Can I still install Vista beta?

T9D

Diamond Member
Dec 1, 2001
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I have an old CD I burned of Windows Vista beta. I want to try it out. I mostly just want to see how it sounds for 2 channel audio now that the kmixer is gone. Would I be able to install the beta? I thought they said you can use the beta for a year or so before it's totally closed. Is it disabled if I try to install or can I still do it you think?

I'll probably go buy it but I at least want to try it out right now.
 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
8,874
111
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You can install it and use it until May 31, 2007 ... that is when it will expire

By default, Windows Vista can be installed, used and run without any license, product key or the need of activation for 30 days grace period, for purpose of trial or evaluation. Although Microsoft initially stressed that users should purchase a license with valid product key before the trial period expires, or else Windows Vista will lock into Reduced Functionality Mode. However, a rearming? method has long since been discovered to be able to extend, or reset the remaining time for activation to another fresh 30 days, for up to 3 times.

Now Microsoft has confirmed that Windows Vista can be used and run for 120 days or 4 months (3 rearms), and extending the activation grace period is not a violation of the Vista End User License Agreement (EULA). All versions of Vista include Windows Vista Ultimate allow a 30-day free period without activation, except the corporate-oriented Vista Enterprise, which supports only a three-day trial.

To extend, reset or restart the initial OOB grace period of Windows Vista to another 30 days, use the following steps:

1. Click on Vista Start button and key in Cmd in Start Search box.
2. Press on Ctrl-Shift-Enter to open Command Prompt with administrative credentials (equivalent to Run as Administrator)
3. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter when done: slmgr -rearm or you can use sysprep /generalize
4. Reboot the computer.
5. Rearm again when the remaining activation grace period timer counts down to 0 days.

Rearm option resets the computers activation timer and reinitializes some activation parameters.
 

Nothinman

Elite Member
Sep 14, 2001
30,672
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However, a â??rearmâ?? method has long since been discovered to be able to extend, or reset the remaining time for activation to another fresh 30 days, for up to 3 times.

What the hell is that between "a" and "method" supposed to be?
 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
8,874
111
106
Fixed ... that was the way it copied from the page I got it from
It should (and now does) read: rearming