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Hmph, You guys set back the date from June 10th to May 31st...

It's not that I won't buy Vista it's just if you say something, I expect you to stick to it.

Well, I know how you Microsoft guys are with sticking to schedule ;)

I know you're doing your best but please set realistic expectations and dates for your products/Xbox Live maintenances!

why is it when i shrink to the taskbar somthing that ia running i cant restore it to proper size on vista???

jon9966, is this a specific program?  Could you give a few more details?  When you click on the icon, it doesn't restore to full size?  What if you right click and then click Restore?  Were these programs running in full screen mode when you minimized them?

Here's a rare sight these days: A TechBlog linkfest! • So Apple's former chief financial officer apparently has decided that if he's going down in the company's stock backdating scandal, then by gum, someone bigger's going down with him. That...

Thanks for the reminder,

I have a few installs of RC1 and RC2 on different partitions on my hard drive which I havent checked/booted into since upgrading to Vista.  Time to make sure I havent left anything behind that I need.

Its great that you will allow users who forget about this to log in to save data for 2hrs at a time after May 31st until the 28th August.  Data is so, so important, thanks for recognising that :-)

I have been wanting to uninstall the beta on my dual-boot system for a while now, but last time I tried...it was not a happy time. When I uninstalled Vista, somehow my machine still thought it was installed, so on the booting screen, it would still list Vista and if I would not stay to select XP, it would try to load Vista. Any [updated] specific instructions you guys have for removing Vista from a dual-boot machine?

Thanks to Owen, I got a bit of news today. Windows Vista beta and release candidate versions are set up start rebooting at the end of May. I don't know if it's just the ones that have used Windows...

I have a question, and hope you might be able to shed some light on this problem.  Humor me and read through this pelase, even though I know you're not tech support :)

I built a home system recently: Gigabyte mother board, case, 600 watt power supply, Nvidia 7900GS video card, 2 gigs dual channel ram, DDR2-800, Intel Core2Duo at 2.66ghz, 300 gig SATA drive, dual DVD-RWs, onboard sound (Realtek High Def Audio, could care less about Sound Blaster).  Runs DX10, can provide a dxdiag txt file if you wish, but.. here's the question :

I have an application (Battle for Middle Earth 2) that won't seem to execute.  I install the game clean, as an Administrator of course, and attempt to execute the application and after a minute get the "not responding" popup and the app terminates, creating a DUMP log in the application folder and making a game.dat entry in event viewer.  I was told by EA Support to try to change compatability to Windows XP and/or 200, Win 98, etc.. but each time I do this and hit Apply, and try to execute the application, it waits at the splash screen and then kicks up a message about "Insert the correct CD or DVD and try again".

This stupifies me... why would changing compatiblity to another OS cause a problem with detection of a DVD drive?

Quite strange...  

I've also noticed the application seems to bounce between the two cores (I have a gadget that tracks core usage, temp etc.. as wel as ram usage, paging) pegging each out, hopping back and forth.

Feel free to contact me via my email address used in registering - and I appreciate your time with this :)

Jeff

..yes.. running VISTA Home premium 32bit.. sorry for leaving that out :)

Jeff

Jeff

Your best strategy is to contact the maker of that game to make sure it is compatible with Vista. If there are any known issues, they will likely know about them.

RonV

Is this built in or will it be an update?

I have the pre-RTM build of Vista. It's that grey area between RC2 and RTM. I've never seen any expiry on my software. Will it still expire?

I need a yes or no answer .

Is the rtm vista that came out on nov 2006 the same vista rtm that came out on jan 31 2007 ?

I really have to apologize for not keeping things up here in a while but I've had some rather significant

Hey jakoblin:  I wish I could give you a simple reponse.  The bits that we released in Nov are indeed the same as those that went to retail in Jan, but some folks (namely partners and press) received bits that were slightly different in the interim.  If you were among those groups, then the answer would be no.

hi

thanks for the update! i just wanted to know how exactly do we upgrade? i've got vista rc2 and i was wondering if i buy vista home premium upgrade, will i have to select custom install or upgrade or do we have to do that legal loophole thing? can you clears this up for me please?

Prices in Novosibirsk fof Windows Vista Ultimate:

Russian Version (box)           283.14 USD

English Version (box)           488.94 USD      

Upgrade English Version (box)   335.91 USD  

As you see - It's better to pay for Russian box version, than for upgrade... :-))

That is Microsoft gratitude for all russian users who tested Vista day after day?! Who found a bulk of errors?!

I went to the Launch Event of Officce 2007 and Vista. We were given a copy of Vista to use for 6 months. I thought it was RTM, but it turned out to be a beta. I know there is a way to see the buil numbers, but how do you know which is RC1, RC2, etc.?

I have the same question as crchambers, What about the copy we got at Launch Tour 2007. Will it expire?

Hey PGordini and crchambers:  you can find out which version of Windows Vista you're running by typing "System Information" in the Start menu search form, then reviewing the version number in the resulting control panel.  For example, I'm running version 6.0.6000, Build 6000, which is RTM.  My Hardware Abstraction version is 6.0.6000.16386.

I'm afraid I cannot speak to the license terms of the specific versions you were given, as I was not involved in the Launch Tour 2007.

Windows Vista Beta 2, RC1 and RC2 set to expire

wait you didnt answer me properly! i wanted to know exactly how to upgrade if you have already got the boxed upgrade? ive bought it already but i want to know how to upgrade from when i put in the disc? which option do i pick? do i pick upgrade or custom? Please give a clear step by step guide please.

My Version is 6.0.5840  - which build is that? Is that a Beta that will expire?

I am running Vista Ultimate, the copy aquired at the 2007 Launch Event in late January (like some others).  It seems to be fully functioning, except I cannot download Ultimate Extras.  I even rolled my clock forward to June 2, to see if I got a message or if it shuts off after two hours... so far so good...

Hey duramatters:  given that your version # is lower than mine and that I know that the release version of Windows Vista was build 6000 -- and also that you've installed Ultimate but cannot download the Extras -- it sounds to me like you're running a pre-release version and will need to upgrade at some point in the near future.  In any case, you'll find out one way or the other soon enough.

I have the RC1 and will upgrade to the Vista Ultimate... Since I'm apart of this CPP and have the RC installed, (& is able to install on 10 pc's) is it possible for me to install the full upgrade edition on up to 10 or 3? Or is it just one?

Will Vista Ultiamte RTM/Beta qualify as a underlying OS for volume agreements?

Hey wdogg590 and BWD:  I'd advise against using a Beta or RC version as the basis for any permanent installation.

The RTM version of Ultimate is only valid for a single installation.

well that sucks, microsoft should give us a break.... (i can't pay $400/yr to get free stuff)

just got windows vista home premium installed yesterday and it was seamless. Everything seems to work and its great to see what improvements you've made since the beta! It's a good thing you sell the academic version as it was exetreamly cheap aswell. It would be nice though if all updates were automatically added in the windows update instead of manually downloading them though.

As Nick posted on the Windows Vista blog last month , the Vista beta and RC preview versions will expire

Hey arj154:  glad to hear of your good experience.  You should note that you can modify Windows Update so that it automatically downloads and installs updates -- take a look at the Windows Update control panel for settings.

I, too, have Vista Ultimate Build 5840.  The chart shows that only RC1 has an "In-place upgrade"

Where does Build 5840 from the Launch fit?  Will I be able to do an "In-place upgrade" or will I lose all the programs/files I've put on my computer?

Thanks

Please let me add that the Vista Ultimate Build 5840 is 32 bit and I want to go to 64 bit.

Hey RedSpider:  my recommendation is always to perform a back-up and a clean installation, but whether you do so or not is up to you.  However, given that you also mention wanting to go from the x86 to x64 version of Windows Vista, there's no way to do an in-place upgrade in that case; it's necessary to perfom a clean installation for any change in OS bit architecture.

I upgraded from Build 5840 (obtained at RollOut) and was able to successfully do an "in-place" installation.  All my files are intact and the system is ready to go...woohoo.

I did remove my extra hard drive and disconnected my USB hard drive--I learned from first installation on my Lenovo that when it tries to reboot it can go to the 2nd drive and stop the whole process.

Thanks Nick

Oops, I stayed with the 32 bit architecture

I just bought a used macbook. It has a dual boot, mac & also vista. The guy I bought it from said that it was a fully licensed version of Vista, but on the bottom right of the screen it says it is Windows Vista RC1, Build 5600 Evaluation copy. He assures me it is licensed and wont expire, but how do I know for sure? Is there a way to check? Vista has been working fine, so far, and I like it so I hope it doesnt expire! I would also hate to have to spend MORE money to buy an upgrade for it to keep it going. Any ideas?

Another question if I may:

If it somehow it happens that I get a copy of Ultimate upgrade after May 31; would I still be able to install and keep all my file settings?

I'm actually triple booting XP, Vista and Linux; so I'm not that concerned about not being able to work on my machine.  But I may not be able to get a copy of Ultimate upgrade until later.  BTW, I already have the Business upgrade, but when I heard that I can upgrade to Ultimate without losing my files and programs, that seems to be the best option.

Thanks

I have a similar question to HardBall : if I buy an Upgrade version today and upgrade my RC1 (build 5600) to the final version, will I be able to use this upgrade version to reinstall windows in, say, half a year?  2 years?  (you know it'll be necessary at some point ;-) )

BWD: We've compiled the Windows Vista Upgrade guidelines for volume license users here:

http://www.wasatchsoftware.com/products/windows-open-license-upgrade.htm

This information was gathered from the Microsoft Product Use Rights.  To answer your question, the beta doesn't currently offer you upgrade pricing for Windows Vista.

Hey HardBall:  you should be able to, yes; I'd recommend using the Windows Easy Transfer tool to do so.

Hey Venefyxatu:  take a look at the comment just posted by Wasatch Software.

Hi there. I run Winows Vista Ultimate RC1, so I need to buy the retail edition. When I entered one of the shops the salesman offered me a kind of strange Vista edition-the disc label read Windows Vista Ultimate Atom Second Edition and the strange thing was that the box read it included a CD inside, not DVD. On my question why the release was on a CD, the salesman asked some of his colleagues and then came with an answer that this was not actually Windows Vista but a modified version of Windows XP. I did some googling but didn't find any useful information and did not find anything on the Microsoft's site. The closest link I found was at http://www.vietsupport.com/community/showthread.php?t=64765 but it should be in Vietnamese and I could not understand or read anything there.

 So my question is-what is that strange edition of Windows-is it some local version of XP or Vista.

Hey drdivan55:  I'd be wary of the product you were shown, as the name you were given is not a product we've released.  If you're looking for a legitimate online channel for purchase of Windows Vista, I'd suggest checking out http://windowsmarketplace.com/.

Help, As aN RC2 user I knew I had to upgrade by May 31.  So I checked all information and selected to buy Windows Vista Business.  I specifically checked to see if I could buy the Vista Business Upgrade CD.  Did so and when installing I decided to do a clean install and re-partion my hard drive.  Doing this however, now leaves me unable to insert my Product Key and Activate this copy of Vista Business.  If I had not re-partioned, I guess I would have been ok.  Any help on getting this installation of Visa Business activated with my product key?

Hey imrumpole:  have you completed the installation upgrade process w/o entering the priduct ID (PID)?  I.e., just skip that step in the installation process.  You ought to be able to do this, and then enter the PID key to activate upon your first boot into the new OS.

But when I tried to enter the PIP key to activate, I got an error message saying that the "product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations." error code

0xC004F061

Hey again imrumpole:  ah, now I understand better.  The upgrade you were entitled to perform was from RC2 directly to Windows Vista Business, not from a clean installation.  In this case, you should re-install Windows XP and upgrade from it to Windows Vista.

Hi and thanks for the information. I would not buy it anyways. I am looking for the Ultimate version. As for http://windowsmarketplace.com/ I have a valid credit cards but I cannot buy anything because my credit cards are not issued in the USA, so I cannot specify a billing address in th USA. I guess I will have to wait until Digital Locker becomes available for international purchases. I borrowed an installation disc from a friend of mine, so I will do an in-place install of Windows Vista Ultimate tomorrow and activate the one month trial. I hope that Digital Locker will become available for international purchases in a month, otherwise next month I will have to reinstall my old XP. I do not see a reason to pay about 411 USD for an upgrade from the Microsoft partner shops as the suggested price of the product is about 260 USD.  My next question is will I be able to install an upgrade in the future, when Digital Locker becomes available for international purchases, since my RC1 build will expire tomorrow and my RC1 key will not be valid afterwards? Thanks for the answer in advance.

I have a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade being sent to me via snail mail and it will not arrive until after the beta cutoff date. Will I still be able to upgrade without losing my data?

This was announced long time ago, but just to reiterate and repeat the message so everyone would know

Important notice for all those of you who haven't moved over to RTM (Release to Manufacture - Andy :-))

I'm sure MS has thought of this but what happens if someone changes the date back to 2006?  Would they get another year of use out of the RC?  I know they wouldn't be able to get updates but Vista is secure right? lol

Hello! I installed Windows Vista RC1 about 5 months ago. Today is June the 21th but my Windows Vista RC1 is still running and I didn't recieve any warning about the expire!

Why does it happen?

Sorry for my bad english but I'm italian!

Thanks!!

Hey TTO:  I'm not sure why you'd not be receiving the expiration notice, but I'd upgrade your system as soon as possible to be safe.  As stated above, "customers who continue to use pre-release versions of Windows Vista will be able to log in for 2-hour sessions to retrieve data.  After 2 hours of use, the PC will automatically reboot without providing the opportunity to save data.  The opportunity to log in normally for these 2-hour sessions will be available only until 28 August 2007."

Ciao :)

I've got a copy of RC1, and I was out of the country the entire month of May, without my computer. I'm looking to upgrade to Vista Home Premium Upgrade Version. I know I have to perform a clean install, so what steps should I take? Will the upgrade program reformat my disk, or should I take the files I need off first, then reformat it myself? I'd really appreciate a little guidance on this topic. Thanks guys!

Hey steveohh40:  I'd check out our Knowledge Base for help on upgrade installation; this article in particular is of note:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918884.  If you need 1-1 help, direct your questions to our public newsgroups for assistance.

My question was actually should I wipe my hard drive before I upgrade, or will that make the upgrade option null?

Hey, posting here as a last ditch effort for help :)

I purchased the Vista Home Premium upgrade after beta testing RC1 & RC2.  I have everything up and running and the upgrade went smoothly... problem came up though when I accidently destroyed my Beta disc.  So you can see where I am going with this.  If I need to reinstall Vista I won't be able to use my upgrade disc and will need to purchase the full edition...  Any ideas for work arounds?  (The best one would be if the RC2 is still around for download?)

Hey macleg:  you can indeed still download RC2, although it's not recommended that just anyone do so, primarily because it's unsupported and using it can be confusing for the novice user (I state this less for your benefit than for newbies who may read this comment).

It's located here:  http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/en/download.htm.

I have a copy of Vista RC1. It is not installed on any computer. Will I be able to use an upgrade copy of Vista to perform a clean install after August 28th?

Hey Tremont:  after 28 Aug you'll not be able to do anything with an installed copy of RC1, as far as I know.

Ref: My comment on May 03 above. I am still running the copy of Vista given out at the launch event. Everything works but updates. It gives message that update fails, but does not say why. I think this is build 5840. Does anybody know if you can upgrade in place with this version?

Hey crchambers:  not sure exactly which version you received as I was not at the event in question, but the chart in the post above will tell you whether to expect to be able to perform an in-place upgrade or not.

You may have received a one-off pre-release version, thus it still works for you -- but I'd not bet on it working beyond 28 Aug.

The version given out at the launch event is build 5840. From the chart I can't tell if this RC1, RC2 or something else.

Hey again crchambers:  my advice for that late version number is to follow the guidance outlined for upgrading from RC2; in other words, I'd perform a clean upgrade installation.

Is it possible to use a retail Vista Ultimate DVD (not an upgrade version) to do an in-place upgrade? And would it be possible to do an in-place upgrade after 28th August?

Hey thingol79:  per the chart above, an in-place upgrade is only possible in one instance:  moving from RC1 to Ultimate.  I would not recommend waiting to upgrade until after the 28th.

Thank you. Yes, I have RC1. But can I use the full retail version of Ultimate for an in-place upgrade, or do I specifically need the “Upgrade” version?

Hey again thingol79:  while I've never had need to do it myself, it's certainly possible to use the full retail, non-upgrade version of Windows Vista Ultimate to perform an in-place upgrade (as well as a clean installation, of course).  There is an "upgrade" option in the installation process in these versions; conversely, the Upgrade versions do not provide the option for a clean-install.

There's a very important question left unanswered here as far as I can see: how do people reinstall their Vista RTM upgrade in the future?

For example, if my hard disk dies, how will I be able to reinstall RC1 and then upgrade back to RTM? There really needs to be some sort of official statement on this, especially since it's nearly 28 August, so the opportunity to log on to RC1 will come to an end (and please don't say to install from Windows 2000/XP, as the only requirement for the upgrade edition is to have a Vista CPP version).

Please help. I bought a laptop with the pre-released ultimate version for CCP. I have been ignoring the window that says the windows will expire. I had no idea that the OS will stop working. I bought the upgrade for Ultimate and tried installing it but it's not working. Your tech guys have little knowledge about the CCP version  and told me that I needed to go and purchase the full DVD Ultimate version  of the windows not the upgrade. Just form reading this blog I found more information than wasting all day with various tech guys on the phone. I wish I found this blog before Aug 28th when the windows stopped working. I have a lot very important information on hard drive and I don’t want to do a clean install. How can back up my data? I never had a 2 hour chance to back up my computer. This yellow background is killing me because I have limited access I can get online but I cannot access the desktop. Please help.  

Me too.  I ignored the warnings and now want to save my data.  Yes, you warned me.  I am willing to buy the upgrade.  Now that my machine is locked, how do I know which upgrade to buy?