Vista BETA Available for Download!

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JHEM · #31 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:55 pm

GomJabbar wrote:
JHEM wrote:I've just gone through the complete DVD order process and there's no product key displayed at any time.
Whoopeee

You won't be so happy when you realize I used your Visa card Dave!

James

tselling · #32 Post by **tselling** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 3:12 pm

Will Vista install to a specified partition? Or do I need a spare HD?

#33 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 4:18 pm

tselling wrote:Will Vista install to a specified partition? Or do I need a spare HD?

On the link that JHEM provided when he started this thread, the following is posted.

Installation limitations
There are two installation scenarios for Windows Vista Beta 2 (and RC1):
You can do a clean installation. This process will overwrite any data that you have on your hard disk or on your installation partition. The overwritten data will be lost and unrecoverable.
You can upgrade an existing installation of Windows XP.

No other installation scenarios are supported. Upgrading to this beta from any other edition of Windows requires a clean installation, as described in option 1. In addition, once you install Windows Vista Beta 2 (or RC1) you cannot roll back to the previous operating system installation—you will either have to acquire and install the final released edition of Windows Vista or reinstall a previous edition of Windows. Before installing Windows Vista Beta 2 on any computer, please remember to back up all your files.

Note: Please close any open applications before beginning an upgrade. During installation we recommend you have an active Internet connection and choose to “Go online to get the latest updates for installation.”

Additionally, Kyocera posted the following in this thread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=25546

Kyocera wrote:You can install Vista from inside XP, this will give you dual boot and your recovery partition.

#34 Post by **Kyocera** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 6:44 pm

Here is what I did and it works pretty good. Created a 12gig partition on my drive with XP and the HPA. Started XP and inserted the Vista DVD, told vista to install on the 12gig partition let it run, takes about 30 or so mins. At bootup you will have two options - pre longhorn (which is XP) and MS windows, (Vista).

I have also accessed the IBM drivers folder on the C drive from VIsta and installed the drivers using compatibility mode in Vista.

The version I have is 5308 so i can't speak to the newest versions but this has been working for me.

440roadrunner · #35 Post by **440roadrunner** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 10:40 pm

That's correct, I tried to download first, "almost" missed the key, and then ordered DVD's online.

NOW:

I finally got the download, and have an ISO, but........I don't have a DVD burner!!!!! Does anybody know what I can use, if anything, to "bust" this ISO and maybe copy the files to an old hard drive, or a "few" CD's?

Cripes. 3 gb. Donoo if I'll like this new stuff or not.

#36 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 11:14 pm

I think Isobuster might work, but I am unfamiliar with how to do what you are trying to accomplish. http://www.isobuster.com/

#37 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 2:07 am

You need to make yourself a bootable image , not just copy the files.

from the download website:

Download the ISO file to your PC
(An ISO file is an exact representation of a CD or DVD, including the content and the logical format. Once you download the ISO file, you’ll need to burn it to a DVD before you can install the software.)

jjesusfreak01 · #38 Post by **jjesusfreak01** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:16 am

I had no problem with the download. I missed the activation key once but Microsoft emailed it to me anyways. I have it installed on a 20gb Partition on my t60. So far there are no big problems, and it is running fairly quickly.

coolsilicon · #39 Post by **coolsilicon** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:18 am

@440roadrunner

I finally got the download, and have an ISO, but........I don't have a DVD burner!!!!! Does anybody know what I can use, if anything, to "bust" this ISO and maybe copy the files to an old hard drive, or a "few" CD's?

Go here http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/downloa ... ry&catid=5

Use that tool to extract the files from the ISO into a folder, then start the installation from within XP - this is reportetd to work on the MS-helpgroups for Vista Beta 2. The daemon tools need to be installed first!

440roadrunner · #40 Post by **440roadrunner** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:31 pm

I may be buying future trouble, here, but:

I tried two or three different "ISO buster" programs, and all gave errors. I can "see" the extracted files, including "setup.exe" but it won't run, says something about corrupted, so

HOW DO I re-download the ISO? Microshaft says that "you already received the maximum number of keys, etc...."

Why can't I re-download the apparrently corrupt file.

I tried something or other "Magic ISO", and this:

http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/donnyma ... /6883.aspx

Download it, run it to unzip, and read the "readme" to find out how

Just for drill I'll try the one you posted above

EDIT: Just tried the link posted in the last post above, apparrently my image is corrupt. Anybody know how to "get back in" to reload the download?

#41 Post by **dorronto** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:50 pm

FWIW...........

I tried to download the Vista beta, but (as in my previous discussion with James), I used my own internet provider and it would have been a cool 29 hours to download!!!

Just not worth it for me right now..........

Feedback, though on the actual downloads, would be appreciated.

Thanks and to Samuel Morse, keep on tapping!
Ron

#42 Post by **Kyocera** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:02 pm

Ron is right, this OS is not worth racking your brain and wasting a lot of time trying to download.

Get the DVD because once you get it up and running the fun is over in about an hour because it really "ain't all that", just different.

Website · #43 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:51 pm

I agree with Kyocera. I haven't been too impressed. It's nice to look at, but you have to have a powerhouse to use it.

My R40 with a 2.2ghz P4 CPU, 1gb ram and 80gb 5400rpm drive handled it well, but it felt like I was running XP with only 256mb ram.

Maybe I just don't have too much use for it, since I am not a power user. It is like XP on steroids, with plenty more eye candy.

kulivontot · #44 Post by **kulivontot** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 9:47 pm

My experience with beta 2 is that there are not enough applications fully supported and working for it right now for it to be usable as a primary OS. It's fun to play with, I'll admit. However, the moment you want to play that game or run that specific office app that you need, you will notice that you can't and you will fall back on good ol' trusty XP. For the moment, it's just a novelty. As more hardware and software support arrives, it may become more viable as a primary OS.

JHEM · #45 Post by **JHEM** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:43 pm

kulivontot wrote:My experience with beta 2 is that there are not enough applications fully supported and working for it right now for it to be usable as a primary OS.

Office 2007 runs great under Vista, as well as a few other MS Betas, but that's about it for now.

Regards,

James

Bgradid · #46 Post by **Bgradid** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:42 am

So far so good with the vista beta , it's running on my thinkpad pretty flawlessly. I just need an ultranav program now to get scrolling working

bdoviack · #47 Post by **bdoviack** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:45 am

I'm having the same problem with my trackpoint/ultranav. I can't get either the trackpoint or touchpad to work. I must use an external mouse to navigate. Any ideas or suggestions?

Other than that, everything is ok

#48 Post by **Kyocera** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:00 am

When I did a clean install on a hard drive, after the install I went to the lenovo download site and got the ultra nav driver and loaded it. You could also grab the ultranav wizard, trackpoint from the drivers inside your IBM TOOLs folder on your XP drive.

On a dual boot install just access the IBM TOOLS folder on the C drive of XP from Vista, open the folder and start loading the drivers, if vista has a problem installing one it will ask if you want to use compatibility mode just select yes and it will install and work fine. My video, ultranav, trackpoint, IBM record now, and others work fine in vista.

bdoviack · #49 Post by **bdoviack** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:25 am

Thanks Kyocera,

I'll test out your recommendations later today.

viper11885 · #50 Post by **viper11885** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:14 pm

Has anybody had any trouble with audio?

I have a T60. I tried installing the audio drivers using the compatibility mode. After installation and restart, there is still no sound.

Any ideas?

#51 Post by **Kyocera** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:25 pm

Just played some Stevie Ray on my T42 with WMP in Vista and it works OK.

Website · #52 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:46 pm

Works flawlessly on an R40 as well.

viper11885 · #53 Post by **viper11885** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:58 am

Figured it out!!!

Apparently, the volume controls in Vista do not work when the audio is muted.

However, the volume controls on the T60 work fine and I can get perfect audio now.

This is with no drivers installed except for the video drivers in case anybody wanted to know.

pphilipko · #54 Post by **pphilipko** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:31 am

I've just installed it on one of my desktops.

Took 1 hour and 3 minutes to download the entire file. (I have 7mbps cable internet).

Wow, the aero glass effect is absolutely amazing.

NJRonbo · #55 Post by **NJRonbo** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:16 am

I decided to partition my new Lenovo laptop using
partition magic and install Vista.

My Lenovo is a dual-core with 2GB of memory. Perfect to run Vista.

The install took about an hour and was pretty effortless. When my
computer boots I have the option of booting into VISTA or WINDOWS XP.

Though my initial impressions of Vista are rather good, let me
concentrate on the BAD...

I think what others have said here are spot on in that Vista is
not even close to being revolutionary. To put it plainly, it's
basically the same old windows that has been spruced up with
nifty graphic enhancements.

In fact, I find the overall user experience to be rather aggitating
in the fact that EVERY install, file movement or change that you
make to the operating system are met with an arsenal of warning
pop-ups.

Furthermore, the MY COMPUTER (now called COMPUTER) contents
are horribly laid out. All the files and folders are now all mashed
together under headers A-H, I-P and Q-Z. I just don't like it and
wonder why it's necessary at all.

On the other hand, many functions have been greatly simplified
including connecting to a network, changing the appearance of
computer or adding new hardware. The software does seem to
be more novice friendly.

Most noteworthy to talk about is the new hibernation feature.
From the revamped START button simply hit the POWER icon and
your system instantly shuts down in hibernation mode and
just as instantly powers back up with everything intact.
It's a huge improvement over the XP hibernation process.

With all the hype surrounding its release, I am not impressed at
all with Internet Explorer 7. I immediately ditched it and downloaded
my trusty Firefox browser which works fine under Vista. In fact, I
was quite pleased that MANY of my programs are working fine under
Vista including Mailwasher Pro and Barca Email.

There are some driver problems. I couldn't install drivers for my
Belin Pre-N network card. I was able to go to CONTROL PANEL ->
HARDWARE DEVICES and do a search for the driver to update.
The card worked until I rebooted my laptop and now it no longer
functions.

I was able to easily connect to my wireless network using Vista's
connection wizard now more simplified than ever.

I also can't install <i>Trend Micro PC-Cillin</i>. At time of install
the software reports that it has found an unsuported platform.
I have much fear surfing the Internet without any virus protection
installed.

The GOOD news is that the graphic enhancements are really
nifty. Windows dissolve in and out and the aero-glass display is
very attractive. It's amazing that the real appeal to this software
is the graphic enhancements rather than what's under the hood....

...and that's the overall problem.

Vista attempts to dazzle with its enhanced graphics, but it's nothing
near as impressive as the photos I have seen of the Macintosh OS.
The side toolbar is a nice addition for widgets, but honestly, I think
that Yahoo Widgets is far better.

At one point my email program locked up during a SEARCH. Hitting
CTRL-ALT-DEL no longer immediately brings up the task manager.
You need to go to an additional menu to bring that up. I was rather
impressed that the program closed effortlessly via a dissolve-out
once I told task manager to close it.

I saw absolutely no sluggishness within the Vista environment. I was
able to move through its functions without any sense of delay. From
what I understand, this system will work best for those with at least
a GIG of memory.

You know, I love playing with this new OS. I love the graphic
dissolves and even the beautifully rendered games that are
included (Such as Chess Titans). However, underneath the hood
it's the same windows software now filled with roadblocks at
every turn that ask for permissions or warn you of potential problems.
It's these roadblocks that makes its overall usage more cumbersome.

Finally, I must say that I am not at all happy that Vista will not
be "upgrade friendly." Essentially, those wishing to migrate to the
new software will have to back up their most important information
and format their computers and begin with a clean slate. I also
suspect that early adopters will be faced with software that just
won't work because companies may not be upgrading their software
fast enough to support the new OS.

One would think that all these years since XP entered our homes
that Microsoft would have given us something "bigger" than Vista.
In fact, if you have followed the news over the past year, you
know that Vista's promised features have drastically shrunk. It
seems that as usual, Microsoft would rather meet production dates
than concentrate on giving its users an operating system that can
stand up against the competition.

#56 Post by **Kyocera** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:52 am

You pretty much nailed it, the hibernation shut down is pretty impressive, the networking setups are obviously geared toward the novice user and sidebar is definately a take off of dashboard.

One thing about OSX though it is so much cleaner, vista seems extrememly busy, control panel seems out of control with to many icons (in classic view). I think there is a way to disable the security feature always asking if you want to allow or deny access to something. Think it is in the running services, i 'll check later.

All this bashing and I'll still be using it though, probably take some time to get used to.

asiafish · #57 Post by **asiafish** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:42 am

Another member said that Vista is not "Upgrade Friendly". As someone who has been messing with PCs and Macs since the mid 80s, I have never been happy with an upgrade installation. Whether it was going from System 7.1 to 7.5 on my PowerBook in 1994 or from Windows 9x to 2000 or XP, I ALWAYS back up my data and install from scratch. The only exception is when a clean install is not possible, such as a service pack on Windows or an incremental update on OS X (10.4.5 to 10.4.6, for example).

Upgrade installations will usually carry over whatever issues the original install had, exhibit incompatibilities with applications or extensions that worked under the old but not under the new, and finally, upgrades are plain slow and unstable.

I for one am glad that Microsoft is not putting an upgrade option on the Vista installer. I think that user complaints would be greatly reduced if all operating systems were cleanly installed. A migration assistant is a far better answer, something similar to Apple's Boot Camp or a typical Linux installer that would make a blank partition, then import documents and some settings, and finally when everything is working reliably, give the option of removing the old partition. That is an "upgrade" that I could live with, but writing the new on top of the old is just asking for trouble.

#58 Post by **Kyocera** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:54 pm

There probably will be an upgrade when the final versions come out, so be ready to help all your friends out.

If people could get their hands on OSX and use it for a while, and if a bigger majority of software was compatible, they'd probably flock to it. I really like it, clean and simple and nice to look at.

Oh no I'm going off topic, somebody stop me please!

pemoz · #59 Post by **pemoz** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:57 pm

I dont know why you are saying that there is no upgrade possibillity in Vista cause you can upgrade from xp easy...
but I am like the last speaker not very fond of upgrades.. I like to start fresh when installing a new system, but as I now have installed Vista three times now, and havent gotten two excential functions of the think pad to work (Ultra nav and windows key through the cusomise utility), then I am installing a fresh XP and then all the ibm utilities that I want only to upgrade to Vista wright after.... I am doing that now and hopefully everything I want will work...
I have played around a lot with the vista and I like it and I want to be able to use it as my primary system...
there was one here earlyer in this post that didnt like to go through a seperat screen to get to the task manager up... well good news you can right click on the taskbar and select task manager...

#60 Post by **Kyocera** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:05 pm

I have heard a few not be able to install the ultra nav driver, I can tell you that i did it but had to use compatibility mode, same with ATI.

Vista BETA Available for Download!

Vista

Ultranav

can't get trackpoint/ultranav to work

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