MS Beta IDs: Where do you get them?

[HellBender]

I really want to get into some beta testing.. Where did you all get your first beta IDs from? And, for the experienced testers, do you guys get your IDs from somewhere too or do you just get emails from Microsoft?

[neojoker]

MS gives you one if they accept you into a program. To apply for a program, you generally either send mail to betareq@microsoft.com, or wait until you see open invitations that you can sign up for. I started back with Windows 98 by doing the betareq method. Then I got onto the Office 2003 beta the same way. Hope that helps.

[Toolage]

Yea just like posted before, they just assign you one once you are enrolled into a beta. That is how I got mine anyways

[HellBender]

  NeoJoKeR said:

MS gives you one if they accept you into a program. To apply for a program, you generally either send mail to betareq@microsoft.com, or wait until you see open invitations that you can sign up for. I started back with Windows 98 by doing the betareq method. Then I got onto the Office 2003 beta the same way. Hope that helps.

What do you usually write in the email? Is it supposed to be a long application or just "I want to participate in this beta"?

[neojoker]

I think it was generally giving your name, address, phone/fax, email, beta ID (if you have one), description of computer hardware, and brief summary of why you want to test. Don't hold me to that, as it's been a LONG time since I wrote one of those. :) Good luck.

(Also, the subject should be something like "Whister Beta Tester Application," listing the product name in the subject. Only send one product request per email, don't put them into one message, and only send one email per product, not 50,000.)

[Fred Derf Veteran]

  NeoJoKeR said:

I think it was generally giving your name, address, phone/fax, email, beta ID (if you have one), description of computer hardware, and brief summary of why you want to test. Don't hold me to that, as it's been a LONG time since I wrote one of those. :) Good luck.

You should also add something about what you can uniquely offer. Non-english language testing, 3rd party software testing, unusual hardware testing, etc...

[Storm]

I got my first one from here :)

[Ryan V]

You could also go to MS Beta and sign up there :)

If you are interested in becoming a beta tester for a program, sign in with your Microsoft .Net Passport account. When prompted, enter the GuestID 'BetaReq' and then go to the Potential Testers program.

[null_]

If you go to http://beta.microsoft.com and use a guest ID to fill out a particular survey, and you are accepted, you get a beta id. As far as I know, you keep that ID throughout other beta programs, its tied to your .NET Passport.

[graeme_7799]

i get mine privately from microsoft. anywhere else and it is classified as "warez" as you people call it.

[Ryan V]

Well the only place you can get the Beta ID from Microsoft. However, from time to time the GuestID that allows you to nominate yourself for different betas is leaked or is on tech sites. :whistle: .

[graeme_7799]

heres a good example. i just checked my email and i got an invitation for the live communications server beta 2005. Read below for example:

Only a short seven months after our initial release, the Live Communications Server team has officially announced Live Communications Server 2005! One of your colleagues has indicated that you would be a good candidate for the Live Communications Server 2005 Beta, so we would like to extend an invitation for you to join this program.

The Nomination Process:

1. Go to https://beta.microsoft.com/

2. Sign in with your .Net Passport ID.

3. Use the Guest ID "XXXXXXXXXX".

4. Click on the ?Live Communications Server? Link

5. Click on the ?nomination form? link on the left side of the page under ?Surveys?

6. Fill out and submit the nomination form

This is just an example for you, hellbender. But i'll give you one hint. you should have some expertise in the software industry of microsoft's past products testing before you think of doing beta testing.

[Ryan V]

Also If you do get picked your more than likely going to start with something small. The first beta I had gotten into was Windows Messenger 5, then later on I got into bigger ones..

Edited May 18, 2004 by Ryan92

[OptiPlex]

Can you be a beta tester if you're under 18?

[mipra]

  OptiPlex said:

Can you be a beta tester if you're under 18?

I dont think they check for your age...

[Brandon]

i have one, and im 14 :)... got it for my Encarta 2005 Beta when i sent the email to betareq@microsoft.com

my question... i had fun testing it, how do i sign up for more betas?

[OptiPlex]

  mipra said:

I dont think they check for your age...

Well, WindowsBeta.Microsoft.com checks your age so I was asking

[vladzaharia]

I'm 13 and I'm a Beta Tester

[mew2u]

why did you just post to a 6 month old topic. i know, its because u joined last month and have 2 posts :).