Got "Test Mode" After Installing Technet Download

[rive0108]

I don't have a Connect sign-in & that page leads to an error, but why would Microsoft withdraw a such publicised service pack and subsequent DVD w/SP2 and not say a word about that on the Technet pages. It's splashed all over Technet, "Download SP2 now...etc. etc.". That doesn't make sense. I suspect that some external download links have been withdrawn and that's what you are seeing.

We've been discussing the SP2 downloads all over these forums for ages now and this is the first I've heard about that.

Ok. I fixed the link. (https to http), as for the SP2 downloads, I dont know what to tell you unless the issue here is that the link you downloaded was perhaps a bad link, and instead downloaded the Checked build/RC instead- either that or you downloaded the wrong one through User error.
As for Microsoft connect, I am a tester for them, so I have the Connect. I can see where Technet subscription would be different. The Microsoft Connect SP2 RTM would not be accessable to you anyways, even if not decommisioned.

Try the Microsoft Connect again, If you beta tested you might have an account.

http://connect.microsoft.com/

 

[Ex_Brit]

Well I'm downloading the darned thing again and will waste another DVD on it to see what transpires...!! It's exactly the same download as before. Although I had not not used the key before, the next time I try an installation I'll use another key. (Again I get those from technet too).

Thanks for that link but "Internet Explorer can't display this page".

 

[garysgold]

I just downloaded the x64 version of Vista SP2 form technet the other day. Haven't tried to install yet. Will give it a go and see what happens.

 

[Ex_Brit]

I'd be interested to hear what you get. This may not necessarily be caused by some "evaluation trigger" it could be that something in the installation or in the updates it fetched during the install process caused the signed drivers thingy to go haywire? I see reports of it on the internet mostly involving the x64 version and it certainly doesn't always mean that it's an evaluation copy.

 

[Ex_Brit]

By the way here's a pic of the downloader, and as you can see from that the checked build is a totally different download which I started then cancelled on purpose, just to check the download details.

The first two are exactly what I downloaded originally. I'm downloading the x64 as well because I anticipate getting a 64-bit machine sometime soon.

 

[garysgold]

Just installed the x64 (Queued on your list above) in a Vbox VM with no problems. No test or evaluation notices or watermarks. Seems golden.

 

[Ex_Brit]

Hmm, well I am not going to let this darned thing get me down. I will try it again.

 

[Ex_Brit]

By the way I failed to mention how I installed it, however it really shouldn't make any difference. In order to preserve the drive lettering throughout my mutli-boot systems I always install OS's from C: rather than boot to the media, which is my XP Pro and is where the bootloader sits.

 

[Ex_Brit]

Well, a second attempt and everything went as it should....it will remain a mystery as to why I got Test Mode.

 

[garysgold]

Glad it worked for you. Very odd. Life is full of mysteries, now I can add another to the list.

Gary

 

[Ex_Brit]

I gave up writing these things down....have you read Encyclopædia Britannica lately? ...just kidding.:D