Microsoft Admits Product Key Problems

[XPero]

Some people have experienced difficulties with activating the Windows Vista builds that we distributed at the PDC. Please accept our apologies for this; there's been a mismatch between the activation servers and the product key that was handed out. It's embarrassing - we screwed up - we're sorry. So here's the deal:

      For Windows Vista Beta 1, use the following product key:

    * Q8WDJ-TR4KJ-X8WHM-GVGV3-H74C3

      For Windows Vista Build 5219 (PDC CTP), use the following product key:

    * GKFV7-F2D9H-QKYXY-777P3-4M73W

If you are having problems activating either build, please try again tomorrow. We are replicating the needed changes as we speak, but at this point, not all the activation servers are updated.

He also noted that PDC attendees will automatically receive copies of the Office 12 beta when it becomes available, instead of having to go to Microsoft Beta Place and fill out a nomination survey.

http://blogs.msdn.com/tims/archive/2005/09/21/472506.aspx

LOL

Edited September 30, 2005 by XPero

[ringfinger]

Hahaha... good 'ol M$. Live and learn I suppose, at least it's still in Beta.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Hahahahahahahah good goin m$!!!!

[prathapml]

you sure that its not illegal to post that key?

[Zxian]

He's just quoting a publicly viewable blog, so I don't see how it would be a problem. If the site gets shutdown by Microsoft, then I could see the reason to remove the key from the post.

Also, the keys are for the Vista Betas, meaning that they probably won't be valid for the release version next year. Anyone who has the Vista Beta is either a registered Beta tester, or has an illegal copy (Beta 1 wasn't a public beta).