Windows Vista Beta 2 CPP Released (customer preview program)

[keithwalton]

The beta 2 release of microsofts next generation operating system that was released to testers and tecnical partners a fortnight ago has now been opened up to the public.

Get your's today at :
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...y/default.mspx

Servers as could be expected are extremly busy at present. For those lucky enough to have it installed allready (like myself ) what are your opinions on the new os ?

personally i'm a fan, having media centre built in is excellent and works well, aeroglass is sweet, windows key + tab is swish (though could do with some work) ie7+ is the step forward ie needid. Start menu is a little silly and when loaded with several programs is a pain.
Voice control of the pc is also sweet and much better than previous attempts all those years ago but could do with more work!

[keithwalton]

A couple of screen shots, looks good but works so much better!

only downside is the ram usage it needs alot!

[cadaveca]

I've yet to install my copy. I wonder how long the key is good for? XP-x64 preview first was 1 year, then 90 days...

[Got EpOx]

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.

Gonna check back in a little while Pics below

http://www.microsoft.com/library/med...feat_UX_09.jpg http://www.microsoft.com/library/med...kMap_green.jpg

[kellamne]

Ok so thats irritating; got my key and got told to try downloading later.

Think there will be much difference between 32/64 eds? (Apart form iso size)

[keithwalton]

try http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/...FRE_EN_DVD.iso
it might be worth asking m$ if they need help with mirroring the iso!

as for 32/64 goes, apparently its go for the 32bit edition atm, as drivers / software support is limited the 32bit version allows most xp apps / drivers to work, whilst the 64bit version needs x64 apps / drivers which we all know that x64 drivers are still sketchy at best. I have yet to see people do a side to side comparison as to which version is faster.
I expect the only benefit of x64 atm is the ability to use alot of ram. and well vista needs it. 1Gig is the min i'd recomend anyone to run it with more is better.

The first screenie Got Epox posted is of the windows + tab key operation, and as i said before its sweet but needs some work (anti aliasing mainly)

[kellamne]

Cheers - link is working>>

Just wait now for a few hours, but will give me something to play with on sunday morning.

[cadaveca]

I'm going to try both versions. Each CD-key is good for 10 simultaneous installations.

[madcatmk3]

I'm wondering, when you install it do you have to format anything or does it just simply upgrade the OS only?

[keithwalton]

You can do an upgrade (not advised due to it being a beta)
dual boot install (renames windows to windows.old then installs itself, old windows however does not work when i tested it)
or clean install

[madcatmk3]

I think I'll stick with the current, however I might be building a PC for someone in anticipation of the new windows so I wouldn't mind installing bea fo now. I'm slightly pissed that they charge you $6 for the DVD.

[Got EpOx]

Download and rip ISO straight to DVD, done!

[madcatmk3]

Originally Posted by Got EpOx

Download and rip ISO straight to DVD, done!

How? the servers are completly full? OR maby it's becuase I'm using mozzila

[cadaveca]

Servers are busy.

I got mine last night..at least the 32-bit version. 64 bit version should be done in an hour or so.

Use your own download manager, and restrict it to only one connection for the download. this download supports resuming, so downloading a little bit now and a little bit later is ok.


Just so everyone is clear that this is official, email from MSDN to myself today:

MSDN Windows Vista and Microsoft Office Beta Experience Special Edition, June, 8 2006



Windows Vista: The Betas are ready!
Follow the new products as they go through to the finals and order or download the betas here.

Go to the country selection to choose your download or order location!

Go to the Windows Vista GetReady page to determine if your computer is ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista.

Since opening up the CPP, Microsoft is experiencing an incredibly high volume of demand for the Windows Vista Beta 2 download. Over the next few days you should expect delays in the download.

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Visit the newsletter archive to read former issues of the Beta Experience newsletter and get the latest news and technical resources related to the development of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office release.
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[madcatmk3]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

Servers are busy.

Wasn't that it was that I was using mozzila, I then opend up an IE link and tried and got it on the first time?

[NarkotikBuzz]

I am downloading it now. I am wondering, you that have it installed, is it on your main or only machine, or did you install on a backup rig? It says you can do an upgrade install, and this is what i planm on doing so i dont lose all my data. Has anyone else done this, and do you recommend it?

[Hoppster]

I was under the impression that it will,

And I see nvidia have already drivers out there for vista, both 32 and 64 bits

I read that microsoft does not support dual boot. They recommend either a clean install or upgrade, no other options.

Right now i have dual boot xp 32 bit home edition and xp pro 64 bit beta.

So im gonna try upgrade the xp pro x64 to vista x64 and see how it goes.

Does anyone reckon ill have any problems with this?

[keithwalton]

They do intend to make it able to dual boot, its just they've re-written the boot loader and when i tried it the old os would not boot (it moves documents and settings, program files and windows to a windows.old folder, move them back and xp returns)
i do not recomend upgrading your os, as it is beta software you may not like it or it might not do somthing you want it to and you cant easily go back.

Personally i installed it in the end on a clean old hard drive and have kept xp on the other drive as normal and use the boot menu of my mobo to control which hard drive boots

[Got EpOx]

Good idea, i'll install it on my spare HDD too

[Hoppster]

Vista Beta 2 Expires 31 May 2007

said in the license info on the install dvd