Vista - activation public 100k available - please tell me this isn't true

Hello.

I clicked a link on Gizmodo.com today that led me to a page that stated 100k
downloads of Pre-RC 1 Build 5536. I downloaded just fine and did not see
anywhere a place to register or obtain an activation key.

When I installed I bypassed that step, (foolishly), thinking there was some
magic or tracked activation voodo in the actual download.

Now it looks like I have 14 days to activate and no key. Am I screwed? Is
there a way to rollback to my previous build, (xp pro)?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I have the same problem, I downloaded Build 5536 and installed it fine,
missing out the activation step because I didn't have a key. There was
nowhere to insert an e-mail address or to get a key, so i too am wondering
how to activate it. (My vista is on a separate install to xp though)

"chris" wrote:

> Hello.
>
> I clicked a link on Gizmodo.com today that led me to a page that stated 100k
> downloads of Pre-RC 1 Build 5536. I downloaded just fine and did not see
> anywhere a place to register or obtain an activation key.
>
> When I installed I bypassed that step, (foolishly), thinking there was some
> magic or tracked activation voodo in the actual download.
>
> Now it looks like I have 14 days to activate and no key. Am I screwed? Is
> there a way to rollback to my previous build, (xp pro)?
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>

Unless you had already signed up for the Beta 2 CPP and received a key from
Microsoft, you have no way of obtaining a key for pre-RC1. It was meant for
existing CPP participants. No new keys will be issued.

You would be better off waiting for the official release of RC1. We have
heard that registration will be open to new participants.

--
Jane, not plain 64 bit enabled
Batteries not included. Braincell on vacation
"adrian" <adrian@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A1DBBDE3-B512-4879-8C41-AC01EBB9548B@microsoft.com...
>I have the same problem, I downloaded Build 5536 and installed it fine,
> missing out the activation step because I didn't have a key. There was
> nowhere to insert an e-mail address or to get a key, so i too am wondering
> how to activate it. (My vista is on a separate install to xp though)
>
> "chris" wrote:
>
>> Hello.
>>
>> I clicked a link on Gizmodo.com today that led me to a page that stated
>> 100k
>> downloads of Pre-RC 1 Build 5536. I downloaded just fine and did not see
>> anywhere a place to register or obtain an activation key.
>>
>> When I installed I bypassed that step, (foolishly), thinking there was
>> some
>> magic or tracked activation voodo in the actual download.
>>
>> Now it looks like I have 14 days to activate and no key. Am I screwed?
>> Is
>> there a way to rollback to my previous build, (xp pro)?
>>
>> Any help is greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks!
>>

Hi Chris & Adrian,

In your words yes, you are screwed. There is no way to roll back to a
previous version of Windows once you have upgraded. If you are not
legitimately on the beta program then you are best off re-installing your
Windows XP.

Sorry!

M
--
MDG, MCT
MCSA (2003), MCSA (2000), MCDST.
Certified Small Business Specialist
Visit my blog at http://www.mitpro.ca/Blogs/tabid/59/...2/Default.aspx


"chris" wrote:

> Hello.
>
> I clicked a link on Gizmodo.com today that led me to a page that stated 100k
> downloads of Pre-RC 1 Build 5536. I downloaded just fine and did not see
> anywhere a place to register or obtain an activation key.
>
> When I installed I bypassed that step, (foolishly), thinking there was some
> magic or tracked activation voodo in the actual download.
>
> Now it looks like I have 14 days to activate and no key. Am I screwed? Is
> there a way to rollback to my previous build, (xp pro)?
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>