VISTA preview Pre Release Version

[Finny76]

Does anyone know the Difference between the Pre Release Version and the OEM/Retail version of Winsows Vista.

 

[bbz_Ghost]

Pre-release = BETA, test code, slow, buggy, performs like shit, etc.

Retail/OEM = RTM, final, the cat's meow, what you want, fast as hell, etc.

'Nuff typed.

 

[Finny76]

I have the DVD infront of me and it says

Windows Vista Launch Preview.

Someone told me that this was the FINAL release of VISTA
and was available 1 day Before the final version came out.
Its fully functional but does not have suppport from MS.

 

[bbz_Ghost]

Well, install it and DO NOT USE THE KEY, just click No when it asks for a key, click No on the next popup, and continue, choose the edition you want to install and then continue on again and see what happens. That way you don't mess with the key and you get 30 days of grace period usage.

When it's installed, open an Adminstrator Command Prompt and type:

slmgr -dlv (press Enter)

After a few moments a popup will appear with information about the version you have, it should give you some idea of what it is. If it says OEM or Retail, then you might be a lucky dog.

 

[Finny76]

I did that and heres the Information:

Software Licensing Service version: 6.0.5840.16384
Name: Windows VISTA, Ultimae Edition
Description: Windows Operating System - VISTA, Retail Channel

 

[bbz_Ghost]

16384 there is the clue, it's technically a beta release. 16386 is the RTM build, but who knows, you might be lucky even so.

Does that info popup list a time at the bottom like this does at the bottom:

Just curious. If there's no time limit or "expiration date" mentioned, you probably did get lucky, and if so, congrats.

 

[ne1wantaride]

I have the same version installed. It is not time bombed. Here is a capture side by side with your's. Mine is on the right.

 

[Catweazle]

Comment removed now that I've had time to check its veracity.

 

[Finny76]

The Preview version came with a VALID KEY to install.

Now if i upgraded to the RETAIL/OEM version of Vista Ultimate
will the KEY i have for the Preview version work?

i.e PreRelease version : 6.0.5840.16384
Retail/OEM : 6.0.6000.16386

 

[MixManSC]

5840 was one of the final pre-release/beta versions and is not final production code. All final production code RTM, OEM, Retail, versions will be 6000.