MSDN:AA Vista FAQ

toString · 24 Feb 2007 at 13:16

Most of these are covered in the scattering of threads around, and then there's a lot related to Retail/OEM/MSDN/TechNet. So I wanted/thought it'd be helpful to have a thread just for MSDN:AA-ers

Q: Which version of vista can I download from MSDN:AA?
A:
Windows Vista Business DVD 32-Bit
- MSDN:AA site

Q: Can I get Ultimate?
A:
No, but you can use "Windows Anytime Upgrade" to upgrade to Ultimate, but it will cost you £90 or so.
- An OcUK poster
(I'm also unsure what version you get from this upgrade, if it's even possible? Retail/OEM? (although at the moment I would assume it's retai) Please add if you know!)

Q: How do I get the 64-Bit version of Vista Business?
A:
Windows Vista Alternate Media
This site lets you put your Product Key in and allows you to order a 64-Bit DVD (for about £7).
- This is unconfirmed if it works for MSDN:AA Business.....help?

Q: What happens when I finish my course?
A:
When you are no longer studying for a qualification within the Faculty you can no longer obtain MSDNAA software.
However, you may continue to use previously installed products on your computer.
The license is perpetual and nontransferable. You don’t have to uninstall the tools, but the stipulation of “academic use only” does not change. i.e. you can't use it to create commercial software.
- My uni's MSDN:AA techie & Elms FAQ

Q: Can I install my software on two computers at once?
A:
Yes, as long as you are the owner of both computers and both are being used for instructional purposes. NOTE: If you require another key for a product you must contact your program administrator.
- The MSDN:AA Elms e-academy.com FAQ

Q: Is the MSDN:AA version Retail or OEM?
A:
'Retail' seems to be the short answer. Although it seems to be a 'better' version of retail if you take the question above into consideration - which I believe is not possible with the 'street bought' Retail version.

A product purchased through the MSDN:AA program offers the same functionality as a product purchased through the retail market.
You are allowed to install the software more than once based at the discretion of the program administrator and the software distribution method chosen.
- Elms FAQ

I'm not an expert, which is why I made this thread because searching was such a pain.
Please add any questions/answers/corrections/sources here.

tom_e · 24 Feb 2007 at 13:42

as far as i understand as soon as you stop studying the course that made you eligible for MSDN:AA then if you continue to use software aquired through it then you are breaking the license agreement an therefore using and illegal copy.

jon86 · 24 Feb 2007 at 13:53

KingAdora said:
...
Q: Is the MSDN:AA version Retail or OEM?
A:
From what I've read it seems to be a Retail version, but slightly better (if anything).
- Need confirmation on this...help!
...

Microsoft AA ELMS FAQ said:
Q: Do MSDNAA products provide the same functionality as those available through the retail market?
A: Yes, a product purchased through the MSDNAA program offers the same functionality as a product purchased through the retail market.

Q: Is the software permanently unlocked by the license (or "key")?
A: No - the key allows you to install the software once.Also, if you need to re-install the software, you will need to contact your program administrator.

Q: I have a new computer now, how can I re-install my software?
A: You are allowed to install the software more than once based at the discretion of the program administrator and the software distribution method chosen. Note: if you purchase a product through the CD media sales method of distribution you will have to go through the Microsoft Customer Care Center for support: 1-800- 936-5700 in North America/ World Wide 1-800-249-8314.

EDIT...

KingAdora said:
Q: What happens when I finish my course?
A:
When you are no longer studying for a qualification within the Faculty you can no longer obtain MSDNAA software.
However, you may continue to use previously installed products on your computer.
- My uni's MSDN:AA techie.
(I'm not sure if this means you can (legally or not?) re-install it again after you've left though??? help!)

MSDN AA Home > Program Information > Program FAQs > Program Information said:
Q. Can students keep these tools after they graduate?

A. Yes, this license is perpetual and nontransferable. You don’t have to uninstall the tools, but the stipulation of “academic use only” does not change.

So we can still use the software but we cannot use it to create commercial software.

Zogger · 24 Feb 2007 at 14:24

blitz2163 said:
as far as i understand as soon as you stop studying the course that made you eligible for MSDN:AA then if you continue to use software aquired through it then you are breaking the license agreement an therefore using and illegal copy.

I've read the terms a few times and iirc they say pretty clearly that you may continue to use the software after leaving, although it is unsupported.

tom_e · 24 Feb 2007 at 14:33

Zogger said:
I've read the terms a few times and iirc they say pretty clearly that you may continue to use the software after leaving, although it is unsupported.

fair enough i stand corrected

but looking at the quote above it still appears that the only way you can legally use the downloaded software after you leave is by using it for learning only therfore not just for general day to day use or any other use apart from developing and testing.

toString · 24 Feb 2007 at 14:34

Nice work there jon!
Glad I'm not the only one a little confused as to the legality of using it after I finish uni.

These questions are slightly confusing (for me at least...)

Q: Is the software permanently unlocked by the license (or "key")?
A: No - the key allows you to install the software once.Also, if you need to re-install the software, you will need to contact your program administrator.

Q: I have a new computer now, how can I re-install my software?
A: You are allowed to install the software more than once based at the discretion of the program administrator and the software distribution method chosen.

The first says the key only works once, then you have to get a new one...!?
The last says you're allowed to install it more than once - based on unknown factors..

I think the best thing I've found out so far is that you're allowed to install it on more than 1 computer (as long as you own/use it, and it's for educational purposes). Seems almost too generous for MS!

toString · 9 Mar 2007 at 13:16

I have a top tip for getting two CDKeys!

Get the Business DVD and get your key.
Then go back and select the Business CD1 and you get another key! You don't even have to download the CD or get CD2-5.

.:MBK:. · 9 Mar 2007 at 15:59

KingAdora said:
Nice work there jon!
Glad I'm not the only one a little confused as to the legality of using it after I finish uni.

These questions are slightly confusing (for me at least...)

The first says the key only works once, then you have to get a new one...!?
The last says you're allowed to install it more than once - based on unknown factors..

I think the best thing I've found out so far is that you're allowed to install it on more than 1 computer (as long as you own/use it, and it's for educational purposes). Seems almost too generous for MS!

guess it depends if they are all unique keys or VLKs, i do so hope its multi use though as i may need to reformat soonish if my upgrade plans come to fruition

toString · 22 Mar 2007 at 13:46

Has anyone used the anytime upgrade on their MSDNAA key? Or ordered and received their 64bit DVD?

aaazza · 22 Mar 2007 at 14:42

KingAdora said:
Has anyone used the anytime upgrade on their MSDNAA key? Or ordered and received their 64bit DVD?

I'm about to order my 64bit DVD (still running XP), I figure I might as well for 7 quid. I went the whole way through the order process (inputted my current key etc) but I don't have a Visa/Mastercard/AMEX credit card so couldn't complete the order.

When my new Egg card gets here I shall be ordering.

aaazza

aaazza · 30 Apr 2007 at 14:56

Got my 64bit DVD from Microsoft. Unsure what key I will use to install it when I come to.

Don't think there is a key with the disk. So do I use my 32bit key or am I being stupid

?

Cheers,

aaazza

toString · 30 Apr 2007 at 15:06

aaazza said:
Got my 64bit DVD from Microsoft. Unsure what key I will use to install it when I come to.

Don't think there is a key with the disk. So do I use my 32bit key or am I being stupid ?

Cheers,

aaazza

Yeah that's what I reckon... My theory is that it's just a key, which version you install doesn't matter.

Burnsy2023 · 30 Apr 2007 at 15:18

I'll slightly edit this and add it to the sticky later

Burnsy

aaazza · 30 Apr 2007 at 15:27

Cheers for the replies guys

Might try and dual boot sometime in the near future.

aaazza

aaazza · 2 May 2007 at 09:50

Just noticed that on my Uni's MSDN website you can now download (for free) 64bit Vista Business. I just added it to my cart to get a new key that (presumably) will work with my DVD I got through the post.

It was a different key to my 32bit version.

Hope that helps any students out that wern't aware 64bit Vista might be on their MSDN:AA site.

Cheers,

aaazza

toString · 2 May 2007 at 12:55

Very nice! Although my uni probably haven't updated the listing yet..

However you can get an extra key if you add CD1 of vista to your cart too, I didn't download it or anything, but it means I have an extra key, if I ever need it!

Peño · 2 May 2007 at 19:31

I'm currently downloading 'Windows Vista: Business Edition DVD' off my uni's MSDNAA site. That was the only one available. It doesn't say whether it's 32-bit or 64-bit so can I assume it's the 32-bit version?

Also I have a bit of a problem. I'm downloading the file to my laptop and it's DVD drive is a bit faulty. I've almost completed building my PC. If it helps, I also have an external hard drive. Is there any way I can install Vista to my new PC without having to burn it to a DVD?

Also, assuming I am downloading the 32-bit version, I read that you buy it on a CD anyway (I think my laptop can burn CDs but not DVDs) - but the file is 2.3GB. How does that work out?

stoofa · 3 May 2007 at 15:37

If you buy Vista it is shipped on DVD.
You can order the CD version - there is an admin fee and you'll then receive Vista on I believe it is 4 or 5 CD's.

Cybertronic · 3 May 2007 at 17:13

I can confirm the 64 Bit version of Vista Business as I ordered it through the Windows Vista Alternate Media website and it took around 20 days for mine to arrive

The 64 Bit version does not come with any product key so you will have to use your 32 Bit product key that you obtained from your University's MSDN:AA website.

Gman · 3 May 2007 at 18:15

Cybertronic said:
I can confirm the 64 Bit version of Vista Business as I ordered it through the Windows Vista Alternate Media website and it took around 20 days for mine to arrive

The 64 Bit version does not come with any product key so you will have to use your 32 Bit product key that you obtained from your University's MSDN:AA website.

right so are all vista keys for business interchangeable between 32 and 64 bit ?