Technet - FREE

No too sure how long for...or how many members will be interested...

..but there's currently a free trial of microsoft technet...without going into all the boring details I'll jump to the bottom line

FREE Office 2007...Vista...etc....direct from Microsoft.

Maximum 300 keys/product/subscriber

clicky

Thanks for that heads up!

In reply to a post by Error:

No too sure how long for...or how many members will be interested...

..but there's currently a free trial of microsoft technet...without going into all the boring details I'll jump to the bottom line

FREE Office 2007...Vista...etc....direct from Microsoft.

Maximum 300 keys/product/subscriber

clicky

Thankies

In reply to a post by Error:

No too sure how long for...or how many members will be interested...

Apparently its 1 year.(no proof)

Nice

Just set up a passport account for one of my "real" email address' instead of my usual spam catcher one i use for getting into MS sites.

Even if this thing is just short term rather than a year (or life as some would like to think!) does anyone know if i can get reduced costs for MCP courses or exams now i have set up my technet account.....

I am going to be starting an instructor led course for 070-270 and 070-290 MCP's and would like to get to MCSE at some point but reducing the cost of it would be nice!!!

Anyone know if this is possible

http://www.neowin.net/news/software/09/06/03/microso...

seems to suggest from the updated parts it might be 3 months, but then that may just be specualtion as well.

I think on another google search about this, one place has been trying to get a response from redmond but to no joy....me thinks someone removed the P+C part on an internal memo and thought "hhhmmm i wonder if my buddy would like this"...........and the link for 10 guests visiting their HQ has turned into a multi-forum hotspot for today......as well as test their new servers @ microsoft for a simulated DDOS

Thanks for the heads up! That will come in handy and save a couple hundred quid

yep apparently its up to sept 31st!
somebody entered a chat with a ms employee
"
: Okay, as far as we know the TechNet Plus Retail Pilot is a new, short term subscription which ends September 30, 2009 and offers to selected IT professionals "

SubscriptionType: Retail
Subscription Status: Active
Expiration Date: 1/1/1900

Also, I keep getting errors when trying to access product keys. Anyone else? edit- nvm looks like it takes a few days though downloads work.

Edited by deleted (Wed 03-Jun-09 13:20:53)

The email that you get says that you will get another confirmation when your account is active. That's probably why you're currently getting an error (as I am) with the Product Keys. Patience!

Was planning on subscribing to TechNet anyway, but I can't complete the registration...

"We are unable to validate your customer information and proceed with your order at this time."

Edited by deleted (Wed 03-Jun-09 15:05:13)

Currently on my desktop (as ISOs)
(with keys where necessary)

en_windows_xp_professional_with_service_pack_3_x86_cd_x14-80428
en_office_professional_2007_cd_X12-42316
en_fr_de_es_windows_vista_sp2_language_pack_x64_dvd_342425
en_windows_vista_sp2_x64_dvd_342267
en_fr_de_es_windows_vista_sp2_language_pack_x86_dvd_342424
en_windows_vista_sp2_x86_dvd_342266
en_office_2003_pro


can't find anything else I want to....'evaluate'

Edited by deleted (Wed 03-Jun-09 16:40:03)

to fully "evaluate" all those products, each part of them and in every possible permutation you will have to have them installed for years to come at no expense to yourself................

door open
guilt picks up his suitcase, takes one last look back as you ask him to leave
door closes

happy days

unable to susbcribe

I think you're missing the point!
This software is for evaluation only...some of us have several machines...and won't be sure which is the best version to buy until we have evaluated the software fully on the various configurations..

...feels a bit like Christmas..but I know it shouldn't

Same here, not got anything on my Hotmail account either which I used to try and subscribe. I'll try again later, I guess something like this is going to be popular.

In the case of the subscription ending, what happens to the software you download, does that also expire?

Rob

what about xp 64bit to you christmas list, sorry evaluation task !!

In reply to a post by EnglishRob:

Same here, not got anything on my Hotmail account either which I used to try and subscribe. I'll try again later, I guess something like this is going to be popular.

In the case of the subscription ending, what happens to the software you download, does that also expire?

Rob

In reference to technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/securedownloads/dd464803....:

Expired Subscriber Access

Q: After my Subscription expires can I still download products and claim product keys?

A: Only Subscribers with active subscriptions can download products and claim product keys, so you will not be able to download products after your Subscription has expired.

You will be able to view Product Keys you had claimed while your Subscription was active, but you will not be able to claim new keys. In order to access your prior claimed keys, you will have to Sign in to Live ID using the account and Subscription information that you had used to access your subscription benefits and claim those keys.

NOTE: Based on program and agreement restrictions, some expired Volume License subscribers are not currently entitled to view their previously claimed keys.

In reply to a post by The_Jimster:

what about xp 64bit to you christmas list, sorry evaluation task !!

no...I had a genuine free trial of that when it came out...scared me away from x64 for years with its poor driver support...apparently not much improved with time

Vista x64 is very good though, and I'm liking the 7 x64 RC...can't really see myself using x32 again

Server Error in '/offer' Application.

Has it been removed ?

Are these time limited trial versions too?

Edited by Banger (Wed 03-Jun-09 20:20:59)

In reply to a post by Banger:

Server Error in '/offer' Application.

Has it been removed ?

Probably around 100,000 tried to sign up for it

Are these time limited trial versions too?

No but they are "evaluation" versions

Thanks for the reply Taras, I always miss the good stuff.

Looks like the shop's closed for new customers....I till have my foot in the door...but it's not letting me open any new jars (generate new keys) but I can still download...and look at static keys

In reply to a post by Error:

Looks like the shop's closed for new customers....I till have my foot in the door...but it's not letting me open any new jars (generate new keys) but I can still download...and look at static keys

my sub's now gone it seems

Had the page earlier but the formatting was messed up so couldn't type in the correct boxes. No all I get is this:

Server Error in '/offer' Application.

The resource cannot be found.

Description: HTTP 404. The resource you are looking for (or one of its dependencies) could have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable. Please review the following URL and make sure that it is spelled correctly.

Requested URL: /offer/technet_emea.aspx

Looks as if Microsoft made a mistake and subs shouldn't have been free.

check back

mine hasn't come back ...

even though it has your name on the top of the screen...don't forget to sign in...that's what brought it back for me..no promises though

Looks like I'm still a member; however, I can't download anything.

In reply to a post by Mikey2:

Looks like I'm still a member; however, I can't download anything.

I've tried loging out and back in again but nothing

No sign of the 2nd or 3rd emails from MIcrosoft here, logging in works but downloads and keys are now greyed out.

Probably disabled downloads because their servers were being hammered.

In reply to a post by RiffRaff:

logging in works but downloads and keys are now greyed out.

same here, never even got round to grabbing anything, logged in sgned up on the morning this was posted, thought - ill get it later..........

gone again for me as well

I managed to get a few (13) ISOs and a few (80+) keys before it went again...

I read a piece earlier suggesting that all the keys are gonna be blacklisted anyway

Yeah I read somewhere as well, although can't remember where, that all accounts created via this method will be disabled and all the keys blacklisted with windows genuine advantage. It was a mistake them allowing everyone to sign up, apparently it was for a select few that had to fill out a questionnaire before being given this free access.

oh well at least that gives some comfort that even if i had grabbed some they would still "die" soon enough

the sad thing was i wasnt looking for a bundle of software to pirate - i wanted access to some OS's and server programs for a course i am starting soon so might have wanted to muck about with it at home while studying.....


i mean lets be honest, everything avail on the site you can get for free if you just want a pirate version - i want clean proper stuff for testing ............... gggrrrr

I managed to get a few (13) ISOs and a few (80+) keys before it went again...

I read a piece earlier suggesting that all the keys are gonna be blacklisted anyway

Might be cos some folk download 13 ISOs and 80 keys.

I believe you can download trial software and OS's off of Microsofts website.

hhhhmmmmm
good point, now i think on it i am sure my pc came preinstalled with some 60 day eval of an office product which was removed long ago but there opens the door.......

60 days would give me enough time to muck about with something
thx

Why don't you just become a MS Partner, free, then register for the Microsoft Action Pack? It is £199 per year and allows you access to most MS software including all serverware and OS software. It does include project, Office, visio etc, about 28 different products in all with 10 keys for each product, in most cases!

Surely that would cover your requirements, ok, its not free, but it is value for money when you consider One copy of MS Office Enterprise is well over £199, let alone ten copies!

Oh, you have to take a very basic exam to get MAPS but it is nothing to worry about, even I got 98% and if you want to specialise, to get the web pack etc, then again, one exam, very basic, and it is yours for free, well, no further charge anyway!

Forgot the action pack is cheaper than technet plus!

It is cheaper per Seat, if you work it out, as I understand it, TechNet Plus gives you ONE licence which is for the registrant ONLY.
Whilst MAPS gives you TEN licences for INTERNAL USE in your company or ogranisation etc, NOT JUST FOR EVALUATION but for INTERNAL BUSINESS USE as well. It suits us down to the ground with about six units in the house. Both my S/O and I are into IT in one way or another, I have been in IT since 1976, Sandy since the late 80's.

It suits us down to the ground, we can use it for business use, showing, demonstrating, and even teaching other people. Stacks of stuff is Permitted by the licence if you read it, the golden rule is basically you can't give it to anyone NOT connected to your business or organisation.

And yes, you still have access to TechNet and all the forums. At the last count there was about 30 things I could download and get TIME UNLIMITED keys for, up to TEN KEYS per download.

If you can't afford £199, then you can still download most Serverware etc for up to a 90 day trial, which should get you through most exams.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Edited by TrevorSP (Tue 09-Jun-09 09:47:01)

In reply to a post by camieabz:

I managed to get a few (13) ISOs and a few (80+) keys before it went again...

I read a piece earlier suggesting that all the keys are gonna be blacklisted anyway

Might be cos some folk download 13 ISOs and 80 keys.

You will be caught out and microsoft will send you a letter in the post to take you to court for illegal keys stolen from 1 year free subscription which it not suppose for your sole use only.

I got email from microsoft as they are investigate me that I was illegal of using all product keys and they will inform me if they will take legal action against me and others who had been subscription 1 year free with all the product keys stealing.

Microsoft ask me how many product keys on the computer and where did I get the link from for 1 year free subscription from and ask me will I buy 1 year technet plus subscription in future and ask me to take the survey questions.

I had hit back at microsoft told them "if the technet plus was free for 1 year then why did microsoft accepted my pre-order online and accepted me in the first place if this was mistaken by microsoft as these link to get free 1 year subscription shouldn't be on the website in the first place, so I am NOT ILLEGAL".

Edited by adslmax (Tue 09-Jun-09 10:05:44)

Not sure why they picked on you, DJ. The forum where I first got the link has a few very busy threads concerning this, I've not seen a single post suggesting anyone has had a mail from microsoft. Could you post the body of the message, please.

General consensus seems to suggest that we purchased a technet trial for $0.00 and we can use the software which we got during the trial.
Undoubtedly someone messed up...and heads will be rolling...there should have been a eula linking the trial to a survey (which is where it originally came from)..but there wasn't, so those of us who joined the trial did so fairly and legally, and the keys issued are valid..which Microsoft undoubtedly know.

The problem I have is...what to do with it all? I'm like a kid who's filled his pockets at the sweet shop whose then remembered he doesn't like sweets. I have lots of keys..but they're no use to me..I'm certainly not going to sell or give them away (I did use my real details signing up). I have installed the office 2007..but i still prefer the older 2003 version which I already have.

There are a few voices from microsoft saying the keys will all be blacklisted...we'll see, I'll certainly not have trouble sleeping if they are...but I imagine microsoft's legal department are trying to work out the fallout of blocking thousands of keys sold ($0.00 I have a receipt!) to people who filled out the eula correctly...I imagine the fallout will be bad.

Best bet is to accept they made a mistake and take the hit...most people using the keys either wouldn't purchase in the 1st place, so no lost sale (me and office 2007) or would steal it anyway...so no great loss.

Yea - thanks guys..
That sub was for participants in an MS Survey/Pilot & you have now killed access to keys & d/loads for everyone even those of us with legit access.

OK MS should have made the registration link more secure & the one to blame is whoever posted the original link... But if I find your house/car door unlocked / open does that give me the right to empty them for you?

& Just as I needed an ISO of XP Pro as well...

But if I find your house/car door unlocked / open does that give me the right to empty them for you?

That's a totally unfair comparison.

(i) The link was posted on several respectable news sites, with no indication that it was a restricted offer.

(ii) The page itself again gave no inidication that it was a restricted offer and accepted applications with no checking of any sort. By accepting applications Microsoft made an implicit contract which they are now refusing to honour.

Microsoft screwed up and they should honour the subscriptions for those who signed up in good faith.

A cynic might suppose that this whole thing was a ploy by Microsoft to get people interested in Technet. It has had the opposite effect on me.

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

...
& Just as I needed an ISO of XP Pro as well...

I've got one of those
en_windows_xp_professional_with_service_pack_3_x86_cd_x14-80428

search for that filename and you should be able to find a source of the iso..I'm hoping you already have a key because I, obviously, can't share

Surely if you're a paid up subscriber you should be able to contact microsoft to have your access enabled again?!

Trevor
Many thanks for the replies, it gives me something more to think about.......
Right now cash is low (made redundant a while ago) so liked the idea of the free access for my course, but as you and others have pointed out, most of the stuff i can get on trial versions so it should get me through the courses
as it turns out - i might not even need to download a trial version, on the XP part of the MCP, we get a trial version of xp pro (i already have a legit version of this as my main OS so no worries there) but i had it confirmed for the server 2003 part of the course, we get a trial version of that to install
now i just need to install virtual PC so as not to make a mess of my main PC !!!!

Microsoft had offer me a good deal reduce from £234 to £167 for a 1 year subscription due to error mistake from Microsoft who had accepted my order of 1 year free subscription (that's was leaked into the web link) as Microsoft had told me there is no way that Microsoft will to give away a free year of subscription because Microsoft is not a charity, business is a business matter.

I had signed up and join 1 year subscription £167 plus European VAT charged at 21.5% (Ireland, Microsoft) but was disappointed of non United Kingdom (England) to charged at 15% VAT.

Microsoft had accepted my apology for my mistake to sign up free year of subscription as I always Genuine and Legal use of my Windows version in my home's pc.

3 pc's and a laptop cost me nearly £600 for all four Vista Ultimate license keys (genuine oem)

So, the technet plus would save ££££ for all windows products plus 10 licenses per products.

Hi there, ADSLMAX,

Don't get confused between TechNetPlus and MAPS.
TechNetPlus = 1 x licence for the registrant only per application for technical use only.

MAPS = 10 x licence keys for client side apllications and 1 x Licence keys and 10 x Seat licences for serverware, for FULL business use, Technical use, Demonstration, teaching etc etc. There is a huge difference if you have more than ONE unit in the house!

One caveat is that for MAPS you do have to take a qualifying exam, or everyone would want one!
Then if you specialise, say, you want the FULL Web Solutions Toolkit, probably worth about £1k +, then another exam, pass and it gets sent to you free, quarterly with your usual MAPS.

You can choose to recieve MAPS via physical shipment or digital download. I have just moved from Physical to Digitial and it is much easier as it is always up to date! I understand that physcial shipments are being reduced to the minimum from July 09 onwards anway, so you may not have a choice! But well worth looking into.