Member Avatar for Comatose

I just downloaded the beta 2 of windows vista..... went to install the upgrade, and it needs an installation key..... my question is, how the hell do you obtain this key?

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A short, practical summary and troubleshooting add-on to the replies by , , , , and .

Official preview keys were distributed only with Microsoft’s official preview/download channels; anything that looks like a “keygen” or a replacement system script is a red flag. Key-related failures are usually not magic — they’re almost always one of a few concrete causes.

Checklist for a product-key rejection or install failure

  • Confirm the key matches the exact Vista edition, language and architecture of the media (edition keys are not interchangeable).
  • Avoid copy/paste artifacts: remove spaces, and check similar characters (0 vs O, 1 vs I vs L, B vs 8).
  • Verify the ISO/DVD integrity (checksums or re-download) and re-burn at a low speed or try a different drive.
  • If the installer refuses an upgrade, try a clean install; some preview builds had limited upgrade paths.
  • If setup halts before key entry, consider SATA/RAID driver issues — either load the correct storage drivers during setup or switch BIOS storage mode to a compatibility/IDE mode temporarily. Also disconnect non-essential peripherals.

Security and legality
The replacement/“keygen” approach mentioned by involves altering system files and automated key generation; that method exposes the machine to malware, instability and licensing violations. For legitimate testing or long-term use, rely on official Microsoft channels or a proper retail/MSDN/TechNet license.

For sharper troubleshooting, note the Vista build number and paste the exact installer error text (no paraphrase). Those two pieces of data make diagnosis precise and avoid guesswork.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for tayspen

I *think* it used to be, when you were a beta tester, you got a key. Now I am not sure how. There are ways though I am sure :cool:

Member Avatar for 'Stein

Yep, exact same question I had, Comatose.

*loooking around cluelessly*

By the way, tayspen, ya testing?

Member Avatar for Comatose

I figured it out, you have to create a stupid account and log into live windows.... let me see:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/preview.mspx, then you log in, and it goes through like 113 redirects. The final product should have links for download, and a product key... I would paste that URL, but I'd be willing to bet you'd get an invalid login and get redirected to step 1 of my process here.... Now if only I can get it to freakin install :eek:

Member Avatar for 'Stein

Heh jeez.

Good find by the way.

Member Avatar for rreynolds

Did you download it from Microsoft? If so, the key was on the page you initiated the download from. If not, good luck.

Member Avatar for TheNSS

Yeah, if you didn't download it from microsoft, then you're screwed. They usually just email you the key like 10 times. That's what happened to me.

Member Avatar for DrNet

oh man come on every thing can be cracked these days lol grrrrrr


Nice easy to follow instructions thanks guys:
1: download the file slmgr.zip (links below)

2: make a backup of C:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs (in case the keygen works, replace it back with the original)

3: use slmgr.vbs from the zip-file to replace the one in C:\windows\system32\. If you have problems with permissions, select file...goto properties....take ownership....then change permissions.

4: write down your partial or entire productkey. You can check your key with "magic jellybean" (from our pack)

5: goto Start > Run, type "cmd" and OK. Now type "C:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ipk generate". A process called "wscript.exe" will start and can take quite a lot of CPU resources. It will check aprox. 10000 keys per 30 minutes.

6: now the waiting begins. It can take very very very long before you get some results

7: after some time (hours, days) check your productkey with "magic jellybean" again to see if it has changed

8: if your serial has changed try to activate Vista by going to Start > Run. Now type the command "C:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ato"

DONE!

KEYGEN PROVIDED BY COMPUTER USER!...thanks fokes for your "patience!" Laughing

DISCLAIMER: under no circumstances should anyone sell the key that they generate. I do not support Piracy, this was simply an experiment in which i used to practice my vbscripting. This was just for fun and was a complete accident! sorry for cracking your beautiful operating system BILL GATES

I strongly encourage everyone to purchase windows vista, and be a genuine customer!

http://www.megashare.com/120345

Enjoy :)

LebaneseTeam

Welcome ;)

Edited by crunchie because: Removed URL's
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