Vista Beta 2 Goes Public Today

csmager · 7 Jun 2006 at 20:28

Ok, not quite this minute. But later today (Redmond time), the links should work:

x86: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/en/x86/download.htm
Direct Download Link: http://download.windowsvista.com/dl...inmain_beta2_x86fre_client-LB2CFRE_EN_DVD.iso

x64: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/beta2/en/x64/download.htm
Direct Download Link: http://download.windowsvista.com/dl...nmain_beta2_x64fre_client-LB2CxFRE_EN_DVD.iso

CD Key Signup: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/preview.mspx

Memphis · 7 Jun 2006 at 20:31

EDIT - Ignore, should read first!

csmager · 7 Jun 2006 at 20:32

Memphis said:
Just to avoid newbie confusion, this is still only to those with MSDN subs right?

Nope, that was released back during WinHEC (24th May.. ish). This is to the general public, anybody and everybody who wants a copy can download a copy and try it free of charge.

Memphis · 7 Jun 2006 at 20:33

Yeah cheers for that mate, just read the home page for the site and caught the bit about enthusiasts getting a shot.

FreeStream · 7 Jun 2006 at 20:37

Doesn't work :confused:

csmager · 7 Jun 2006 at 20:38

Concorde Rules said:
Doesn't work

csmager said:
Ok, not quite this minute. But later today (Redmond time), the links should work:

marc2003 · 7 Jun 2006 at 20:47

when it's available later, will it be cd isos or dvd? i don't have any blank dvds....

csmager · 7 Jun 2006 at 21:01

marc2003 said:
when it's available later, will it be cd isos or dvd? i don't have any blank dvds....

DVD ISO, but it'll install quite happily onto another partition or drive using something like Daemon Tools to mount it.

Amp34 · 7 Jun 2006 at 21:06

So how big is it and i assume you can dual boot? Whats going to happen when vista is actually released, can you instantly not use it?

Hamish · 7 Jun 2006 at 21:11

I get access denied :confused:

and when I go on the page it sends me to I can't see anything on it?

BillytheImpaler · 7 Jun 2006 at 21:12

MS said:
Windows Vista Beta 2 and Windows Server “Longhorn” Beta 2 are available to developers and IT professionals with MSDN and TechNet Plus subscriptions.

I take it this restriction is going away soon?

csmager · 7 Jun 2006 at 21:14

See posts 1 and 6. It's going to be released at some point today, it hasn't actually been released yet. The servers are being prepped, and until it's official, there's access restrictions - hence the message.

Amp34 said:
So how big is it and i assume you can dual boot? Whats going to happen when vista is actually released, can you instantly not use it?

DVD ISO is 3.13Gb, iirc (for x86 - more for x64). MS advise you to have 15Gb minimum available on the target partition (in fact, setup prevents you installing unless you have this much space). It doesn't quite take up all that room, but it's pushing 10Gb from what I can see.

zetec452 · 7 Jun 2006 at 21:58

There servers are going to get hammered.

unwashed potato! · 7 Jun 2006 at 22:08

whats the differnce between x64 and x86? guess i should get x64. also is this a trial thing or perment, u get vista for free until its out?

zetec452 · 7 Jun 2006 at 22:09

x64 is for a 64bit architecture. I wouldn't bother downloading this if you don't have a 64 bit cpu.

csmager · 7 Jun 2006 at 22:10

And there's a 1 year limit on use, by all accounts. A newer build will be out before then, of course.

unwashed potato! · 7 Jun 2006 at 22:11

i do, check my sig, thats a x64 right? so best to go for the x64 right?

zetec452 · 7 Jun 2006 at 22:22

addy_010 said:
i do, check my sig, thats a x64 right? so best to go for the x64 right?

Yep, x64 will work. Probably quite nicely from the beast of a pc you have.

Chaos · 7 Jun 2006 at 22:47

If you dont have vmware, Ms virtual server is free if you dont have a spare pc to try it on or dont want to mess about with your main rig.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/default.mspx

Think Ill try it on vmware and see how it goes.

Atomic · 7 Jun 2006 at 22:50

When it's out I'll certainly give it a try, and I just hope because it's Beta it wont mess up my hardware.

Vista Beta 2 Goes Public Today

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