nov 2006 - 03:13
- I submitted a bug with file transfers over remote desktop connection not completing accurately and not reporting any kind of failure, I got an mail at one point saying it would be looked into and addressed in future releases or something, can't find it now in my gmail account for the life of me, it's really doing my nut. but I know I didn't delete it.
anyone else ever get a mail bug response like that after using the beta client? could you let me know the address it was sent from I really want to find this.
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#56 Posted by frogworm on 17 Nov 2006 - 03:18
- good things come to those who waited
while i watched everyone download pirated RTM i sat back and waited for MS to do the right thing and i thank them for that. now i can stream media to/from my Xbox 360 to my Vista Ultimate PC 
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Microsoft sent out a mail to those testers just a few minutes ago which specified that it is being offered as a download only. No media will be mailed, and only currently active, invited members of the Windows Vista technical beta program who filed at least one bug are receiving this offer.
Kudos to Microsoft! I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that they have really shown their appreciation towards the people that actually took the time to submit the bugs that were eventually worked out of the final code, some bugs that were submitted by beta testers didn't make the final, among those is the now infamous explorer folder selection bug* where the folder remains selected in the tree view, deleting a file or folder in the folder view (right pane) actually deletes the selection in the tree menu!
Microsoft had already announced that this was too late to be included in the signed off code and it will be fixed with a patch update.
*Workaround = Click on an empty area in the right pane first before deleting anything.