I think Build 5840 was a "Full Version", as was Build 5920 (that, is they
weren't Beta versions, and Beta activation keys wouldn't work with those
versions). Build 5840 was is in Escrow, meaning that it was a candidate to
become the Golden build (RTM). That is possibly why yours hasn't expired,
or "time-bombed". But the caveat is that it's a pre-release, evaluation
copy, and, no, it won't get updates on Windows Update. See the OP's post
here:
http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=667801
<quote>The CD sleeve says that it is a pre-release, evaluation
copy.<unquote>
and, from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/communities...a-979d92586076
<quote>I am about to attend a launch event as well--in Los Angeles. Here is
a snippet from the confirmation email Microsoft has sent me:
As a special thank you for attending, you will receive a FREE copy of
Microsoft Office Professional 2007 and Microsoft Office Groove 2007*. You
will also gain access to a 180-day trial of Windows Vista!"<unquote>
Beta testers were able to Upgrade a variety of ways:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...a/preview.mspx
But in your case, since your product key isn't a Beta key, I'm not actually
sure what your options are relative to upgrading. Obviously you can buy a
Full version, but to use a purchased Upgrade version, you may have to start
the install from an installed Vista Beta OS or XP OS ...
I do remember, vaguely, at the end of last year, weighing the options of
using a free LAUNCH version of Vista with a later build number, or
continuing to use the BETA version I already had installed, and decided to
continue with the BETA, until installing the 6000 version, thinking that the
BETA had a longer timebomb (180 days vs. the BETA's end-of-May expiration),
and that the LAUNCH version would bomb earlier. I guess I was wrong on that
point; apparently the LAUNCH version doesn't time-out...
"functioning funk" <> wrote in
message news:F6559FB2-9918-4D13-A8A1-...
> THIS IS VERY MADDENING! I did NOT misunderstand....MS purposely defrauded!
> What can i do NOW...this sucks!
> --
> functioning funk
>
>
> "functioning funk" wrote:
>
>> MS says my vista untimate has expired, but i downloaded the "FULL
>> VERSION"
>> prod key received fr Tampa launch just last year. I had downloaded beta
>> on a
>> spare computer for a "look see" but MS told us they were giving us FULL
>> VERSIONS if we attended the VISTA LAUNCH. My Vista is working
>> fine...except
>> for the part that it will NOT give me updates (which to me does NOT mean
>> FULL
>> VERSION)...AND which DOES mean there could be I am missing necessary
>> fixes
>> and patches...keeping my computer and information safe and running w/o
>> problems...which i have no time for.
>>
>> ALSO...I would have NEVER downloaded an OS if I suspected that i would
>> have
>> to REINSTALL another including all the app and driver and file downloads
>> (time, time, time).
>>
>> PLEASE do not tell me I have been DUPED by a company that I support and
>> recommend...
>> --
>> functioning funk
>> --
>> functioning funk