...for "business customers?"

[Domingo]

Maybe this is stupid question, but I figured I'd ask.
So, the final version Vista is going to be out there for business customers at the end of the month, right? Short of joining TechNet or something like that, is there a *legal* way for an end user to obtain a copy? I'm guessing the answer is "No...wait until January ya idiot!" but I figured I'd ask anyway.

[Xilikon]

I believe you can order one personnally but I bet it is not all versions who are available but only business-related versions. Dunno if Ultimate is available but my bet is not before 2007.

[Domingo]

I'm stuck using RC2 for now (re-activated XP too many times), so I figure the sooner the better for me to get the final.
I'm well aware that there will be "ways" to get it, but I'd be happy enough just ordering a copy or even a legal ISO and license key.
I'll have to keep my ear to the ground, but I was more or less wondering if it was totally out of the question.

[djnes]

I'm stuck using RC2 for now (re-activated XP too many times),
Why can't you just call the 800 number and have it re-activated? You may have to give them a story, usually about upgrading your computer, but if it's your legal copy, it should always be re-activated. I've never heard of MS refusing to activate a legit copy.

[Domingo]

I've sadly done it 10-15 times and I'm sick of bothering. My copy is XP "Gold" and the last time I had to call twice in 24 hours because when I put SP2 on, so much of my hardware that got recognized it actually made me re-activate a 2nd time.
At this point, I don't feel like getting on their bad side :P

[djnes]

You won't be on their bad side, if it's a legit copy. You paid for it, so you should be able to use it.

[tesfaye]

I would imagine that all versions would be available to businesses when it launches later on this month. The January 2007 date for consumers probably has more to do with manufacturing and shipping timeframes more than anything else. They created one big ol' piece of code that can install any of the various types of Vista based on the provided license key. Remember that you can purchase an upgrade key, click a button in the OS and upgrade to a version with more features without worrying about reinstallation or even inserting the DVD if I read past articles correctly.

[Xipher]

I've sadly done it 10-15 times and I'm sick of bothering. My copy is XP "Gold" and the last time I had to call twice in 24 hours because when I put SP2 on, so much of my hardware that got recognized it actually made me re-activate a 2nd time.
At this point, I don't feel like getting on their bad side :P
Postpone the activation until after getting SP2 installed. Another choice is to use something like nlite to make a slipstreamed CD with SP2.