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Windows Vista Beta 2 Public Release

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Today Microsoft Windows formally announced public availability of Windows Vista Beta 2. In a nod to community and blogs, Windows announced it first on The Hive:

 

“As members of The Hive, you are some of Microsoft’s most technically-savvy and enthusiastic users, and we wanted to give you an opportunity to be first to obtain the code before we more formally announce the CPP’s availability tomorrow.”

 

Click here to see the announcement and click here to get the beta

 

The beta is build 5384 for those of you keeping track. The team has done a good job of making this beta process as easy as possible for users. First, on the GetReady site one can use the Upgrade Advisor to see if one’s current Windows XP machine can run Windows Vista. Secondly, system requirements and a product guide are also available. And, Windows Vista Beta 2 may be either downloaded or ordered on DVD for a small fee in 32 bit or 64 bit.

 

Happy beta testing!

Comments

  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    Youououou. Thanks for delivering the good work.

    I've got a question by the way. When I donwload Vista with the suggested donwload manager, my connection reset too often.

    thanks

    Compugab
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    Nice work, been waiting ages for the public release.. now, if I could but get a slot on the download queue :)
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    I didn't see any suggested download manager but perhaps that's because like the gentleman above, Mr. Guerin, I can't seem to get a slot on the download queue either. Some people must have gotten there with beforehand knowledge or I am just unlucky! :( Will keep trying, however.
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    After 10 attempts to download, with the repeat message that the servers are too busy to allow a download at THIS time, I am presented with this:

    " Thank you for participating in the Microsoft Windows Vista Customer Preview Program.

    You have received the maximum number of Product Keys available for this program.
    Note:  Windows Vista Beta 2 can be installed and activated on up to 10 PCs using with one Product Key. "

    I have exactly 1 product key, 0 OS images, and less-than-o hope of actualy GETTING a OS image.

  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=38&threadid=1873784&enterthread=y#bottom

    torrents and what not available here... just use the key MS provided you
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    i´m happily downloading at full speed here, and i have a question...

    is this iso bootable?
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    Yes, the .iso image is bootable once burned onto a DVD.
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 08, 2006
    Have fun! I've been using Vista as my main OS for almost 2 weeks now. Its actually not bed although EXPECT to have some issues. It is a Beta - remember that.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Is it possible to beta test Vista Home Premium edition? I'm currently using XP Media Center and don't want to lose my Media Center functionality when beta testing Vista.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    The current download is Ultimate Edition and comes with everything including Media Center capability.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    SideBar Geek, you said you use it as your primary OS, I want to do the same thing, but you say there are Minor issues with it. What would those be?
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    There are certain applications that are designed to detect which Windows version you are running which don't install or work correctly...but application compatibilty is one of the top things Microsoft is working to improve.

    Minor issues could be anywhere from a small driver issue to maybe a explore.exe crash to network issues.

    Everyone's experience will be different since we are all testing on a variety of hardware.

    What I was trying to say is this is a Beta product. Its a product that shouldn't be used in "production environments". Like me, you would be taking a big risk running it as your primary OS. Expect issues because its Beta.

    DO NOT expect to install Beta 2 and have it work perfectly. If it worked perfectly, it wouldn't be Beta 2 - would be RTM instead ;-)
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Have been waiting for this. I'm planning to test it on my desktop, but 2 questions:

    Q1: Can I not lost all my programs when I switch to the Vista beta version?

    Q2: When I don't want to continue with the trial and wish to switch back to my current OS (Windows XP Pro - 32-bit), how should I do?

    I'm still a noob to Windows Vista. hehe...
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Tangent,

    DO NOT expect all your programs to work after upgrading to Windows Vista. They may work, or may not. Its a risk - the risk comes with testing Beta software.

    I am unfamiliar with moving back to XP as I don't do upgrades due to personal preference but I wouldn't take the risk. PLEASE BACK UP YOUR DATA before moving and upgrading to Windows Vista!!

    You can always switch back to your copy of Windows XP  but how easy it will be I don't know - I usually just reformat and reinstall XP when I moved back. I haven't moved back in a long time though ;-)

    PLEASE be careful with your data while testing Vista out as it is BETA SOFTWARE.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Hmm... I didn't mean to say that all the programs would run on Vista. Well ... anyway ... thanks for your advice. I will try to look out for more info. about Vista

    Anyway... wish all have good time with World Cup 2006! : )
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
             Hey, DJ Tech, the link which u mentioned i cannot download man. Its just a 161 kb file (.iso).
             Can anyone tell me any other link.
    Thanks
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    I got the download fine, burned to disc.

    Install gets to 40% of copying files. gives error 80070241

    and then restarts the setup again.

  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    I'm glad to see that Vista BETA is finally out for the public. I've been trying to get hold of this for a while.

    I am also having problem when downloading the file.  Keep resetting and I'm unable to download via DAP.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    where do I go to file bug reports? I thought that's what beta versions are for though I cannot seem to find where to file them.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Would there be a conflict if Vista was installed on a system running Windows XP (on seperate partition)?  (My version of XP is OEM, so if I need to reinstall it later, I'd lose everything.)  In that situation, is it even worth it to try to evaluate Vista?
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    The only problems I've had were with drivers. I just now got my system to run stable and it works great.

    I think its worth it indeed, it just might take a little extra work to get the system to work properly. Maby a little internet searching to find fixes for your favorite programs and games.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    What about the errors on the ordering page when trying to order the DVD kit? It won't let me enter my postal code and since thats the only thing left (although required), I can't get the DVD kit.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Problem during installation of Windows Vista

    I've downloaded the Windows Vista Beta 2 32-bit edition and have written it on a DVD.

    But when i start installation it terminates after completing 34%, generating following message:

    An error occured while copying setup files onto your local machine. Error code is [80070241].

    Can anybody help me to solve this issue!!!
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Hussain, I'd go to the newsgroups and throw that error code out - I know the newsgroups is an excellent place to get tech support questions answered:
    http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    These are happy times - I am really excited about Vista..

    Thanks Microsoft!

    Too lazy to mess with the d/l I ordered the DVD... Now I must wait 2-4 weeks more !
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    I can't even get past the first part of install without receiving this error number: 80070017

    I can't find any documentation about it, and I can't even find a replace to report the bugs. So I ask what is the point of this beta if we can't even give bug reports...
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    As I have stated in the above comments (please read through them before posting) - you can direct support related questions to the Beta 2 Newsgroups Microsoft has set up specifically for Windows Vista Beta 2:

    http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    For all those who are unable to download (just see on the link that says servers are busy and sorry for incovenience). Here's a remedy, it may sound wieerd but it worked for me.
      I had the IE 7 beta 2 installed on my system. I read somehwere that if u rollback to ie6 and try again, it wud work.
       Well, out of sheer frustation i did that, and woila in 3-4 attemepts in ie 6 i got the link and now i m downloading.
    Again a warnind dont use microsoft download manager as it is showin the same server busy error, so use ur own download manager.
         
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Hey, can anyone tell me whts the download size of the english 32 beta version download.
      my download manager is showin 3200.85 mb, but as far as i know microsoft mentioned that it is 3500 mb. Can anyone plzz ceheck out their download size and post it here or email me at coolashish_123@yahoo.com.
     I am worried that after 3200 mb it wont work. so please

    Thanks in advance.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    i downloaded the iso and on my hdd its 3.12 gb ...it should work


    is it true that i can use vista only till the first of july ? :(

    please answer me , to know if i'll install it or not :)
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    Don't worry you can use Vista way past the 1st of July! :-)
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    You will probably need to uninstall any antivirus protection you may have.

    Its unknown how well Norton Internet Security will work if at all - but its part of why Microsoft is releasing this Beta...to get a feel for which applications don't work, or somewhat work so they can improve application capatibility.

    Like I've said, don't expect all your applications to work perfectly when testing Vista Beta 2. You shouldn't be going into testing this Beta out as if you can run everything just like you were on XP because you'll find that this may not be the case.

    Windows Defender is included in Vista though.
  • Anonymous
    June 09, 2006
    How my experience went pretty well--

    I was able to dl the 32 bit beta the night it came out with a different dl manager, before the server really got hit. I then burnt it to DVD and went to install. Well stupid me, I of course didn't read up before installing on my external HD and I tried it 3 differnet ways before finding out that I couldn't. I then took a chance and partitioned my laptop HD (first time) and that and the subsequent install went perfectly. I have been using it for a couple of hours now without nary a hitch. I am pleasantly suprised about how stable it is so far. I plan on trying some more intensive processes to see it's full capabilities, but overall I have had a good experience. Just wanted to post a positive post instead of one that is whining :-)
  • Anonymous
    June 10, 2006
    As a sys arch, an "F" for delivery. I need your help.  I have tried to download Vista a few times in the past 24 hours without luck. I was issued two PIDs, but have zero to show for it.  
    I just tried to DL again, and got a message back - that I have DL Vista on 10 PC-been issued 10 PID and have hit the limit.
    This all seems absurd given I have nothing to show for it.  Can you aid me in getting this reset?  
    Thanks
    nighthawk1399@cox.net
  • Anonymous
    June 10, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 10, 2006
    buzzyone, I was getting the same issue.  When checked my e-mail address, I got a link to the software download page (the key was confirmed in the e-mail; the page doesn't ask for it)  The link is

    http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/en/x64/download.htm


    It says x64 in the link, but they're both on the page.
  • Anonymous
    June 10, 2006
    For folks trying to download the Windows Vista Beta 2 through the CPP I suggest reading this post:
    http://blogs.technet.com/windowsvista/archive/2006/06/09/434667.aspx

    Servers are maxed and doesn't look like its letting up anytime soon.

    I suggest saving yourself the hassle by ordering the DVD.

    And for technical issues regarding installation of Windows Vista I must continue to direct you to the public newsgroups Microsoft has set up for Windows Vista Beta 2:http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx
  • Anonymous
    June 10, 2006
    Hey guys. Is this the last beta that Microsoft will give us until the final release or we will see more version of Beta 2? I ask because I want to download only the last version of Beta 2. Thanks...
  • Anonymous
    June 10, 2006
    This Beta 2 is the only Beta 2 released that is through the CPP.

    People who download or order Beta 2 through the CPP and activate their copy with automatically get access to a new build later this year called RC1 or Release Candidate 1.
  • Anonymous
    June 11, 2006
    If you want to save your user's setting, program files and the earlier versions of windows:

    Lunch the install on XP ( not in boot), if your XP can read the ISO 13346 format (UDF) you can save your files in Window.old folder.

    PS: Sorry for english, i'm french ^^

    <== Beta-testeur and IT certified ==>
  • Anonymous
    June 12, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 12, 2006
    Hi, I spent the week-end testing Windows Vista. Great experience, thanks ! Unfortunately, the system is not in french ;-) (I'm french), and it requires so much memory that I had to order a Gb of memory to keep on (for now I disabled any demanding feature). I'm sure it will solve my pb. I also need to adapt to the new Remote Desktop but for the rest, I love it !
    One thing though : I have such a hard time removing the windows.old that takes up so much space. You should have a procedure to erase it easily for the people who don't have that much space on their hard drive.

    Keep on guys, great job !
  • Anonymous
    June 12, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 12, 2006
    Hey Tim, I'm sorry you seem to be having issues installing Vista. It sounds like something is preventing Vista's setup on the DVD from writing to your harddrive.

    I suggest heading over to Microsoft's public newsgroups they've set up for Beta 2 and post your question there. There are alot of folks in the public newsgroups who can help you try to solve this issue so you can get Vista installed.

    http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx
  • Anonymous
    June 13, 2006
    How do you uninstall the vista beta 2, it won't let me switch back to xp at the boot screen and there are to many bugs for me right now to deal with???

    gmmiller@iastate.edu
  • Anonymous
    June 14, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 16, 2006
    how long do i have to wait
  • Anonymous
    June 18, 2006
    Hi!
    I've been trying to install Windows Vista but haven't managed to yet. In fact I get a BSOD reporting the error message: "The BIOS in this system is not fully ACPI compliant. Please contact your system vendor for an updated BIOS."
    My machine is laptop, in particular it's an Asus M6N, updated to the latest bios available.
    Windows XP is currently running very well and the system is recognized as an ACPI compliant machine.
    Is there a way to bypass the ACPI compliance check of Windows Vista installer?
    Thanks.
  • Anonymous
    June 19, 2006
    There is no way to bypass the ACPI during Vista's setup that I am aware of. I'd post your issue on the public newsgroups and see what kind of answer you get there - maybe its as simple as a driver issue?

    http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx
  • Anonymous
    June 19, 2006
    There are already some posts about my laptop in that newsgroup, but still unsolved, because no one knows a way to bypass that check. Someone suggested pressing F7 during setup, but that didn't help.
  • Anonymous
    June 20, 2006
    Ok, I have been up since midnight trying to make this work. Vista is installed, and everything is updated. As far as my computer is concerned, everything should be running fine. Problem is, none of the icons in the system load, and for some wonderful reason I cannot run the Aero interface. Granted, this is all on a laptop, but I bought this laptop to be Vista Premium compatible. As far as anyone who i have called and yelled at can tell me, it should be working fine. Yet, Vista's own litlle performance rating software tells me my computer gets a 2 out of 5, 5 being the best. I am running Core Duo at 1.83ghz, 2gb of 677mhz ram, a 100gb 7200rpm hd.... what more does it want from me? I do not understand why it runs this horribly on a machine that should be able to handle this just fine. I ran the Vista Upgrade Advisor before install, and it even agreed that everything should work fine. Any ideas? Or maybe just help me get back to XP Pro without formatting? I have about 15gb of files on here I would prefere to not have to try and get back later, but I cannot seem to burn dvds from Vista as it made me uninstall Roxio 7. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • Anonymous
    June 20, 2006
    Any one know of problems with Vista beta2 and speedtouch 716 ADSL2 routers running NAT??

    having probs with the internet connection, up down up down but the LAN is fine.

    All was fine with the install on a two year old PC which is now duel boot with XP media edition.
  • Anonymous
    June 21, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 22, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 23, 2006
    Well,

    I received my DVD version in the mail yesterday (very nice looking, thanks MS!)... tonight the install.  

    Has anyone been able to install Vista on an external USB 2 HD? Also I have a Dell Dimension 1GB ram, 3GB P4, anyone have issues w/similar setup?

    Thanks