SuperSite Blog

Servers are being SLAMMED. I get through to the registration page, but it keeps timing out on the product key page:

"The site is currently experiencing technical difficulties, please check back in the next business day."

Sigh.

I think it's funny that it's 2009, and servers still collapse whenever a major new product is released as a free download. Even when it's Microsoft or Google releasing it. These are the technology problems we have to hurdle before we get hoverboards, flying cars, and Jaws 19 in 3D.

where do you go to sign up im not seeing a link at www.windows7.com which is where most sites seem to link back saying there would be a sign up page

i got as far as selecting which version to download....

I've been trying to install the beta for a couple of days now. Drives me absolutely NUTS because it gets 32% into the last step (migration of settings) before it tells me there was an unexpected error that requires rollback. The worst part of it is that the installer doesn't tell me what the error is, so I just have to guess (guess 1, turn of antivirus; guess 2, free up some more hard disk space; guess 3, attempt to uninstall some apps the installer complains about) .  Guess 3 is the worst, though, because the installers all fail to uninstall because not only will they not install on non-XP OSs, they won't even uninstall on them...very upgrade-unfriendly.

If I ever find an MS feedback location for this thing, I'm going to town on the thing.

@JuryDuty

I'm running into the same. I'm not surprised.

same here. the servers were not prepared for this...

and here comes the punch line ( I hate to do this): and all this from a company that makes server software...

all i need is a key... these servers are being creamed...

This was cruel joke even for you Paul!!  So close!!!

no issue with installation... I just need the damn product key

Me too...I want a key, but the server is getting slammed.

me too. i installed it a log ago from torrent sources. seems like it is hard to get keys too.

¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ GOOD BYE ZUNE  !!!!!!

>>Mr Ballmer seemed all but ready to throw in the towel on the Zune mobile device, which has failed to gain ground on Apple’s iPod.<<

www.alleyinsider.com/.../microsoft-may-finally-nuke-the-zune

@rkpatrick

Uninstall your anti-virus and any applications that might be locking system files.

Paul!

don't you have a few spare prodkeys to give out to your 20 loyal readers? we won't tell ms... ;-)

I hope I can get it before the 2.5 million limit is reached (I don't remember Paul saying anything about that on Windows Weekly, however I probably missed it).  By the time the server congestion lets up I bet it'll be closed.  :(

Just to put a more realistic face on it. MICROSOFT HASN'T ANNOUNCED THAT THE DOWNLOAD IS READY.

Just because Paul leaked a URL doesn't mean they've turned the download servers on yet.

After a few tries I can get through to the initial form but then I never get through the next bit

@mikefarinha3: Did that in guess 2 (clearing out more disk space...got 22GB free, but I can't find any documentation saying how much free space is needed for an install!)  Can't be any apps locking the files because that the migration stage of installation, setup has already restarted the machine and is already running in a Win7 environment.

Please note, the big problem I have with this is not that something is preventing successful installation; it's that setup doesn't provide any information (not even in the event viewer/dump files...I checked all of them) to the user regarding what the error is. It's like MS decided to take the Apple-envy all the way back to MacOS 8 with its "System Bomb! Reboot - Yes or Yes?" where apparently they've decided there are no power users in the ecosystem. I had the same issue with Vista SP1 (manual installation would fail, but there wouldn't be an indication as to the cause).

the page is loading forever after i click download :(

Of course the servers are slammed ... is MS supposed to build a system to handle 10Mil requests at one time to download 2.5 Mil files? c'mon be realistic

Microsoft Connect works.  Download speeds are about half of what my maximum is though - should be 7Mbit, but am getting about 350KB/sec download.  If you've downloaded the Windows Driver Kit (WDK), you should've received a beta invite 3 days ago get access to Windows 7 beta.

They have a Windows 7 Ultimate x86 & x64, Windows 7 Server x86 & x64, and Windows 7 Home Premium x86 & x64, all in multiple language versions.  There is also a checked English version of each for debugging purposes.  They have MUI language packs for Ultimate too (LIP's).

As far as a product key is concerned, can't you just bypass that and use it for a 30-day trial as usual?  Then just pop one in later when the servers aren't being hit as hard.

Mike:

I can download it from...>ahem<.  I just want a key.

@JuryDuty  - yeah - after *many* attempts, I get past the selection page, past the windows live login, past the stupid questionairre, only to get that error on the product keys  page - argh!

"¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ GOOD BYE ZUNE  !!!!!!"

Oh, shut up, troll. Again, START YOUR OWN BLOG if you have so much anti-MS stuff to write about. I'm sure there are lot of people here who'd love to read what you have to say. Don't hijack Paul's blog.

This is what i get:

"Error

The site is currently experiencing technical difficulties, please check back in the next business day."

GRRRRRR, I guess will just have to keep trying!!!!

It isn't surprising that the servers are having problems, as the thing is 2.5 GB.  It's an absolutely enormous download, and even if you've only got 10,000 people downloading at the same time, you've got a problem.

The TechNet download went incredibly well yesterday.  I've got most of my usual software setup and have had no major problems so far.  Windows 7 does seem to be snappier than Vista on the same machine and it definitely boots faster.  I haven't run across any piece of software that doesn't work so far.  NOD32 antivirus seems to work fine.  

The one bug I've found (and Paul mentioned this) is that Start menu search doesn't seem to learn the way Vista Start menu search did.  In other words, when I search for a name in the Start menu and then click the contact record, Start menu search should start putting contact records at the top of the results.  Same thing with what Paul mentioned - if you type "Note" and constantly choose Notepad, that should rise higher in the list.  However, if this is the worst problem in a beta, well that's actually pretty great.

@rkpatrick  IMHO, format the drive.  Going to a new OS, should never be done over the top of an old one.  This is true of Windows and OS X.  No matter how good the process, some crap lingers.

Leopard got slammed early on by some Tiger users.  I read the posts at one site.  In almost every case it was a install over the top of a modified version of Tiger or some application that was KNOWN to have a problem with Leopard before the ugrade was made.

@ Shark47

Amen

the servers are toasted

Yeah I keep refreshing on this page www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

Thats news.  Why do you think that that is anti-MS?

I don't except an answer.

Mike does have a good point. Makes sense to me.

The Sony Vaio P might be a good system to run Windows 7 on.

There's not much info on the video chipset in it though except that it's a "Intel Graphics Media Accelerator".  No model though.  They sell it with Windows Vista Home Premium, so it should be running Aero, but the Atom is only sold with the 945GC chipset, meaning it's not *really* Vista Premium WHQL certified, which is not someone OEM's are allowed to do.

A lot of questions.

I'd really like to see some netbooks with a dual-core Atom because the single-core ones are a drag (HD video is bad enough on the highest end 330, that I'd hate to see it on a single-core).  There's just nothing available yet though.

@rkpatrick

All I can really say definitively is that I upgraded my wife's PC from XP to Vista... got all the way through the install to the point it was ready to configure the desktop and then got an ambiguous error message and rolled everything back to XP.

I then uninstalled her anti-virus and the install when through without a hitch.

@Ocean

I would say it has to do with your history of posts. IMO

"In almost every case it was a install over the top of a modified version of Tiger or some application that was KNOWN to have a problem with Leopard before the ugrade was made."

Unsanity's Application Enhancer (APE) was a common culprit, and a popular app at the time.

To anyone concerned,

I found this interesting link and tidbit at AeroXP.org.

www.aeroxp.org/.../index.php

partner.microsoft.com/.../40084742

"Download Windows 7 Beta Partners with a MSDN or TechNet subscription can download Windows 7 Beta now. All other partners can download Windows 7 Beta starting January 9, 2009 at 12:00 P.M. Pacific Time."

12:00 PM PT, 1:00PM MT, 2:00CT, and 3:00ET.

So I think Galos is right, and its not game time yet. :(

@subzerohitman721 -- Thank you, that makes sense. I'll stop hitting refresh every five minutes for now. :P

Subzero, aren't some downloading right now?

Maybe they have technet subs.

"Unsanity's Application Enhancer (APE) was a common culprit, and a popular app at the time."

Probably the # 1 app that caused a problem and on the software site was info about not being Leopard compatible.

This was same thing with Vista, I knew people that went over the top and some apps broke.  I would ask them "did you verify your current software/hardware was supported"  a answer of no, was met with "then its not Microsoft's fault"  These were IT people.

I am huge fan of clean install even with a new computer.  OS X has way less craplets that come with a new Mac being even then I blow it away right when I get a new Mac.  There are a few trial apps and extra languages that you just dont need eating up disk space.  

Same thing with Vista, I would use the ugrade DVD to re-install the OS, use the key on the sticker and then have to make a phone call to MS.  They never had a problem with what I told them I was doing.  I got a clean machine, free of even some of the vendors software, like wireless management programs that are just a different gui that does nothing better than Vista does, yet preloads junk to slow down Vista.  I feel for Joe User.

@ JuryDuty But that is so hard. F5 F5 F5.

Great! But why should I bother when most of the new features already exist in OSX anyway!

@ Lindy,

For once, I agree with you 100%. If your going to do any kind of install, do it clean every time. Its part of my commandments of installation.

@Ocean,

Either through Partners, Technet, Connect(If you downloaded an WDK as Waeth said), or Torrents, people are gaining access to the beta. I am just trying to help everyone out, so that Supersite regulars can test the beta.

Nobody I know has gotten through yet, so lets chill out till the 12:00PT or 2:00CT for me.

Me thinks Mr. Thurrott, "Jumped the Shark" with a preliminary posting. [Sorry Paul, but the time would have been nice, BTW. And you left yourself open for it. ;) ]

More on the death of the zune hardware.  Software is the new black for MS...and I think it's a good direction to go in:

>>As phones get more capable, as battery life gets better, people's desire to have their music with them along with their phone is certainly going to go up.

I don't think the portable media category goes away. I just think it's not going to be where most of the growth is. We have some great assets in the software we do for the Zune -- both on the PC and on the Zune device -- as well as the services we provide -- Zune Social, Zune Marketplace. We see opportunities for those beyond what we do on the device itself.

On whether Microsoft would ever launch a phone of its own: No<<

seattlepi.nwsource.com/.../395368_msftbach09.html

I wonder at what point you get counted as one of the 2.5 million people?

@Ocean Interesting but not sure what it has to do with Windows 7 beta being available.

PS I love my Zune 30gb.

Paul, Ars and Lifehacker all jumped the...ummm...Shark.  :)

Anyone think 2PM CT (for me) will be any smoother?

No doubt the f5 key is getting a work out today.

@boyreinvented - You shouldn't so those of us who want to try win7 can.

"Probably the # 1 app that caused a problem and on the software site was info about not being Leopard compatible.

This was same thing with Vista, I knew people that went over the top and some apps broke.  I would ask them "did you verify your current software/hardware was supported"  a answer of no, was met with "then its not Microsoft's fault""

I said the same thing about Windows Me.  It ran great for me, and was a much better OS than 98SE, but you had to have hardware that worked on it.  Software wasn't an issue though, cuz it was just another Win9x.

I had a Coppermine P3 600EB with an 820 chipset board with 128MB of PC100 RAM.  It was an Asus motherboard - it had special support for SDR SDRAM with an additional memory controller bridge chip, since the 820 natively only supported RAMBUS at the time, and the only other option was to go with a VIA chipset (icky poo!) or wait for the 815 chipset, which wasn't out for more than a year later.  I was laughing because everything worked well.  I had a 20GB 1394 hard drive back then too, and 98SE didn't have proper support of OHCI 1394 unless you got special drivers from a company called "Orange" with your 1394 card.  That was back when Sony had their VAIO's with their proprietary "i.Link" protocols, and you had to have special software driver support for it to work.  The cards wouldn't expose themself to Windows as typical 1394 stuff like you see today.  Camera control was also not supported, unless your software specifically worked with your card (think of it like how you have to use software to program many Airport wireless routers - and you can only do that on Mac's - it's infuriatingly dumb).  It was a disaster back then, but Windows Me changed OS support to make it more standards-based.  The rest is history.

Ocean: GET LOST

Delmont:  Got anything technology related to say?

@Lindy: Uninstalling a ton of legacy stuff is tops on my TODO list when I get home tonight (after a couple of beers), but the nasty part of it is that as easy as Vista is supposed to be to use, it provides no UI way (AFAIK) to forceably uninstall an application that has a bad installer (i.e. the kind that won't uninstall because it the installer won't run at all if the version isn't 5.x). It forces me to download the MSI SDK, dig through the registry to find product codes for the offending apps, and then zap the installation registration out of the OS.

Frustrating because MS has almost a decade to get the install/uninstall/upgrade framework cleaned up.

I ran ME, I actually never had a problem at all.  It was my gaming machine and my other PC ran 2000 which was my favorite Windows OS before Server 2008.

@ "<0", all:

You don't necessarily need to have added the WDK as a Connection on the Connect website.  You can add a new Connection called "Windows Ecosystem".  WDK users just got a special invite early.  All other users can just add it manually to their Dashboard.

Forget the product key for now.  You can still the beta without it.

tkpatrick, RevoUninstaller is your friend.

oh... now the door to the beat product key is slammed closed....

"it provides no UI way (AFAIK) to forceably uninstall an application that has a bad installer"

That would be a bad UX convention and goes against Microsoft's requirements, so one shouldn't be creating such apps in the first place.

This is another reason why application validation and certification are good, and very necessary.

"the kind that won't uninstall because it the installer won't run at all if the version isn't 5.x"

It depends on whether or not it relies on MSI or just uses Installshield Wizard.  For instance, I've been able to install Office 2000 on Vista under test environments, but it makes a big mess and doesn't uninstall properly.  There are also some old Wise Installer programs that will install too.  I always recommend that people get certified apps whenever possible.  Usually apps that have been self-validated for Vista x64 will work fine for most users though, because it means that the vendor actually did enough work to get it to work for the nonstandard Program Files folder, as well as the updated system protection in the x64 version (when the app uses drivers, such as Slysoft's stuff).  If an app is only supported by the vendor on 32-bit versions of Vista, BEWARE!

"You can still the beta without it."

meant to say "install/use" in there....

One hour left. Dun dun duuuun. Yeah I know it's gonna be a total lock up with servers come online but still excited.

@ Waithorn Yeah you can but you still need a copy of the beta to install. Torrents are going really really slow now too. Not that you should use the Torrents...I'm just saying.

"Yeah you can but you still need a copy of the beta to install."

Grab it from the Connect website then.  I don't imagine they'll just suddenly close that download avenue because of those wanting to test the Windows 7 WDK, and Connect is open to anyone that wants to join.

Wae:

For some reason, I don't see a single mention of Win7 on the Connect website. What gives? Do you have a direct link to Win7 stuff on Connect?

Here are links directly to the iso files at Microsoft. But you'll still need to go through the link from Paul above to get your key:

forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php

I was under the impression when the beta was publicly available it would be posted in 4 different places. I only see Paul's link, I do not see it anywhere else on the site. I'm starting to get a little frustrated because I've been waiting on this all day, and months before today. Come on MS. Give your faithful a shot!

@Jury Have they already given out keys?

Site now says "Windows 7 Beta, Coming Soon". Looks like they pulled it temporarily because of the load.

@AHackney -- From what I've been reading across boards, no. People have found the direct download link (which I posted above--and it's pretty fast), but it will only work for 30 days without the key. We have to go through Paul's link to get the key...and it doesn't seem anyone's been able to get one yet.

EDIT: The TechNet page just changed to say "Windows 7 Beta coming soon!" So I'd say it's still to be released.

AHackney, I think the reason you are under the impression that the public availability will not be at Paul's link is related to the plain statement in the Windows 7 blog post 2 days ago that the download will be available from www.microsoft.com/.../windows7

Of course, it's after the appointed time and the page doesn't have a link to the 7 download.  That could be for a variety of reasons, such as Akamai not being ready.

And now the link at the bottom of that page after selecting 32-bit English is going straight to a 404 error.

<sarcasm>Could Microsoft possibly have underestimated the demand?</sarcasm>

the load is so bad that windows update is now offline! hahahahaha just tried several computers running win7  and none can connect to get updates.....

@Raaj, all:

"For some reason, I don't see a single mention of Win7 on the Connect website. What gives?"

Look for "Windows Ecosystem" - that's Windows 7.

@all:

My downloads are now done.  I have the x86 and x64 versions of Windows 7 Ultimate beta.  5.8GB in total at ~320KB/sec.

Jealous?

Could Microsoft possibly have underestimated the demand?

NO. they just have a communication problem. they should have said the exact time when the beta will be out on the win7 site to avoid people (including myself) flooding the technet site bringing it down.

also, stating the download limit was a bad idea. they should have said 15 or 30 days, that way the load would spread out, not cash servers.

You need the MS site for the key.

JuryDuty's site says:

x86 version

hxxp://download.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULFRE_EN_DVD.iso

x64 version

hxxp://download.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULXFRE_EN_DVD.ISO

Well, I'm really looking forward to running the Win 7 beta but I just wasted 2 hours trying to download it,  just to have them pull it, so I'm going to pretend that I actually have a life and give this a rest until MS gets their act together. I figure that I'll be running 7 for quite a while so maybe waiting a few more hours/days isn't such a big deal ;-).

Maybe even do some paying work =:-0

@Waethorn

Jealous?

NO. I installed it 10 days ago, just waiting for a key.

To save on server load, could all the anti-Microsoft people skip the download and just jump ahead to where you tell us all how awful Windows 7 is without looking at it?

Thank you

@Waethorn:

"That would be a bad UX convention and goes against Microsoft's requirements, so one shouldn't be creating such apps in the first place."

MS IntelliPoint does that, believe it or not.

The site just says: Windows® 7 Beta coming soon!

It seems they ran out of the 3 million spots.  I never got past the sign-on page, which ticks me off.

They better open up a few more spots

>>could all the anti-Microsoft people skip the download and just jump ahead to where you tell us all how awful Windows 7 is without looking at it?<<

Stereotype much?

I found the x32 version slightly faster than the x64 one. Has anyone noticed, or is that just me? I got them installed one after another in the same partition.

@ Mike Now that was funny. Needed that after sitting here all day. Good point tho.

On WindowsTeamBlog.com:

Due to very heavy traffic we’re seeing as a result of interest in the Windows 7 Beta, we are adding some additional infrastructure support to the Microsoft.com properties before we post the public beta. We want to ensure customers have the best possible experience when downloading the beta, and I’ll be posting here again soon once the beta goes live. Stay tuned! We are excited that you are excited!

@ ocean: cruel, cruel, cruel... (only b/c i'm jealous)

I'm about to absolutely have an aneurism if Microsoft can't get their act together...  I was completely worthless at work today waiting for this....

The worthlessness continues...

i've found that the 64bit Windows 7 can get upto 1gb of kernel memory, esp when installing office, VS, well anything msi based, but the 32bit version doesnt

Update: Seems I'm wrong.  They are updating infrastructure before opening the flood gates.

windowsteamblog.com/.../update-on-windows-7-beta-availability.aspx

or shorter:

http://tinyurl.com/7f74tz

They will update the blog when they open it up again.

FWIW, the links Ocean provided are downloading directly from MSFT's servers without having to go to the signup page.

Hopefully we can get a key once the servers recover, and be able to use that key. I am putting an x86 build on a Dell Inspiron 8600 with 2GB RAM and 1.8GHz Pentium M; and x64 on a Lenovo Thinkpad T60 with C2D T5600 and 4GB RAM, as well as a Sony VAIO VGN-FW290 with a C2D T8600 and 4GB RAM.

I hope Ed Bott is right in his article that the EULA for the Beta says the product could be installed on 'any number of computers' - implying that one key would let me install the same copy of Beat on all my laptops. Can anybody with the Beta already confirm if this is indeed the case?

@LloydSparkes

I haven't even installed any other softwares, just the drivers and such. And Windows Live Messenger. But it seems the x64 is quite a bit more clumbersome.

Ocean

I said "Thank you"

GOT IT!!!!

Downloading via direct link....

Kept refreshing this: www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

@kalewallace:  When I click your link it just redirects me to the official windows-7 page.

yup... been refreshing that site since 12 hours ago.....

@darkmax

which is werid, i found the x64 of Vista to be better, and a fair bit faster, im sure they will fix it before release.

I'm using it on my main machine, as i have found Windows 7 to be remarkably stable, atm i have VS 2008 Sp1 going in

i still need a beta key!!!!

kalewallace: when you say "got it!" do you mean you got the download or the key?

From what I can tell, getting the download is not a problem. We're having trouble getting keys.

@brostbeef

I know.  It's a copy-and-paste job.  I just kept on (while signed into my Live account) trying and 1.5 hrs later, it finally gave me a really simple looking page that says:

"Windows 7 Beta 64-bit Product Key

You may use the following product key to activate your evaluation copy of Windows 7 Beta 64-bit." + Key + Download Link + Installation Instructions

Also says:

"Please print this page for your records.

Downloading the Windows 7 Beta could take a few hours. The exact time will depend on your provider, bandwidth and traffic. The good news is that once you start the download, you won’t have to answer any more questions – you can walk away while it finishes. If it gets interrupted, it’ll restart where it left off. See this FAQ for details.

NOTICE ABOUT THE H.264/AVC VISUAL STANDARD. This software includes H.264/MPEG-4 AVC visual compression technology. MPEG LA, L.L.C. requires this notice:

THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE OF A CONSUMER TO (i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH AVC STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERICAL ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC VIDEO. NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C SEE HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM"

looks like the technet eval is over cause on the link listed by Paul to the windows 7 beta site on tech net now not only says windows 7 beta coming soon but the "windows 7 beta" part is now a link that takes you to the windows 7 official site.

@JuryDuty

I've got the key and the page also includes a Download link.  That link doesn't work, but it might because I'm on my Mac right now and it might be an ActiveX thing because it talks of being able to resume.

I'm downloading directly from the Neowin link (and have been for a few hours).

www.neowin.net/.../windows-7-public-beta-released-remember-to-patch

@LlyodSparkes

Perhaps I should reinstall it after I delete the partition and let Windows 7 Installation handles it. I just found it surprising that the x64 is slower for me, which should not be the case at all.

Windows 7 is extremely stable. I would even go as far to sayt hat it is more stable than Vista retail..... lol

@kalewallace

Care to share the key?! I'm tired of waiting. and by the time I finally get it, it will probably be over.

I was so looking for this but now word on the Web is that XP users can't install the Beta.

I guess I'll just have to wait for the final release and buy a new PC.

FYI over here blogs.msdn.com/.../link-to-public-download-of-windows-7.aspx there are link saying that there are reasons for the delay, but the links seem to be down or removed????? odd

from: blogs.technet.com/.../windows-7-beta-has-officially-launched.aspx

*Update on Windows 7 Beta Availability

Due to very heavy traffic we’re seeing as a result of interest in the Windows 7 Beta, we are adding some additional infrastructure support to the Microsoft.com properties before we post the public beta. We want to ensure customers have the best possible experience when downloading the beta, and we will be updating this page once the beta goes live. Stay tuned! We are excited that you are excited!

@darkmax  Sorry...  not sure about the EULA on this, and I don't prefer to pirate on public posting...

"XP users can't install the Beta"

They can, but they will need to do a new installation, and not an upgrade, which quite frankly, as Lindy and others have pointed out, is the best course of action anyway.

I've been trying all day at various times.  The direct link works, but at my slow connection at work, it would take a long time.  I don't think that the "coming soon" sign necessarily means that they "ran out" of downloads.  I just think it means they are trying to direct some traffic around.

www.flickr.com/.../3182562717

And even the Windows Team Blog server is too busy right now.  I guess people are REALLY excited about 7.  I've never had the inkling to download a beta OS before.  With the extra hard drive I have in my computer it will be quite easy to dual boot.

@ kalewallace

how many f5's did you have to press for that!?!?

lucky git!!!!!

My opinion. which isnt worth much but, if you didn't know how to install 7 if you have WinXP you prolly should not be downloading it.

Just got in again... Gave me the same key.  I was thinking about you @darkmax.

ok so from what I gather the 2.5 mil keys are spent, there are no more to hand out, but as you all know we still have the 120 bomb extender that we can use VIA MS's own internal code(google it if you don't already know it) so it appears that on the main windows 7 site they are simply going to post a link to a download the ISO but no key. Oh well.....

@reddragon72:  don't think so, i think they've pulled it cause of the load and it's coming back up later... see here: blogs.technet.com/.../windows-7-beta-has-officially-launched.aspx (bottom of page with *)

Don't give up hope. I just got my key. Just keep at it.

@stimshady: the "public beta" will be VIA the official www.microsoft.com site and it will not include keys as the 2.5 mil keys were to be handed out to technet people and the "public beta" is to be just the download and he even states "best possible experianance when downloading the beta", so I doubt there will be keys there cause why would they offer only 2.5 mill to technet and then hand them out to every "public" download that just doesn't make since. just my take on  the situation and only time will tell.

how are you guys getting a key whats the link when i go to the link paul posted it says windows 7 beta will be available soon???? whats the link your using can someone please post it

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

@Dipsh t Admin: Really? Awesome! Yeah. I had been planning on doing a clean install of the Beta.

I'm going to see if I can get a copy of the Beta and try it out. I'm still going to be a new computer once Win7 comes out (my current machine is about 6 yeards old) but want to play with Win7 (Beta) NOW!:-)

*************************************************

JUST GOT MY KEY - IT'S WORKING!!!!!!

here for the 32-bit

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

here for the 64-bit

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

I think it's interesting that the two of you who have got your key have downloaded the 64-bit version.

Any chance the key is interchangeable between the two versions? If so, we could try to go for that one...

those links you both listed route you to www.microsoft.com/.../windows-7 so how did you get a key???

keep trying, they are bringing it up

@bdizzel--I've noticed that in IE I'm rerouted to the Win7 blog, but in FireFox, where I got through Registration this morning, it TRIES to go to a download page. It may be that you have to have been through registration earlier in the day on that browser...?

i think the links above are fake if you guys really got keys post them specially if you got 2 of them since the same key will work on either 32bit or 64bit same as vista

Hmm interesting. Might be because earlier in the day I was able to do the registration form them get the server busy message. Might have saved it and just pulled it up later. No clue really

@bdizzel - I agree with JuryDuty...maybe if you went to hotmail or some other (formerly) passport site, sign in, and try again...?  It might just be seeing that you're not signed in.

FWIW, I've been trying the pages for both 32- and 64- bit keys, so if I get a 64-bit key, I'll let you know if they're interchangeable, as I'll probably install this on an old 32-bit machine :)

i have been thru on both I.E. and Firefox earlier today so that rules that out

@bdizzel

See my earlier post with flickr photo.  Nice try.  Make sure you're signed into your Live account before you try to visit the posted links.  If it redirects, keep trying.  @stimshady, @EricBPhoto, and I all have it, so it is coming up.

i can tell u now it's not fake, i have just activated two 7 machines which i loaded up today... just keep trying. those are the correct links.

i'm not posting the whole thing, but mine ends in -7HW87-3VQ6W - it's definitely not fake...

btw: anybody get a md5 key for either download?  Be nice to verify the integrity, having downloaded it directly (without going through their pages, etc)

never mind correction i some how got signed out of the site once i logged back into my live account it started to try and pull up the site again so back to press F5 for fun

i'm trying still for another, but getting errors, if i get one i'll post it (i dont need a second!)

I'm not going to post my key here bdizzel. I'm pretty sure they are generated by you Live account. But I've have posted a screen shot of the page that will give you the key on my blog. Here is the link

http://ericbphotography.com/

@bdizzel Nice good luck man.

@stimshady

I've been in two times and it gives you the same key based on your Live account that you're signed into.

@kalewallace

must be linked to Live Account then, like EricBPhoto says...

For those who got in, if your browser said "Waiting..." did you hit refresh until something else happened, or did you wait until it stopped each time?

also just wondering did you guys get in thru IE or Firefox??

mine went in pretty much instantly, i just put the link in the address bar, hit enter and within about 4 or 5 seconds i had the page up with the key... took me by surprise...

i think it's just a case of catching it at the right time. keep trying.

using IE 8 (on Win7 beta, just not activated!! - well, it is now).

i got the 32 bit version.

well to those of you who got one already i think your motor boatin son of ***** lol just kiddin

Had you registered through the technet page earlier in the day, stimshady?

I went through firefox. I opened about 7 to 8 tabs of that link (a few posts above.. the 32 bit version) and I kept refreshing all of them. After about 6 minutes one of them hit and I got the key.

The download link did not work for me however, but I am already downloading it from another source.

did you guys keep getting the "The site is currently experiencing technical difficulties, please check back in the next business day." statement then all of a sudden one of them worked?

@JuryDuty, yes i had, i filled the form out earlier this afternoon, (8am Easter Time) but that was on a different machine, don't think i even logged in this evening when i got it... messenger's not signed in, so not sure if it knew who i was... although my live mesh is connected, so might have picked up from that?

(i'm in the UK).

"reddragon72 said:

did you guys keep getting the "The site is currently experiencing technical difficulties, please check back in the next business day." statement then all of a sudden one of them worked?"

Yes.

Id say this is why no one can get it. Some people ruin it for everyone.

" hamiltonstallings  said:

I went through firefox. I opened about 7 to 8 tabs of that link (a few posts above.. the 32 bit version) and I kept refreshing all of them. After about 6 minutes one of them hit and I got the key. "

Crazy. Also the 7 homepage changed to say they were adding more servers. I'm thinking I'm going to give up. I really wanted to try it the right way but I guess I'll just stick with my XP for a few more months.

@stimshady;

Yes, I did. I opened about 10 tabs to this link: www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx , and after about 3 minets had a key. This key works on both 32 and 64 bit systems, and was achived on Windows 7 32bit using IE8

just informing everyone, window 7 page changed

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

but I followed the comments here, open quite a few tabs in firefox and kept refreshing them. I signed into live beforehand.

Got the key and have been for some time downloading windows 7 beta 64bit.

also in the uk

I guessing the key would work on both 32 and 64bit

uh sorry, actually only 64 bit

Some actual Microsoft news to deflect the Reality Distortion Field of Supersite for Windows:

- Windows hit by a worm (not surprising) that's attacking many machines all around the world. OS X and Linux users have nothing to worry about (as per usual).

- MP3 corruption in Windows 7.

www.sci-tech-today.com/.../story.xhtml

Got in!

Stimshady was spot on. 32bit key just popped up. :D

@jjch84

Don't know about yors, but I got a 64bit key and activated my 32bit edition.

Update:

It just activated the Torrent version of 7000 build. So you don't need to re-download it if you've got it.

my mistake...assumed since the url had "64" in it it would only work on 64 bit

For those who haven't been able to get it to stop redirecting to the blog site, I figured out the solution.

Log into your Passport account, but ALSO go to technet.com and log in there. Then it won't redirect anymore.

the page that pops up should look like this.

http://tinyurl.com/8khgpq

I did make it pass the registration form earlier in the afternoon before they took it down andI had to F5 the page for about 20mins before this page popped up.  I think they're slowly coming back.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. I finally got it.

I've been refreshing for several HOURS. Multiple tabs. Single tabs. IE8 in Win7, IE8 in Vista, FF in Vista.

WHEW!

For what it's worth, it came through in IE8 in Win7 on a single tab refresh after waiting... was on for about 30 seconds.

Thanks all! I appreciate it!

@JuryDuty

Congrats.  Sorry for the wait.  Glad you finally got it.

@JuryDuty had you registered earlier?

i have followed all your tips, but i keep getting redirected

Got it! Finally!!!!

Had about 20 tabs open in Firefox.. Finally 4-5 of them opened up and spewed out the key.. All of them were the same keys however..

One thing I noticed, the Download button does not seem to work.. Not that it matters, of course, but just for curiosity. Were any of you who got the key able to download from the microsoft page?

nice one juryduty :)

right, i'm done, got my key and off to bed... !

good luck...

"Id say this is why no one can get it. Some people ruin it for everyone.

" hamiltonstallings  said: ..."

Better me than you!!! But its true, I DoS'd the servers. Sorry guys... (extreme sarcasm)

Dang, I've been busy saving lives all day, so I missed all the fun. There's a partition [on my $400 Vista] laptop waiting for the 64 bit install. I'll guess that I must wait. Bummer. Oh well, I told you all that this is gonna be huge! As my kids would say Told ya so! Told ya so!"

yea i finally got mine as well, was trying in both firefox and IE they came up at the same time and for the record 32 bit & 64 keys work on either os so it doesnt matter which you get it will work

Ok im calling it a night, i have work tommorow.

I wonder if i can still get a key tommorow hmmmm

BTW does anyone know if the beta is released on MSDNAA?

Downloading 64 bit version at 480k from the link posted here.

But page with keys redirects me to windows 7 home page :(

Doc,

Try the method described here. The links to download the 32-bit and 64-bit keys are:

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

and

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

In IE 7. I set up 8 homepages, using four 32-bit links and four 64-bit key links. Then click the 'home' icon in IE and it opens 8 tabs with these key download links. Sign into your Windows Live account first, and then keep hitting the 'home' button in the browser, which refreshes all the eight tabs simultaneously. Try it for a couple of minutes, and you WILL hit the page that shows the product keys.

Then, use the links to download the 32-bit or 64-bit version .ISO directly from Microsoft's servers using the following links:

32-bit version

download.microsoft.com/.../7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULFRE_EN_DVD.iso

64-bit version

download.microsoft.com/.../7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULXFRE_EN_DVD.ISO

Now go make your $400 lappy happy! You know you've been wanting to do it for a long time. Good luck.

I'm not calling bs 100%. But I know of no one ALL day that has gotten in.

I do not know how some of you are claiming that you're getting in, getting a d/l and getting a key.

I know of NO ONE all day. Even now I get:

Thanks for your interest in the Windows 7 Beta. The volume has been phenomenal -- we’re in the process of adding more servers to handle the demand. We’re sorry for the delay and we’ll re-post the Beta as soon as we can ensure a quality download experience.

So again, how are you getting in from this url: technet.microsoft.com/.../dd353205.aspx

I used the download links posted and am now posting from Windows 7.

All I can say is that this is what Vista should have always been.

I remember installing the Vista beta 2 and it being slow as anything, way slower than the final release.

The performance in the 7 beta is exceptional. Startup times are quick, Aero is smoother than ever- I just keep smiling! I'm on the 64-bit version and I haven't hit any compatibility snags yet. I had to install Vista x64 video and touchpad drivers and have some weird unknown devices in device manager but everything's running smooth as butter.

@delmont if you look above and read thru the comments i was the same way until i got my key if you follow the info that juryduty wrote it will work thats how well all got it she just wrote it up for everyone to follow it just takes time but everyone i know has gotten a key but doing it that way and if you notice people have posted screen shots of there key and just masked out the key so its legit

What a massive failure this beta release has been. You'd think MS would be able to get a download right.

Thanks RaaJ, I will keep trying. Worst case scenario, I buy the retail version on day one, and become even more happy with my $400 Vista/ Windows 7 laptop. I have a gift certificate from Staples, and they will definitely be selling it.

Thanks again,

Doc

Good, you can download it.  But get a key?

This site is not up yet;

technet.microsoft.com/.../dd353205.aspx

So, how do you get the key?

@Delmont

I'm sure you know A LOT of people but we aren't photoshopping these pictures or lying either.

That link was alive for about an hour or so after 3pm EST and thats when most of us were able to register but got an "error" after the submission. Someone  was aware and anal enough to copy down the URL for the error page and kept refreshing it and well the rest is history.....

Checkout Neowin.com's WIn7 forum if you think it's just us over here reporting success.

I'm gonna keep trying this weekend for a key. I need to lie on a heating pad now. Was real busy in the vascular lab, and lead ain't very light. Besides, I think that the Earth's gravitational field is getting stronger as I get older.

Guys who weren't able to register this afternoon. Try this.

blog.hznet.nl/.../how-to-receive-a-valid-windows-7-key

DRWAM

Hate to break it to you but P.A.M. Dirac (the physicist who postulated antimater and shared the Nobel with Schrodinger) also postulated that the force of gravity is actually weakening. You probably just need to spend more time in the vascular lab with that lead.

:-)

@Lloyd--Yes, I had registered earlier. It took about 3 hours of refreshing once people started getting theirs for me to get mine. I wasn't as lucky as many here. I just kept getting that screen that said come back tomorrow.

But I can verify the screens people are posting are legit--it just takes FOREVER to see it.

PS I got the 64-bit key and used it to activate a 32-bit installation without a problem.

OK......

I got the 64bit d/l complete.  And just now I got a key from using your instructions.

Though when I d/l the 32bit versoin, it stops at about 100meg and says complete. Weird.

Why has everyone got it and I haven't?! ARRGGHHH

Hey, Darkmax,

It took me 13 hours to get it today!

I'm still trying for the 32bit. Got the 64bit and key.

@ Delmont

They keys interchangeable as far as x86/64. Or so I've heard.

i was on since yesterday afternoon... making this almost 19 hours now. I'm in Singapore....

Is this where everyone is downloading it?

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

@MontyM

www.microsoft.com/.../gcs.aspx

Try this one.

Monty...direct links...

32bit

download.microsoft.com/.../7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULFRE_EN_DVD.iso

64bit

download.microsoft.com/.../7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULXFRE_EN_DVD.iso

Wow, its obvious that MS is a failure...They'll have more people running a beta OS than run some other OSes within a couple of weeks!!!

--tayme

@tayme: "Wow, its obvious that MS is a failure...They'll have more people running a beta OS than run some other OSes within a couple of weeks!!!"

When will you learn? Volume means nothing. Microsoft is like McDonald's. They sell a lot of a mediocre products. Nothing more.

"Wow, its obvious that MS is a failure...They'll have more people running a beta OS than run some other OSes within a couple of weeks!!!"

Heavy hangs the head that wears the crown.....;)

I was able to download the 64 bit iso from one of the direct links posted, and it actually went quite fast averaging about 1 MB/sec.  Now I'm just trying to get the keys, but it looks like MS is totally aware of the problem, and are going to regroup in the near future.  When?  No one knows, so I think it's just best for us to wait for the official word from MS.

@robertsjoe = Are you still here. Man, you are pathetic. You'd think that you'd give up...but thanks for continuing to entertain me!

--tayme

robertsjoe, isn't it past your bedtime?  I know your mom lets you stay up late on Fridays, but if you want to get up to see Saturday morning cartoons, you better brush your teeth and get tucked in real soon.  And maybe you can bug your dad for the extra money to buy those non-DRM tracks.  I'm thinking I might pop a Blu-ray in to my PC and watch a movie.

Got the 64 bit iso...on my Mac no less...Now doing the refresh thing for the key!!!

--tayme

I think that I'll try to install it in bootcamp and use the Vista bootcamp drivers...has anybody heard if that will work?

--tayme

Hi Tayme,

I installed Windows 7 (64 bit) on my Macbook pro and installed the existing vista boot camp drivers and it works perfectly.. After installation, Windows 7 will ask you to upgrade the  graphics drivers via windows update.. After that, everything will work just fine..

One thing more, after boot camp driver installation, your sound may not work,.. I installed the sound drivers manually from this website --

h**p://driverscollection.com/?file_cid=403308457537b5589b53605d579

and sound worked perfectly after that.. (This link was posted by Paul somewhere on this website)..

@Yawn! - I pm'd you the info about the IR Blaster...

--tayme

@kanwaljit - Thanks!!! I'll give it a go this weekend!

--tayme

Thanks Weedmonk! I'm downloading it now!!

Monty

Thanks for the direct links to the ISO's.  Great throughput - average 1.2 meg/sec.

Lifehacker said:

>>Microsoft's not the only one who's blown web launches. Apple did it spectacularly with MobileMe, and even an occasional Google product craps the bed when the planets misalign.

But for a company that's pushing cloud computing and web services and trying so hard to prove that they're ready to move off the desktop and onto the web, today's Win7 borkfest proves Microsoft is still too clueless about how to do stuff online to be taken seriously.<<

feeds.gawker.com/.../in-2009-microsoft-still-underestimates-the-web

Hey guys.  I keep getting this "windows could not collect information for [OS Image] since the specified image file[install.wim] does not exist"  Am I not downloading the WHOLE file?  Am I perhaps burning the disc wrong?  How big is the file supposed to be for the x86?  I used a link off here to get it and got my 64 key from microsoft.  My files (I've got about 4 now) vary in size from 2gig to just a little over.  Thanks for any suggestions.

@jropelato1 - The 32 bit seems to die part way through the download. I have had it at 150MB up to 2GB...The 64 bit seems to work ok. I have it at 3,387,009,024 bytes(3.15GB).

--tayme

I've installed 64bit version on Dell Inspiron 6400.

1. Installer didn't make a dual boot so now I can't boot into Vista. Can you tell me how to correct this, please.

2. Can't connect to my Logitech bluetooth mouse. Anyone has similar problem?

@djRob

Put your Vista recovery/Installation disk in and boot from it. Choose to have your vista repaired.

**Always partition your HDD first before doing dual-OS installations.

you might need to reinstall your mouse driver... or just try unpluging and repluging it after a reboot.

@darkmax

If I use Vista Installation disk will I be able to boot into Windows 7 after that?

I don't know about mouse driver, I was using my mouse with defaullt(Microsoft) driver in Vista.

-OT

Thanks Tayme!

Yawn!

@ djRob

You might. But first priority is to get the OS working again, no? Then you can manually add the Windows 7 into the boot.

Here is how can u get a key  for 64bit  ver.(it refreshes page every .5 sec)

Use FF Greasemonkey addon and use this script

// ==UserScript==

// @name           win 7 key

// @namespace      myNamespace

// @include        www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

try

{

if(document.getElementsByTagName("p")[0].innerHTML=="The site is currently experiencing technical difficulties, please check back in the next business day.")

{

var t=setTimeout("location.reload(true);",5000);

}

}

catch(e)

{

}

// ==/UserScript==

Thanks darkmax, now I have dual boot.

Windows 7 Installer doesn't recognize Vista if it is installed on a logical partition.

blog.hznet.nl/.../how-to-receive-a-valid-windows-7-key

that really does work, took about 2 minutes

tried it a second time with a different account on a different pc, and i gave up after about 10 minutes,

1 key can be used multiple times so

DJ Rob: How do i install the greasemonkey script?

@ djRob

No worries. Glad to be of any significant help.

ok... I'm tired of trying all those methods to get the key out there.

Should any one of you kind soul care to share the key with me, I would very much appreciate it.

my email: darknez@hotmail.com

@dark

It should be resolved by today but you can try these keys here and see if you have any success.

www.mydigitallife.info/.../15-windows-7-pre-release-preview-mak-unlimited-activation-product-keys

Danggit. Next you'll be telling me that time is slowing rather than speeding up. Well at least I have 4GB of RAM in my $400 Vista laptop and got it for $20 after rebate. It's ready and waiting.

"my $400 Vista laptop"

Please. Stop.

@feppa  If you don't know how to run this script then u don't deserve the key ;-)

I can only add that this script should be run on this page

www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx

after you signed in the site.

@Dark,

Check your Hotmail Inbox. It says 64bit but can be used on a 32bit install as well.

What AV software are people using for Win7 64 bit? I just tried to install Live OnCare and it won't install. Says an unsupported operating system

hmm.......

AVG?

I'm using Free Avast and been loving it. I have a paid AVG subscription but compared to Avast its noticeably slower. I have router side firewall set up so that isn't a high priority for me.

Weedster, me too. I did get Onecare for the laptop, so I can install it on m y two other PC's, but Avast has been fine, and we really don't do stupid things that expose us to viruses and malware, so I did not install it on them yet. But I guess it pays to be careful.

I have to post this on the thread above, but you can't compliment people too much. You people are awesome!

LloydSparks

I can corroborate what you have said.  I tried that link and it worked the first time for both 32 bit key and 64 bit key.  I am having trouble downloading the 32bit iso from the links provided in this blog.  It keeps dying midway through.  I will try they 64 bit version now though and see how that goes.

What's weird is that...even though I was able to get a 32 bit and 64 bit key using the method you linked to, when I tried to go there a second time, it didn't work for either...

oh well, i got my keys, and that's all that really matters!

I ended up putting the free AVG on Win7 64. It installed fine.  Odd that Microsoft's own Live OneCare won't install LOL

Thank you, weedmonk for the help.

I have not check my hotmail yet, but for some strange reason, I just got a really instantaneous response from the website and got a key.

Again, thank you very much. I'll promptly erase the copy you give me. :)

BTWAfter years of searching for a free security suite, and I do mean almost all currently available, I fing COMODO to be comparable to the best paid ones, or may be even better. Best of all it is completely free.

http://www.comodo.com