To everyone that took part in the Windows Vista beta test (as far as I know, about 20,000), only those that submitted at least 1 bug report will be offered a complimentary copy of Windows Vista Business or Ultimate.
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.
Link: Did you submit a bug? @ Connect
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.
Link: Did you submit a bug? @ Connect
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?
The only difference? Its the downloadable one not the media (pretty boxed version). I'm not complaining!
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!!!
I submitted a few bugs and feed back and "problem reports" were is my copy
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.
can't wait for the leaked keys !!!
can't wait for the leaked keys !!!
Would you leak a key specifically linked to you? Didn't think so....
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.....
I'm really satisfied with how Microsoft has been behaving in this last year or so.
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.
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..)
i of all people forgot about my bug reports in the early betas so im pretty psyched
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
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.
Again, we thank you for all your contributions during the beta!!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
I hope you did!
Unfortunately, Vista is still a massively overpriced turkey of an XP point release.
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.
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..
damn... is there an option to switch server?
i vaguely remember it didn't come from 'microsoft.com' though, anyone give me a tip what to look for?
Last edited by yakumo on 17 Nov 2006 - 01:37
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!
Thanks for the 400 Software for that.
So Vista is free? or you have to buy it?
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
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.
getting my copy, now this really motivates me, I wish I was spending a little more time beta testing the vista.
You have just saved me $751 Australian (Approximately) for the Ultimate edition
Just have to decide if I should get the 32bit or 64bit version
I guess the 2 minor bugs I submitted were acceptable.
You have just saved me $751 Australian (Approximately) for the Ultimate edition
Just have to decide if I should get the 32bit or 64bit version
I guess the 2 minor bugs I submitted were acceptable.
Yeah downloading both ISO's now
only 55Hours to go
I really should have submitted a bug report, i even found some issues.
Still waiting!
(and yes it was fixed when the released RC2)
Well, if you're a technical betatester in the longhorn program, you can contact the beta-email with your bug-ID's and your beta-handle to sort it out...
I am not sure why anyone would want Business edition when Ultimate edition includes everything Business has and more.
Thanks Microsoft!
Smctainsh
Last edited by scyphe on 28 Nov 2006 - 04:51
i havent recieved this email from microsoft yet.
oh well, ill see
After filling out the survey, i got a message saying it (the product key) would be delivered by email within a week. Just be patience!
After filling out the survey, i got a message saying it (the product key) would be delivered by email within a week. Just be patience!
Whoops, I don't mean key, I mean the initial download.
Smctainsh
After filling out the survey, i got a message saying it (the product key) would be delivered by email within a week. Just be patience!
Whoops, I don't mean key, I mean the initial download.
Smctainsh
I think you have to look in the downloads section. Check for something named 'Windows Vista Final English DVD Images (x86 and x64)'. I'm currently downloading at 500kb/s
Smctainsh
Smctainsh
I received an email, so I guess the other testers did as well. Did you submit any bugs? You are only meant to get the survey if you submitted at least one.
After filling out the survey, i got a message saying it (the product key) would be delivered by email within a week. Just be patience!
Whoops, I don't mean key, I mean the initial download.
Smctainsh
I think you have to look in the downloads section. Check for something named 'Windows Vista Final English DVD Images (x86 and x64)'. I'm currently downloading at 500kb/s
Have to log in to connect and fill out the survey first...
My Passport account got all FUBAR'd about a month and a half ago, so I have a sneakin suspicion this has something to do with it.
I lost all my Messenger contacts, access to Xbox.com, access to all of the beta programs etc. It was like someone logged in and took ownership of my account.
Hopefully I can get this resolved.
Yes, vista_6000.etcetcetc
I feel used. :'(
Lazy official beta-testers get free copy, but the active bug reporters, that was not invited to the official beta does not get anything?
I mean seriously - i don't see why they reward the people who only filed one bug, when they have joined a beta program. Why couldn't they set the limit at 10 reports, and don't care about whether they were official or not? A bug is a bug, and worth the same to them whether they chose you to beta test it or not.
Great Microsoft. I'm hoping this is surely the full product and not a testing cyclus.
vista has come a long way =)
I want to download it but connect looks pritty much dead lol
Edit - thats more like it, connect is up and downloading at 400kb
Thanks Microsoft
(now all I need is Office 2007 ;-))
(Nobody say it's illegal, cuz it isn't)
Is it legal to sell it to a third party?Ok, you edited that
I don't care about you, i just feel sorry for the "lucky" guy, who pays for an OS, but still gets an illegal copy.
Why would it be difficult? I'd be burning the ISO I download from Connect, and including a un-used CD Key.
How is that illegal? It's un-used and unwanted.
Why would it be difficult? I'd be burning the ISO I download from Connect, and including a un-used CD Key.
How is that illegal? It's un-used and unwanted.
wow are you dumb... did you even read what Microsoft said in your agreement? it says "THIS COPY IS NOT FOR RESALE" and umm thats what you say you want to do.. resale it... its illegal to resale something that is marked as not for resale.... heck even if you did try Microsoft's people that watch eBay will get you and cancel the sale
"This is a full retail copy intended for your personal use and not for resale."
"This is a full retail copy intended for your personal use and not for resale."
Well I don't know about you and whatever magical planet you live on, but the term "resale" here on earth means retail sale.
Morons.
If interested send the key to kde4ever@gmail.com... if you don't want to its ok.
"This is a full retail copy intended for your personal use and not for resale."
Well I don't know about you and whatever magical planet you live on, but the term "resale" here on earth means retail sale.
Morons.
damn u must be from a different earth then. "resale" means selling something secondhand.
I think it's because I'm in the technical beta, and that's what everyone in this group who get it.
That's the essence of M$...
blast that damn anonymous error reporting system!!
This time I did so and it downloaded, but I never had the .iso just the .tmp files Unfortunately I have crappy internet and it took 12 hours just to get the X86 downloaded so I guess I need the whole thing....30 hours...yay
Yea I assumed that was the case. I am re-downloading it again. It is like the download program will not convert it to the iso instead of its tmp file.
If I download the both versions (32 & 64Bits), Can I use the same key to install them when I want?, I mean If I install first the 32Bit version and months later I wanna Install the 64Bits version can I use the same key? or I need a different key for each version?.
Greetings.
PS. You know what I gonna miss... The Box
Last edited by daniel_rh on 17 Nov 2006 - 14:38
The system has encountered an unexpected error. We apologize for the inconvenience. The issue will be addressed as quickly as possible.
Gutted will try again later.
Yeah probably, although they have not sent out 20,000 emails to all the beta testers only those who submitted bugs... I wonder how many there was...?
At least I was one of them which I am still ecstatic about...
I am still getting this error. I was downloading nicely for about 2 hours and bam....stops....what BS!
I cannot remember if I said it this way but it was something like below.
I did not expect them to respond with an email to us all thanking us for all our contributions.
Only filed around 2-4 bugs though.
I posted 7 bugs using Microsoft bug reporting tool (these are all listed on Connect).
For 3 I couldn't give enough information so they were closed. Nevertheless RTM doesn't have those bugs. None of my submitted issues repro on RTM so they are all fixed.
I can't wait for the email next week. I only wish Microsoft gives out OCUR keys also. But I guess could get that when I upgrade my whole computer setup to High Def Media Center (HD MCE) mid-next year
20000 copies of Ultimate is going to cost Microsoft a lot in terms of DVD-codec licensing fees.
Hurray to Microsoft for this gift!
I had Enterprise version earlier but it didn't have DVD playback.
I had Enterprise version earlier but it didn't have DVD playback.
thats what the MPEG-2 codec gives you, DVD Playback, this is why MS wants you to have a copy of a dvd player from a 3rd party so they DONT have to pay royalties on giving you that codec since you would already own it
To get a lot of people (especially techies) on board, who will love it, of course! Will then tell all thier disciples, (sorry customers) that Vista is the best thing since sliced bread.
Thing is most users can not even get thier head around some of the most simple of tasks in XP, nevermind having to think about 3D Desktops, transparency and User Account Control.
They just want things to work!
I can also guarantee you that its still filled with a tremendous amount of bugs, from my own experience and others that I know who tried it.
Then of course there are the Microsoft fanboys who stick up for Microsoft no matter what they do wrong. They can give away free copies of Windows, but how dare you use a free copy. Idiots.
I can also guarantee you that its still filled with a tremendous amount of bugs, from my own experience and others that I know who tried it.
Then of course there are the Microsoft fanboys who stick up for Microsoft no matter what they do wrong. They can give away free copies of Windows, but how dare you use a free copy. Idiots.
Actually it contains a couple very insignificant bugs that will be taken care of by a patch in the near future.
that's what I'll probably do if MS ignores my surveyes where I did submitted bugs
That was the office beta, the windows team has a history of giving all active testers a copy
Just went to the major torrent sites and did a search for Vista and all i see are old 5744/5840 and other RC1 and RC2 torrents
lol looks like a major regrouping is happening behind the scenes.
Just went to the major torrent sites and did a search for Vista and all i see are old 5744/5840 and other RC1 and RC2 torrents
lol looks like a major regrouping is happening behind the scenes.
yeah they removed all the fake torrents LOL
and some places (IsoHunt) are too scared to post the working legit ones
but yeah they ARE there and yes they are still working (seeding)
your just not looking in the right places
** Announcements **
File Downloads Currently Unavailable
November 17, 2006 (11:00 am Pacific Time):- At this time, file downloads are not working. This issue has been escalated to the operations team. We apologize for the inconvenience and we will post a notice as soon as the service has been restored.
It is unnecessary to report download failures at this time as we are aware of the problem and are actively working to resolve the issue. Thank you very much for your patience![/size]
You think they would have posted this message on the main page instead of tucking it away in the Contact Us menu. Dou...!
Last edited by Meacham on 17 Nov 2006 - 20:58
Awesome they do this! Thanks MS!
Nice job by MS.
Maybe if I get "Vista Life" tattooed on my stomach I might get that birthday present in my inbox.
Submit this to MS <im flipping my monitor the bird>
I want vista for free gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme NOW !!!111111
Bug testing HAXoRS BS !!!!111111
Pity! But oh well. At the moment, my hardware can't even support it anymore.
Congratulations to the rest of you!
Windows Vista, Longhorn Server and IE 7 Beta
Downloads Details
Title Windows Vista Final English DVD Images (x86 and x64)
Release Date 11/15/2006
Size 2,554.53 MB
Version 6.0
Category Build
Milestone RTM
Description
Final media images for Windows Vista English DVD's
vista_6000.16386.061101-2205_x86fre_client-LRMCFRE_EN_DVD.iso
CRC Value: 0xC11363AA
vista_6000.16386.061101-2205_x64fre_client-LRMCxFRE_EN_DVD.iso
CRC Value: 0xCE211A58
I've tried this on 3 machines in 2 different locations - I presume it's beacuse of the demand in people wanting to download their free copy. Anyone know how to install File Transfer Manager (FTM) seperatley?
*Inhales*
*Checks Hotmail*
*Exales*
Nothing.
Really should have submitted those bugs via cnnect and not the built in program.
An amazing gesture by Microsoft, tho.
*Continuous banging head against the wall*
Well i did the survey a few days ago, and it said I was accepted and I still haven't gotten one yet. I hope it do. Otherwise there's a 6gb download down the drain.
Well i did the survey a few days ago, and it said I was accepted and I still haven't gotten one yet. I hope it do. Otherwise there's a 6gb download down the drain.
Didn't it say on the confirmation message after you fill out the survey that you would be getting your key via email within a week or so? I'm not sure but I think that's what it said, I'm also waiting for the key, Thank you so much Microsoft.
Last edited by scyphe on 28 Nov 2006 - 04:52
Yes, i did bother to read the email, otherwise I wouldn't have done the survey. The only reason why i asked the question is because i heard some people already got their key, so I wanted to see if that was true. I'm not an idiot.
Good for Microsoft
File
en_windows_vista_x86_dvd_X12-34293.iso ISO-9660 DVD Image
File Size
2555 MB
SHA-1 Hash
b71e04564ca22e4d9928e59298eff87cf62b382b
-phil
i actually tried out the older "Longhorn" versions.... they had tons of bugs
From the e-mail:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Greetings,
The Windows Product and Consumer Support teams would like to thank you for participating in the Windows Vista Consumer Assisted Support (Friends and Family) beta program.
We're proud to announce that we have finalized our work on this version of Windows. Today, we have announced an extremely important milestone for Microsoft, the RTM (Release To Manufacturing) of Windows Vista. After receiving thousands of pieces of feedback via phone support and Web chat, we've incorporated much of this feedback into improving Windows Vista. Through your dedication and persistence, we're releasing an exceptionally better product. We could not have done this without your help!
Though we are officially announcing the release of Windows Vista today, the new version of Windows will not be available for consumers until late January. Computer manufactures require several months in order to test and prepare a new version of Windows for inclusion on new PC's. This is a normal part of the process for Microsoft and these manufacturers.
We're pleased to announce that we will be sending you one licensed 32-bit retail copy of Windows Vista Ultimate as a thank you for your participation in our program. This complimentary copy of Windows Vista may be installed on a 32-bit or 64-bit capable computer (x86/x64). At this time, we plan to send these out to participants in the February timeframe. We must wait until the product is available for purchase at retail establishments before shipping your copy so please continue to use and enjoy your existing version of Windows Vista until that time. Please take a moment to read the Updated Support Policy section below for important information regarding your support options from this point forward.
Important: It is important that we have your correct mailing address on file with the Connect site in order to receive this complimentary copy. Please verify this address is current and within the United States or Canada. Verification must be completed on or before December 20th, 2006. Changes made to your mailing address after this date may result in your copy of Windows Vista not being mailed or being sent to the wrong address. Microsoft Corporation is not responsible if your complimentary copy of Windows Vista is not delivered for any reason.
To verify that your contact and mailing information are current and correct, please visit the site https://connect.microsoft.com/profile/profile.aspx and logon with the same Microsoft Passport account you used when you originally registered for the program. Do this by Dec. 20th 2006 to ensure we have your updated information prior to shipping.
Again, we thank you and appreciate the time and effort you contributed. Your work greatly helped us in our effort to make Windows Vista the best Windows release ever!
Sincerely,
Windows Product and Consumer Support Teams
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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