Windows Vista Beta 2 Available for Public Download

kaizersoze

Windows Vista Beta 2 is now available for download under the CPP (Customer Preview Program). You can download it or order the DVD install kit for 16 euro. You will also receive RC1 (Release Candidate 1) when it becomes available.
You receive a product key that allows you to install it on up to 10 pc's.
If you're not already registered for the CPP you may be asked to register but it's simple enough.
Details here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/preview.mspx
There is high demand ATM so you might have to try later to download.

WizZard

Very high demand it seems

aidan_walsh

Sweet. I've been waiting for this to play with the new security settings. Delighted they decided to put it out publically.

SouperComputer

busy alright. Ended up getting it from a torrent anyway!

radiospan

Interesting decision from Microsoft, never saw that coming.

Looks like they're supplying a download manager which downloads the file for you. Does anyone know if this uses P2P, torrent style?

aidan_walsh

Nah, its most likely just a pure HTTP/FTP connection. Thats what all their specialised downloaders have used in the past. I can't see MS risking the chance of someone figuring out how to corrupt everyones copies by using a P2P method.

PowerHouseDan

Will there be alot of software issues with this...Or would most programs be compat already? Likes of Azureas etc?

kaizersoze

PowerHouseDan wrote:

Will there be alot of software issues with this...Or would most programs be compat already? Likes of Azureas etc?

Most stuff should work. I have Azureus installed and working. BitComet installed and ran but wouldn't do anything (ie. upload or download).
AVG Anti Virus won't install. Vista blocks it due to "compatability issues.
I got this one from CA (EZAntivirus). It's a free dl specifically for Vista beta testers.
http://www.my-etrust.com/SubscriptCenter/TrialLanding.aspx?verstr=35cf50e84818385224d80837bc43ad80&id=17569195&cid=1855&lang=en-US
It's best not to install Vista on your main OS. Install it dual boot with XP or on a second machine so you'll have something to fall back on.

ronanp

Anyone got a link to an active torrent? 24 hours trying microsoft with no luck. They did send me two product codes though :-)

Gosh

If you get as far as the download page choose the option to use your own download manager - I did this this morning and it worked fine. If you click on the other download manager link you get the high-demand message.

ronanp

http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/en/x86/download.htm is the only link I have?

Gosh

and if you click on that you get a page with 2 options? Use the Akamai Download manager on the left and Use your own Download manager on the right - choose the link below that one ... I just tried your link and got that page and clicked on the link and got the save to disk dialogue box

Gosh

and I've just started the 64-bit version download that way ...

kaizersoze

Gosh wrote:

and I've just started the 64-bit version download that way ...

I'm getting to that page but clicking on the DL links get the "busy, try later" page.
I'll tell you a weird one though. I already have Vista on my laptop and desktop but wanted to get it "officially". Downloaded it to my laptop last night using the DL manager, searched for it this morning to burn it but it's not there, gone, vanished.

ronanp

Damn it, I click that link all I get is
"Thank you for your interest in Windows Vista Beta 2.

We are currently experiencing a high level of demand and cannot process your request at this time.

Please check back later for availability. We apologize for any inconvenience."

No options, no links, nothing!

timeout

Damn it, I click that link all I get is
"Thank you for your interest in Windows Vista Beta 2.

We are currently experiencing a high level of demand and cannot process your request at this time.

Please check back later for availability. We apologize for any inconvenience."

No options, no links, nothing!

Do you have a seperate dowload manager?

justsomebloke

timeout wrote:

Do you have a seperate dowload manager?

i am just using firefox to download it as i was getting the high demand thing when i try to akami one and it seems to be downloading fine

ronanp

timeout wrote:

Do you have a seperate dowload manager?

Am using firefox on linux, and suddenly the conspiracy theories come flooding back ;-)

ronanp

Wohoo! Used the link to the x64 download instead of the x86 and sorted!

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

PowerHouseDan

I found a torrent going fast enough...

Stephen

Care to share?

Sparky

yeah torrent is pretty good

PowerHouseDan

http://www.mininova.org/tor/321363
http://www.mininova.org/tor/334001

Presume this isent against rules as its free....

Stephen

Can't see why it would be. Cheers

Stephen

MS must have just acquired a boatload more bandwidth, all of their download links are working again and I'm maxing out my 2meg connection getting the x64 iso now

kaizersoze

PowerHouseDan wrote:

http://www.mininova.org/tor/321363
http://www.mininova.org/tor/334001

Presume this isent against rules as its free....

The first one is the German version from what I remember. Read the comments.

Narcissus

What's it like using it? for those that have it running.

What about Windows Aero, i'm assuming that isn't in the Beta version?

Stephen

It is in it.

Gosh

AFAIK most ant-virus solutions don't work with Vista. You can get a free 1 -year subscription here for Vista Beta testers.

Stephen

Symantec have a version that works with vista, both 32 and 64 bit flavours.

SirLemonhead

Gosh wrote:

AFAIK most ant-virus solutions don't work with Vista. You can get a free 1 -year subscription here for Vista Beta testers.

I love Vista I don't use Anti-virus or anti-spyware programs, and all my hardware has driver support :cool: