List of winners, and update on the Office delivery date (UK Developer Launch)

Artikkeli
03/13/2007

Some day I'll be able to stop blogging about this competition and get back to blogging about other things, that is assuming I have anyone left who reads my blog besides you competition folks. In the interim....

Two pieces of news:

1) After much thought we have decided to make the winner list available to people who request it rather than posting it on a public website. So if you want a list of winners please email volaunch@microsoft.com with a subject of "Winner list" and be specific about which you want (Office winners, Vista winners, or both).

2) We've had some bad news on the Office prize shipping date: It appears that there have been some supply problems which means we will not get the Microsoft Office prizes until 30 March at the earliest. The Windows Vista prizes are still on track to arrive with us at the end of this week so we're still hoping to ship these out very soon. As always I'll keep you updated as I hear more.

Comments

Anonymous
March 12, 2007
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Anonymous
March 12, 2007
JamesR: Thats a good point - doesn't bother me though..
Anonymous
March 12, 2007
If I was being really picky I'd change your first sentence to "You won't send me an email telling me if I won a competition because I have chosen not to receive email from Microsoft". But I'll resist the temptation and won't say anything :-)
Anonymous
March 12, 2007
30th March!! That's my birthday!?!. All I need to do now is send a mail to find out if I'm a winner as..."I have chosen not to receive email from Microsoft" ;-) Thanks for the update Ian.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
That news that the prize copies of office have been delayed by a month is a shame as I was hopping to use the copy of office 07 that I won before the beta ran out , which it has. I wanted to ask if you had any indication of when in april we should get copies of office? thanks
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Since 30th March is getting close to the 60 days, any idea what the fallback solution will be if an substitute product is to be provided?
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
What about copies for people who attended the event in person. Am I not to get my copy of Office until after the end of March? That means my B2TR version will expire and I'll have to go back to using 2003, until it comes. :(
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Do we include "(Office winners, Vista winners, or both)." in the subject as well?
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Matt: Yes it's the same for people who attended the event unfortunately. Wael: Just put "Winner List" in the subject and specify that you want both in the body.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Matt: I should have added that you can download a trial of the full product from http://ukireland.trymicrosoftoffice.com/, which should see you over until the prize arrives.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Is the winner list automated? Because I sent an email this morning and it hasn't been replied to yet. Or are you using real people in which case I'm happy to wait before sending another request
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
once we sent the email do you know how long it will take to get the list back?
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Yes it's using "real" people - and not me I'm pleased to say! I'll ask them when they're likely to start replying.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Just got the email. I won a copy of Vista, but not a copy of Office. Thanks!
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
I have just recieved the email notifying me that i have won both versions :) Thanks for listening to everyone and thanks for all the work that you guys have put into all of this.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Woohoo! Just got the list and I gots me some Vista. Thanks for all your hard work on this, Ian.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
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Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Well, I just got the email with the list, and I didn't win. Oh great. You have no idea how good I feel right now. Well, I won't be here anymore. Goodbye.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Just got the list and i'm glad to see that i'm on it. Thank you for making it available to us Ian.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Thanks for the help, just received an email and I won.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
I just thought i'd leave a post to say thank-you to ian and microsoft for arranging the competition and especially to ian who has obviously dedicated a lot of time to provide feedback and has had massive patience throughtout the last months. Thank-you.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Woo hoo!! I've won a copy of both!! Can't wait til next week (hopefully) for Vista to arrive. And Office can be my birthday present to me. Thanks Ian and all at Microsoft.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Can I ask what details of winners you're handing over to people that email? Doesn't the data protection act stop companies revealing personal details? The TOC states: 'Personal data which you provide when you participate in this promotion will be used by Microsoft Limited and its representatives for the purposes of this promotion only'
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Paul - the list shows first name, surname and post town
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
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Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Paul: What does it matter, worst case scenario you get some work out of it? :D
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
Will the prizes be sent recorded/special delivery? They are too valuble prizes to be sent first class.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
@Paul: I'm kind of surprised Microsoft can reveal two lists of 1000 names and towns also, when the Microsoft Online Provacy Statement (http://privacy.microsoft.com/en-gb/fullnotice.aspx) says "Except as described in this statement, we will not disclose your personal information outside Microsoft and its controlled subsidiaries and affiliates without your consent.". I don't remember agreeing for my first name, last name and town to be emailed to anyone who asks. I'm not that bothered, more just surprised that the terms allow them to do this. Anyway I'd like to add my thanks to Ian for keeping us all up to speed on the competition and answering people's questions, and Microsoft for running a competition with great prizes.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
I understand some people's reservations about their details being handed out to people, and I agree that it probably isn't the most sensible route - but it is the quickest and most hastle-free way for Ian and his co-workers. Give them a rest. They've just launched a new product - 2 new products in fact - and the fact that they've run this competition is a big step for Microsoft. Oh, and a note to those disgruntled people who have fled Ian's blog just because they didn't win - this blog is a nice resource to keep up with Microsoft news and projects with a more personal feel. If your attitute is to ignore something because you didn't get what you want, you didn't deserve it anyway. Again, cheers Ian.
Anonymous
March 13, 2007
I sent the email to volaunch too, but I was never sent the winner's list. Do I have to send this email from the account I used to enter the competition?
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
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Anonymous
March 14, 2007
I’ve requested winners list for vista but never got it can someone forward it to me on manakovich@gmail.com Thanks.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
All I'll say on the provision of the winners is that our communications team worked with the legal team to ensure what we're doing is above board before going ahead with it. I think it's one of those "you can't please everyone" situations to be honest. But as always I appreciate the feedback and views and I'll make sure that they are shared with my colleagues.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
"Well, I just got the email with the list, and I didn't win. Oh great. You have no idea how good I feel right now. Well, I won't be here anymore. Goodbye." Bye bye! This wasn't something you deserved to win, it is a competition after all! You win some, you lose some. I personally think this is one of the most efficient and well run competitions I have entered!
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
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Anonymous
March 14, 2007
Hello everyone. I sent the email around 5pm yesterday and i still have not recieved a reply. Is there any idea how long they take to send them?
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
Hi Adam, I believe a "snapshot" was taken yesterday afternoon, I suspect there will be another one later today. But I'll ask.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
This whole experience is turning a bit sour. It's unforgivable that MS should release people's personal info without their consent. Apart from anything, it's a genuine security concern - privacy issues aside. I don't think you guys realise how serious this is, and there is no way it does not conflict with privacy policy, and possibly laws. Either way, it's unethical.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
I too have not recived a list yet, if someone could forward it to jon@hibbins.com i'd appriciate it
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
I don't see any problem with the published lists. They follow the norm of all other competition winners lists that I have seen. I requested the lists yesterday at 11:52 and they arived at 17:34. My only real comment is that my name is not on the Vista list. Office will do me nicely (and I wont have to upgrade my desktop / or replace my laptop (yet) since they both are Aero incompatible). Next milestone is posting of the prizes! Will this be done at MS Reading, or is it out-sourced to a distribution company?
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
ALesser is the entrant who's "child" "supposedly" "entered" "again" and had raised the point on previous comments and asked for Iain to correct; I think this is what s/he is angry about.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
from heathers comment above. Will these be sent special or recorded delivery because and im being honest royal mail isnt a very reliable company to send these good out with (1st & 2nd Class)? thanks
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
I'm told another batch of emails with winners has just been sent
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
woohoo! just found my name on the list for vista. first time i've one anything since a pub raffle in bishopsteignton in 1980. A big thankyou to ian and everyone else for this and for the developer day itself.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
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Anonymous
March 14, 2007
Just a quick question - on the emails that were sent out, there was a link (in the very bottom, very small) which said "Update your profile". I've just updated my shipping address using that. Will this be picked up ok when you're posting the prizes?
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
has any got one of these emails?
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
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Anonymous
March 14, 2007
@Gem: Privacy doesn't factor into it, if someone asks MS for a list of competition winners, they have to comply. It's a legal requirement for anyone that runs a competition.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
Indeed, after sending 3 emails (sorry I thought it was automated and I was putting the wrong string in the subject :-) ) I recieved the email with the good news! Is there any way of confirming the postal address that it will be sent to?
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
Ah Nertz!! I didn't win vista :-( On the up side I did win office ;-) so thank you for this competition sn especially thank you Ian for battling your way through this. derek
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
must say im suprised that some are complaining about their name on the winners list, you could always email microsoft and ask them to take your name off the list, and then maybe il get a copy of vista as well as office :) Its normal for competitions to have name and town, you can easily get someones name and town from lots of places makes me laugh that people are so sensitive to this kind of thing but will happily send a cheque to someone with their name, account details and a sample of their signature too. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to Iann and to microsoft for a great competition :)
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
On the shipping address question: To be on the safe side, email your new address to me and I'll make sure the team update their records accordingly.
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
Yay I got the list and I won a copy of Vista :-) A bit of a painfull ride, thanks for your work on this Ianm is good I now have some closure. Jon
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
I feel really bad for making even more checking work for you Ian, but could I ask if the city/town field in the list of winners has been updated at all to take into account changes of address, or whether it's just the list as it was at the time the competition closed. I just want to check that my copy of Vista is going to end up at the right place. Sorry!
Anonymous
March 14, 2007
LaceyWare: it's a fair question, and the answer is that the address changes are not reflected in the list we have emailed to people. They'll be updated on the mailing list however.
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
Ian, thank you very much for your positive attitude despite all the noise made about this competition - it's been really good of you to supply updates so regularly. (compared to other companies' competitions it's a breath of fresh air!) I hope that you continue to be (as you say) the more-approachable side of Microsoft. Thank you also to Microsoft for being kind enough to supply this software as prizes - hopefully a sign of good things to come :o) (if they have not yet been disillusioned by this competition hehe!)
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
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Anonymous
March 15, 2007
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Anonymous
March 15, 2007
W00t W00t I won a copy of Office, its a shame I missed out on Vista but i have a copy of Home Premium any how :D Only thing is now I need to remember which Passport i used for the competition, my work one, personal one or my old personal one :S EEK!
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
haha, something definitely went wrong somewhere for me. My girlfriends won a copy and I was sitting next to her when she submitted, I'd submitted the exact same answers literally 30 seconds before via my laptop!
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
I just want to say, that the behaviour of some people lately has been rather distasteful. Guys, this was a competition. You don't enter competitions to win, you enter for a chance to win. If you don't then it's unfortunate but it's just the way it goes. Quit spitting your dummies because it's disrespectful to Ian and the other unsung people who have worked hard to organise all this for us (like the poor people who spent all the last 3 days emailing PDF files, for example - not a job I envy). Providing a winners list to those who request it is not a breach of the DPA, it's a legal requirement of all well-run competitions, which is meant to help ensure that they're fair and expose wrongdoing if it occurs, like during TV phone-ins for instance ;) Sorry to sound grumpy but I feel like I need to wave my arm and say "Hey, some of us appreciate all this, regardless of whether or not we won."
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
Yippie, a copy of Vista for me :D Congratulations to all other winners of Vista and Office, I certainly hope that I enjoy my product and I hope you enjoy your copies as well! -Michael Appleby
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
I completely agree with Jeremy - you are supposed to be respectable adults! I entered both at the same time and got both questions right but only won vista - good enough for me. I dont see any wrongdoing at all here. In fact for the first time in a long time i actually praise Microsoft for the way the competition has been run and tip my hat to Ian who has been fantastic in keeping everyone informed. Now we all have access to the lists can we finally close the discussion and get on with our lives - if you really want office 2007 GO AND BUY IT - besides whats in 2007 that is not in 2003 except a prettier interface and some new cosmetic features - it handles your email and calendar so whats the problem!!??!!
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
Hi Ian I need to change the shipping address of my prize as I am moving house. I emailed the volaunch email address but they havent responded. Please can you advise? Thanks
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
Well I didn't get a reply to my previous enquiry and I'm not on the winners list. Frankly feeling quite let down by Microsoft right now. Is this another competition scandal? I'd have thought you guys would be a bit more careful given what's been in the press lately. Ian who would it be appropriate to address an official complaint to?
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
Jeremy, I understand your point about this being a competition "for a chance to win", but MS specifically chose to run this one as the "first 1000 correct entries", and not on a random draw. I know for a fact that I was in the first 1000 correct entries for at least one prize, but have won nothing. That is why I, and so many others on this forum, are so disappointed with the way MS have handled this.
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
Hey Ian thanks for the latest update. I already know i've won as i recieved an Email because i want info from MS. For all the moaners its FREE FREE FREE
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
'I know for a fact that I was in the first 1000 correct entries for at least one prize' How do you know for a fact James?
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
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Anonymous
March 15, 2007
So - have they arrived yet in the office? What do they look like? Spill the beans.... :D
Anonymous
March 15, 2007
Ant: I know because I did it just after the comp opened and about a day later Ian said they had not had 1000 entries yet. Ian: I think you are going to have to explain to people how you have interpreted the T&C.
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
JamesE: All 1000 winning vista entries were in within an hour of the competition starting and the office entries were about a week if i recall correctly. What did you enter for and when? I'm sorry, but it seems to me like you are just angry about not winning.
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Paul - I'm told they arrived yesterday but we don't get to see them in the office, they're whisked off to our distribution centre. I'll get a couple of samples in a few days but hopefully you folks will get them at about the same time I do.
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Ah cool, that means the DC should have them and be processing them already. Its a shame we don't know if they are x32 and x64 or just just x32 versions. :(
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Jackie, of course I'm angry about not winning. I entered both correctly within an hour of the competition opening and I haven't won either. Now, I wouldn't get angry if this were a draw and I had been unlucky but it wasn't. It was a first past the post competition, I was and I feel like I've been cheated.
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Hi Ian Are there any limitations with the Vista prizes such as: the software must be regsistered by a specific date otherwise the licence expires? Thanks George
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
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Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Ianm : As a matter of interest and to help put the competition into perspective, can you say how many entries there were for both?
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
so if i recieved a yes, you have won a copy of windows:vista e-mail a while ago then have i definatly won?
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Got mine!!!!!! Package arrived this morning. Thanks Microsoft.
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Has anything been said about which courier is going to be used? I know from personal experience that Royal Mail are pretty useless around here, I am always getting my neighbours post(and vice versa) and to make matters more confusing for them there are 5 streets in Wrexham with the same (or similar) names. Last thing anyone would want is to win a copy of Vista or Office only for it to be delivered to the wrong address never to be seen again!
Anonymous
March 16, 2007
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Anonymous
March 16, 2007
Is it Windows Vista Ultimate that we've won?
Anonymous
March 17, 2007
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Anonymous
March 18, 2007
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Anonymous
March 18, 2007
Re when these will be posted: I'm speaking to the distribution centre, it's in process but I don't have a scheduled date of sending yet.
Anonymous
March 18, 2007
ive seen from the posts that some people have recived there copys of vista friday so please can you tell me how they are being posted and when should i recive it im looking forward to using vista and really dont want it to get lost in the post
Anonymous
March 18, 2007
So have the vista CD's been sent?
Anonymous
March 18, 2007
As far as I know they haven't been sent yet
Anonymous
March 18, 2007
if as far as you know they havent been sent yet how come martin says he has recived his on friday
Anonymous
March 18, 2007
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Anonymous
March 18, 2007
We’ve had unlucky people who think that they should have won prizes but didn’t. Now we’ve got lucky people, like Martin, who think that they have received their prizes, before they have been dispatched. Perhaps the lucky ones could send their mystery bonus prizes to the unlucky ones.
Anonymous
March 18, 2007
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Anonymous
March 19, 2007
So any current estimates as to when would it be sent from the distribution centre?
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
I asked the questions, it looks like they're expecting them to be dispatched Wednesday but will try for tomorrow. Which would mean delivery to you probably Thursday or Friday. I am told that the package should fit through letter-boxes btw.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Are they still being sent 1st class? It is very risky to send something like this none recorded/special delivery.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
I have received a sample of the package and it's pretty good actually. It's a DVD case (ie not a cardboard folder) containing a single DVD. It is 32 bit only. I'll try to get some photos and post them up.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
32bit only is A-OK with me. Can't wait to receive my coy now!
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
I suppose the obvious follow-on question from that, Ian, is whether there is any way for us to order 64-bit media? Not that it matters much to me personally if we can't...
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Ooh, bit of a shame about no 64Bit but you really can't complain it's free! Plus it saves me making a decision about which to install ;) Good to hear they will fit through a letterbox, I don't like getting woken up in the morning! Any more news on the Office ship date ? Cheers!
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
With regards to 32-bit only, my understanding is that retail Ultimate boxes contain both 32- and 64-bit DVDs and the license allows you to install one or other. Is the licence for this competition version similar, such that if you have legitimate access to a 64-bit version (i.e. via MSDN Subscription) you can use the competition licence to install the 64-bit edition? Or does this bend the MSDN licence (i.e. using MSDN Subscription media for a non-Subscription installation)? Thanks for your hard work in keeping everyone updated Ian, much appreciated.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
I'll see what I can find out about the 64 bit question. Office ship date: We have been told "first week of April" but we complained so they're trying to bring that forward...
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
The package arrived from Microsoft in a DVD case as Ian described. Not sure how I got my copy early. Some kind of slip up at the distributors I guess. Any way I am very happy. Cheers!!!
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Glad you got that Martin, maybe it will be a mystery forever. I checked with the distributors, they confirm they haven't sent anything yet. But given that Microsoft is a large and many-legged beast it's possible it came from another part of the business due to some unrelated activity. Whatever the answer, I'm glad you're happy!
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Does that mean I might get another copy of Vista later this week?? Yippee!!!!!
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Looks like that might happen. If so, maybe you'd consider donating it to a worthy cause. Not sure how you would define "worthy" but I'll leave it to your conscience :-)
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Ian: Is it a retail copy of office and vista? Just that I may sell my copy of office and buy vista. Is that ok? Thanks, Mark
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Martin: If you end up with an extra copy of Vista, I’m thinking you could run a web based competition for people to win it. I envisage a few videos to watch followed by a simple question to enter the competition. It wouldn’t take up much time or resources to do that would it?
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Mark - these are "not for resale" copies so you are not allowed to sell them. Mike - thanks for that, I needed a smile this afternoon!
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
As they are only 32 bit versions does that mean they are OEM copies (seeing as this is normally the only way to get only a 32 bit version isn't it)? Also is the DVD case an old style one or a retail Vista style one (with the curved corner)? Thanks again for keeping us all informed Ian
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Andyman: This is a NFR ("not for resale") version of Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit. It is in a traditional DVD case ie of the type you might get with a film or xbox game. It has a custom-made insert with launch branding.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Any news on what the replacement Office 2007 prize will be if you don't start shipping by April 16th? Cheers for running the comp. so smoothly, it's really appreciated by everyone (apart from the ignorant people who complain about not winning a free to enter competition). Andy
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Hi Ian As I already have a copy of Vista Ultimate and I cannot sell my prize due to being NFR, can I give it away without breaching any T&C's?
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Andy - thanks for your comments. We shouldn't have a problem shipping them on time. Mike - I will get strangled (or worse) if I start offering legal advice on licensing. So at the risk of sounding like a chicken...I'll check with someone in the legal dept and let you know.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
I have recorded a short video showing you what the packaging looks like: http://soapbox.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=eb27e9a5-78fc-48ca-b4e2-077d65aca23a
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
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Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Ian, you really didn't have to make a video - or answer any more questions - when they're going to hopefully be in our hands by the end of the week! Too bad I couldn't quite make out the product key in that video! :P I want to see some normal blog posts Ian, rather than you writing blog post worthy length comments here! I think this is the only place where I comment because I'm annoyed by other people.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Can you zoom in a bit so I can read the licence key? Thanks.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Ian: Can't believe you went to that trouble (on top of everything) for something people will see in a day or two. What a great bloke. :)
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
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Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Yeah yeah you folks are all spoiled. And yes, I'll need to start blogging about normal stuff soon to see if I can attract people back to my blog :-)
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
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Anonymous
March 19, 2007
We aren't people? sniff - I knew microsoft hated me cry Kidding dude - thanks for going the extra mile. Now make it a mile and a half and send me a free copy of vista ;-P I'm poor - poor i tellz ya ;-D dr del
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Do we know if this is an OEM or RETAIL licence? The reason for asking is because if it is OEM, we will only be able to use it once as if we upgrade our machine, it then becomes unlicenced? Thanks
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Update: I've just heard that we're shipping the product today so you should receive it tomorrow or Thursday.
Anonymous
March 19, 2007
Ian: Anymore news on Office, did you manage to speed things up? :D
Anonymous
March 20, 2007
Ianm: you must have had enough of this comp by now! I reckon its time you said hasta la vista and got back to the office :)
Anonymous
March 20, 2007
My copy has arrived this morning. Thank you very much Ian for the HUGE amount of time and effort you've put into running this competition and keeping us up to date every step of the way, and obviously a big thank you to Microsoft for being so generous! :-)
Anonymous
March 20, 2007
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Anonymous
March 20, 2007
My Vista arrived this morning. Ditto Maddy, thanks for all the time and effort you and the team have put into this.
Anonymous
March 20, 2007
My copy arrived today. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into this blog. It is one of my bookmarks now!
Anonymous
March 20, 2007
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Anonymous
March 20, 2007
My copy just came in through the letterbox. Thanks again Ian for your unending patience, and thank you Microsoft for running this awesome competition.
Anonymous
March 20, 2007
As all the others have said, very many thanks. My copy arrived this morning!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Can this version be upgraded to the 64 bit version at a later date ?
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
I've emailed the address to get the list of winners already, mainly because I need to check if Vista has been sent to my old (wrong) address as I have recently moved house. If it has, and has been returned to sender my the current occupiers, can i request another copy? thanks a lot, James
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
thank you very much ian , packaged arrived this morning very very pleasesd :D
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
I have got my copy too, thanks. Currently looking around the house to find a computer not running Windows Vista... Found: My wife's MacBook!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
thanks very much, received my vista copy today =) cheers ian for keeping us all updated, and to microsoft as well!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
I've also got my copy :) I would just like to thank you Ian for all the updates and info you have given us. Cheers
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Thankyou Ian, you've put up with lot of flak that was completely out of order and you saved me buying home premium. now all i need is a new pc but thats something for the end of the month
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
I've also got my copy. Now all I've got to do is get through the rest of the work day. Can't wait to get home and install it. Thanks to all at Microsoft especially Ian for his updates and patience. John
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Once someone has installed it, please can you tell us if its a retail license or oem?
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Thanks Ian, great job of overseeing everything. Loading it up! Jim
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Got my copy this afternoon. Thanks Ian and Microsoft!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Many thanks for keeping us all up to date Ian, and a big thank you to Microsoft for my free software :) I was just wondering though... Has there has been any more information regarding 64bit media? I entered in my product code on the webpage Microsoft has made available to order alternalte media: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx Unfortunately I can only presume that it was because it was a Vista Ultimate key I had entered, but the only choice given was to order the 32bit version on CD :( -Paul
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
jones - it is retail edition. Hopefully get mine tommorow!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
I have not got my copy yet, hoping to receive it soon. From what I understood there is only 32 bit version. Since I have Athlon 64 x2 pc, I was looking forward for a 64 bit version. Just wondering if I get 64 bit instalation media elswhere and use my key from 32 bit version. If understood correctly retail versions contains 2 DVD's 32 bit and 64 bit and only one key which works for both versions. Also is it full version or OEM?
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Safe and sound. Thanks again Ian!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Thanks Ian & Microsoft! The effort you've put in to this is much appreciated!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
@Paul: I think it only gives a 32-bit CD option because it assumes you have the retail Vista which has the 32-bit and 64-bit versions on a single DVD. At http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx it says the page lets you order 64-bit versions for versions other than Ultimate..
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Got home to find my copy of Vista - many thanks Ian for all your efforts, as well as to anybody else involved in running the competition.
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Got mine!! but only my lap top is not good enough to run Ultimate.... Anybody up for an exchange for office (which is more useful for me?)? :P thanks Ian and everybody!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Hi Ian Got my copy of Vista today, thanks to you and everyone at MS. One quick question you might know the answer to: I built a new system recently and installed an OEM copy of Home Premium, now I have a new copy of ultimate I would prefer this on my new system, can I uninstall Home Premium and replace it with Ultimate and install my OEM Home Premium on my laptop. Thanks again Jon
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Yep got mine today, thanks so much Ian and MS
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Something about "not carrying out oral inspections of munificent equines" springs to mind...
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
jones: As far as I can tell it's not an OEM but it's not quite a retail disc either. "Not for retail promo" apparently. Works, though. ;)
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Right the main question i can see at the moment are the following...

Can we get a 64 bit version from MS or are we only licenced for the 32 bit version?
As this is a "special" and we are not sure if its OEM or Retail, what effect will it have by upgrading the PC on which Vista is installed on (OEM can only be installed onto 1 set of hardware) Thanks

Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Thanks Ian (and MS) Got mine yesterday, now to build the machine worthy of it.
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Hi Ian Got my copy yesterday. I just wanted to drop by and add another thanks for sorting out the comp and keeping us all informed of it's progress. Cheers AsciiSmoke
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Got mine yesterday and spent most of the afternoon and evening playing with Vista, and I'm now writing this from Vista. I said earlier I was surprised they could give out a winners list, but if it's a legal requirement I completely understand. Thanks for running a great competition Microsoft!
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
Got mine last night and it's installed already!! Works wonderfully on my £300 tesco acer laptop!!! (Well, the aero interface doesn't work but the rest is all there!) The only thing I needed to do was to download a new sound driver but, to be fair to vista, it worked with the old one, just complained about it. Visual C# express works with the DirectX SDK. Foxit PDF reader (adobe alternative - http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php) installed without a hitch. Thanks Ian for keeping us all so well informed and thanks to everyone else involved in the process. P.S. What other software have people got installed successfully?
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
On the two questions - and thanks Tristan for picking these out - about 32/64 bit and OEM vs Retail: To be honest I'm the middle man here so I don't know the answer. But I've asked the people who do know and will update you when I have the answer. One other question re being allowed to give away these copies to someone else: yes you can do that as long as there is no charge. So you can't sell it, but you can give it away.
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
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Anonymous
March 21, 2007
The answers I have aren't all that conclusive but here goes: The retail version you buy in shops is what we call FPP: Full Packaged Product. This is a specific SKU (stock keeping unit - essentially a specific product or set of products bundled together) that contains both sets of media, 64 and 32 bit. The link that Paul referred to - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx - is aimed at this particular sku. However the sku you folks have is a special custom sku that we created for the competition, and there is no process set up for it as a result. What does this all mean? Feel free to try order the 64 bit version by entering your product key on the relevant screen by following the link. It may be fine, it may not, unfortunately we can't guarantee it either way. As for the OEM vs Retail question: for the purposes of installing it on alternative hardware (ie removing it from one piece of hardware and installing it on another) you can consider this as the retail version ie it's ok to do that. Hopefully that sheds some light on the situation. If/when I hear more I'll let you know.
Anonymous
March 21, 2007
All the talk about which version of Vista is being provided etc, makes me think that it would have been simpler for MS just to have provided the normal retail version. Has it not costed MS money to release this special version? Even custom packaging costs. Will the Office Pro be the retail version? Or is it subtly different? Is it still planned to arrive at your distributors on the 30th?
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
Thanks for the update Ian and thanks to MS for giving me £300 worth of software for free! Yey! Just need to figure out how to get the 64 bit version disc.
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
I just tried the link for the 64-bit media. When entering my product ID, it only allows you to get a 32-bit CD, not a 64-bit DVD. I hope that a solution can be found to this, so we can get the x64 version. It is quite disappointing, I held off getting Vista for several months because I was waiting for the prize in the competition, which I assumed was equivalent to the retail product since it would be strange to offer OEM version as a prize, and now I get a version I can't use because I can't upgrade my existing Windows XP 64-bit edition with the disc I have received. So please try if you can find a solution. I know it is not your fault Ian, but it is quite a disappointment after waiting for so long and now not being able to use the prize.
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
Thanks again Ian (and team), I have recieved my copy of Vista and have now got an activated version instead of a trial with 2 days left!! I do however have a friend who also entered and who is (like some above) not happy he didn't win and he was wondering how long it took for the 1000 copies to be won, or if he violated the T&Cs. Is there any way he could find either of these out?? Again from me, THANKS!!!
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
Has anyone tried activating x64 with the key received ? Thanks again Ian :) Your a star for putting up with all the hassle ;) Your welcome to come in for tea and biccies if your ever passing LOL.
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
Thanks SO much for Windows Vista! I now look very very much forward to Office! For now i am running down the trial version!!
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
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Anonymous
March 22, 2007
Thanks Tyid, I'll get in touch with ebay to get it removed.
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
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Anonymous
March 22, 2007
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Anonymous
March 22, 2007
"Office ship date: We have been told "first week of April" but we complained so they're trying to bring that forward..." Any further update on the Office shipping date? Cheers
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
Michael, You are wrong regarding Ebay. It is reasonable for any user to police Ebay if they sense something should not be for auction. Someone who buys Vista from Ebay and received a NFR version, has all the rights to complain and warn Ebay and other people about this. When you sell something Ebay, you should do reasonable effort to make sure you comply with all terms and conditions. If the seller did not know the terms of the Vista NFR edition, the seller should have asked Microsoft and not blindly put it up. That's how the world works, not the other way round.
Anonymous
March 23, 2007
I don't get why it's unwanted! Why enter the competition? I could've had that! I think my Windows entry was ineligible, but I won Office, so I'm still happy. :)
Anonymous
March 23, 2007
Sorry Michael, I didn't mean to cause offense to yourself, I hope it wasn't you that was the seller and is why you are bitter. You're right about policing on Microsofts behalf, and I wasn't, I accidently stumbled across it looking for something else, that's why I only posted the one link, like you say I could have posted more if I went out of my way looking. I also agree about the not for resale should be on the actual casing. Also if you're going to quote me at least quote things I actually said, which was simpletons, which is plural.
Anonymous
March 23, 2007
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Anonymous
March 23, 2007
Whoever is selling it would be liable for fraud if the buyer decided to complain that it was a not for resale version. Having been "stung" like this more than once over promo console games, I fully applaud Tyid and the other person for reporting this to Microsoft.
Anonymous
March 23, 2007
So has anyone got the 64 bit version registered using the 32 bit key? I still can't find a way of getting a nice 64 bit DVD
Anonymous
March 23, 2007
Thanks Iain for your help and constant updates! It's a shame the vista software is only 32 bit! I just bought my new x64 machine with the vista home x64 preinstalled - so the vista I just got has not as much use as I wished. So I was wondering if anyone of you "lucky office winners" wants a swap - otherwise I will need to give it away to some relative (ps. do not worry, it wont appear in ebay haha). SO DOES ANYONE WANTS To SWAP A VISTA BY AN OFFICE? if yes send me an email to: email(at)inbox.com

hope Ianm allows this post :-) haha Thanks again.

Anonymous
March 23, 2007
@Bill: I have just sent you an email. :D thanks, Mark
Anonymous
March 23, 2007
Tryed twice to get the 64 bit & all i keep getting offered is the cd version of the 32 bit... Not that i'm gripeing but there must be a fair percentage of us out here who need the 64 bit version... Any help by the powers that be would (I'm sure) be welcomed & appreciated... Chris
Anonymous
March 23, 2007
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Anonymous
March 24, 2007
Hello. Thanks for my copy. Although when i post things on here they dont allways show :(. Got mine and its ready to be installed when my pc is upgraded. I would like to order a copy on cd though but the link above shows i can order the cd's but the button to order now doesnt seem to work. Also how would i email the team with reguards to a friend getting the email but not getting the item through the post? Thankyou for all your help ian. Adam
Anonymous
March 24, 2007
The key i got from the competition installed and activated fine with a Vista Ultimate 64 bit Retail DVD.
Anonymous
March 25, 2007
I have been able to order the 64bit DVD using the link ian supplied using the 32bit dvd key(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx)
Anonymous
March 25, 2007
Colin said: "The key i got from the competition installed and activated fine with a Vista Ultimate 64 bit Retail DVD." That's great news Colin :) Now if only the rest of us could get hold of some legitimate x64 discs too.... ;)
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Just download the RTM as it is legal. As it allows you to run the vista as a 30 day trial (by not entering a product code). Or instead enter your retail key. I can't see there being anything illegal about that. You are entitled to Vista x64 as the key works on both x86 and x64. You have a valid product key - thats all that matters. So go get yourself the Vista RTM (Build 6000) iso and run it!
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Ianm: Have you got an update on the Office? Or will it still be the first week in April that it is shipped? Thanks, Mark
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
I've asked a couple of times, no news yet. If/when I hear I'll let you know
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Grrrr Royal Mail must be using a pigeon nowadays..I still haven't received my Vista copy..
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Tried the key on the page as dagaci did, but all it offers me is a 32 bit cd.
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Dagaci: U said u ordered the 64bit DVD from the link, but can you tell us how much they charged you in the end for it, as MS haven't provided that information under that link or any other... they just say it's a "nominal fee" ?? Thanks
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Anything from my above comment?
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Ian: Any updates on if the 64-bit version is avaliable? Thanks
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Just tried the link again & I'm still only being offered the 32bit (cd) version :( Chris
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
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Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Thanks re the ebay copies, I have passed these to the appropriate team who will follow up with ebay. Adam - as to your friend, get him/her to email me via this blog. Thanks.
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
Is anyone else still waiting for their delivery of Vista? Mine has yet to arrive...!
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
IanM, Can you please show us where in the T&C it stated that these prizes were not for resale? Many of us already have Vista, either from MSDN or by having bought it, so we have no need for another copy. You said we can give it away free. What if I gave it away free to someone who decided to sell it?
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
So why am I not legally able to resell the software on eBay? I have no use for it, as my computer's not powerful enough to run Vista, and I've never agreed to any Vista license agreement about "NFR" software, nor was there any such wording in the competition terms and conditions. This just smacks of heavy-handedness by Microsoft. Excuse the anonymity, it's just that given the hostile nature of the comments here I'd prefer not to leave my name.
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
@ABC & Anonymous: Why did you enter the competition then? for the financial gain of selling your copy on ebay when you won it! Do you not think that is a little unfair for those who do not have Vista and would maybe like to run it on their machine. I think you are being completely selfish and your product keys should be made inactive - this won't happen however, but if you didn't need it in the first place why did you enter!
Anonymous
March 26, 2007
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Anonymous
March 27, 2007
well if anyone has a "not for resale" version they have no use for I would be glad to recieve it as I didn't win one apparently :-( satanswombat at gmail dot com Would that be allowed Ian? or does that still count as resale? derek
Anonymous
March 27, 2007
Not yet received vista, I suspect that as it was sent first class it will never arrive. Ian can you confirm if it was registered/recorded and if there are any ways to follow up non delivery issues. I imagine some posite is rubbing his/her hands in glee right now!
Anonymous
March 27, 2007
Wouldn't "Prizes are as stated and are non transferable" imply that reselling the software is not allowed? I won Office but I would've liked a copy of Vista if I'm honest. Some of those ebay items could've have gone to those who actually wanted them, the people who missed out. Its one thing to miss out on a prize but its quite another to find that those who did win, are selling it on for profit... Couldn't Microsoft do some sort of half price deal on a retail copy for all those here who missed out? I'd take up any offer of that sort :) I'd also be more than happy to give an unwanted copy of Vista a good home
Anonymous
March 27, 2007
Same for me, that link only offered the 32bit media. Ian, a definite answer on 64bit would be great. BTW, for anyone disappointed that Bitlocker requires a TPM-enabled mobo, turns out you can use it without one: http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/generic/0,295582,sid45_gci1246548,00.html
Anonymous
March 27, 2007
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Anonymous
March 27, 2007
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Anonymous
March 27, 2007
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Anonymous
March 27, 2007
mbrown said: "Just download the RTM as it is legal." From where exactly? If at all possible I would like to avoid the use of peer2peer software Just spotted this: "If you need a Windows Vista disc Additional license orders do not necessarily include a disc. If you lost your original disc or your product came preinstalled on your computer without a Windows Vista disc, you may order a replacement or backup disc online. http://windowsanytimeupgrade.com/disc/" source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/addlicense/howto.mspx#pricing As far as I can tell, the only cost is for shipping, which is £2.48 Would anybody happen to know if the Anytime Upgrade discs can be used for a fresh install? (without resorting to installing it twice)
Anonymous
March 27, 2007
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Anonymous
March 27, 2007
@Paul: If you like, email me your address to markbrown83@ecosse.net and I will send you a copy of the x64 DVD - I presume this is not illegal as it can be run as a 30 day trial. Please no one else email me requesting this disc as the answer is no.
Anonymous
March 27, 2007
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Anonymous
March 28, 2007
It seems to me that a lot of the angst and confusion surrounding the licence resale restrictions, edition and platform type could have been avoided if the precise nature of the prizes had been set out in the T&Cs. The Office T&Cs specify Office Professional but the Vista T&Cs don’t even specify the edition. There is no mention of the 32-bit/64-bit platform variant or licence/sale restrictions. I believe that the sentence ‘Prizes are as stated and are non transferable.’ means that you can’t elect to have the prize sent to someone else (or have a different prize). It doesn’t mean that the winner can’t receive the prize and subsequently sell it to someone else. I’m not saying that the prize shouldn’t have been not-for-resale (NFR). I’m saying that the NFR status of the prize should have been set out in the T&Cs. In the absence of any further information in the T&Cs, it was reasonable to assume that winners would receive a regular boxed retail version of the product. It is obviously too late now for this competition. I suggest that Microsoft be more rigorous in specifying the precise nature of the prize in the T&Cs, for any future competitions.
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
Mike - I agree we have work to do on future iterations of this kind of campaign. Thanks for your thoughts and I agree that it would be better to make things as clear as possible in the T&Cs moving forward.
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
So does anybody know if a 64-bit Anytime Upgrade DVD can be used to install the 64-bit version of Vista?
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
Hello! Was all Vista prizes sent out at same time or some of them are still to be sent because i have not got mine yet. And I know I have won one because I got e-mail from Microsoft saying: "Yes, you have won a copy of Windows Vista"
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
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Anonymous
March 28, 2007
I hope this is the last time I comment on this thread as it's becoming very tiresome - if it's tiresome for me, I suspect it's worse for Ian. Those people who wish to sell or give away their prizes, I think are ungrateful sods. Sorry to be blunt but if your only reason to enter a competition is to then not use it but to sell it on or just give it away, you've taken away a copy that someone who deserves it should have received. People like you boil my blood. Even if the terms and conditions didn't state it was a NFR version, you shouldn't even be thinking about selling it on - it's a prize worth £300. If you don't want it, send it back to Microsoft.
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
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Anonymous
March 28, 2007
I'm sure you'll probably find that in the original terms and conditions of the competition, Microsoft reserved the right to use winners names for publicity etc so producing a list of winners is the norm for a competition and probably within Microsofts rights.
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
hi ian i emailed you about this. i received a winner email for vista. i also got the winners list and i am on the vista winners list,but havent received it yet. ive never trusted royal mail should i continue to wait? or is there something else i can do?
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
hey Ian I sent an email to request the list of winners for both vista and office..but was never replied..and also to make corrections on my delivery address..I just want to know if you could send it to my email address..sunfire916@hotmail.com..Thanks man would really appreciate it... And yeah good work with this blog man..its lovely.. 1
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
I think you'll find it is illegal to email copies of the 64bit CD around, even if you have a Vista license. And I've not seen anything to say that anyone and everyone can install Vista for 30 days without purchasing a copy. Yes, you can (physically - not necessarily legally or morally) install any edition of Vista for 30 days without needing a key. But I haven't seen it stated that this is intended as a 'try before you buy' mechanism. The EULA still needs to be agreed to before installation, and that EULA states you need to have purchased/own a license. Sharing copies of DVD images between licensed users is a grey area. Are you allowed to make copies of the DVD? Usually, it's limited to 1 'backup' copy. Making a number of copies and sending to other (licensed) users is in breach of this. Personally, I doubt MS will worry about them - but MS are within their right to clamp down on it if they wanted to.
Anonymous
March 28, 2007
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Anonymous
March 29, 2007
Anything abou tmy question above?
Anonymous
March 29, 2007
Hi Ian. Any news on Office shipping date? No pressure!! LOL Joe
Anonymous
March 29, 2007
The Vista Anytime Upgrade DVD is an upgrade from one edition of Vista to another. It specifically states that it will not upgrade between 32 and 64 bit. Mike, shouldn't there be a direct upgrade path between 32 bit and 64 bit Vista. As drivers improve and more memory is required this is an upgrade that all 32 bit users will eventually require. Even OEM owners have paid already paid a price within the purchase of their machine for a Vista licence therefore surely it shouldn't cost full price to obtain this upgrade? In fact I was hoping to use the prize to install on a new machine but the build arrived before the proze therefore I have purchased an OEM licence and will use the prize on a second machine later. If more 64 bit drivers had been available I would have purchased a 64 bit OEM but much of my hardware would not work at present and I find I have no upgrade path. I cannot even legally purchase a future 64 bit OEM licence as this would no longer be used on a new machine and therefore it appears that it will cost me a full price retail licence to upgrade ignoring my current OEM Vista licence. Any chance of putting in a request to marketing to look at the situation?
Anonymous
March 29, 2007
Today is the 30th. Any news when Office is going to be shipped?
Anonymous
March 30, 2007
Can someone provide me with the list of winners as i have been waiting near 4 days now for Microsoft to get back to me with this! Thanks
Anonymous
March 30, 2007
Folks - I've been out of the office and unable to read your comments for a few days, and will be out now until Monday. I am chasing the Office stuff hard but don't have a date for you yet. I'm well aware time is ticking away. As for the winner lists, I'll chase that up too, you should be getting these.
Anonymous
March 30, 2007
Ian, thanks for the Office update - even if there is no news :-) I certainly appreciate the effort you guys have put into running this competition.
Anonymous
March 31, 2007
Ian what should we do in the event the prize is not received? There are a few people asking the question now. I find it a bit worrying that the prizes were sent using basic first class considering the value of the gift is £300. Maybe your waiting on a second batch, either way can you confirm what we should do.
Anonymous
March 31, 2007
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Anonymous
March 31, 2007
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Anonymous
March 31, 2007
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Anonymous
March 31, 2007
hi there ian thanks for all the work you have done for the competition. i recieved my copy and it installed ok. but when i try to install kaspersky internet security. it keeps coming back saying theres problems with windows installer package. i didnt know who else to contact. is there a problem with the dvd.
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
Gah, my office trial ran out today :(. Bit of a rut because I need it but don't really want to mess around installing my old 2003 copy for a week!
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
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Anonymous
April 01, 2007
Hi all, I've just received a further update re the Office shipment - not good. Some kind of logistical issue is causing further delay, I'm pushing for an estimated date of delivery. I'll let you know as I hear more, I'm as keen as you are (well, probably) to see this done and out of the way.
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
That's a new one, Logistical issue. What I fail to understand is why PC World is selling Office 2007 pro and Microsoft haven't got copies of their own software. Not that I'm complaining of course, it's a free gift but any hints yet as to what we will recieve if the 60 days run out? The time looms closer...
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
Sorry, just seen the time on your last post. Is that really 3.33am??? Don't know how you can be up that early. Or is it just the blog putting random times up whenever it feels the urge? (tubular bells playing in the background)
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
Not good news ian :( Does that mean we get Vista too for the inconvenience? hehe
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
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Anonymous
April 01, 2007
Please don't think that I am complaining; rather I am airing lots of what-if's:

MS announced in the competition running Feb that they were going to give away 1000 copies of Office Pro
Office Pro is a current stock item, readily available everywhere
Now, 40 days into the 60 day (self imposed) deadline, MS seem unable to get their hands on 1000 copies
The get out clause in the T&Cs is to provide an equivalent prize
What have MS got “lying around in large quantities” that they can alternatively provide, within the deadline? MS Works!
Microsoft reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Is this the value to the prize-winner (i.e. with respect to shop price); or the value to MS where the manufacture cost of discs is identical! Patience is a virtue ...

Anonymous
April 01, 2007
Hi Ian , Thanks for the update, I mean times running out now about 2 weeks left until 60 days is up!, will we get some compensation ( as in another gift) if it goes past the 16th April? Thanks again and I hope to get office soon as my trial running out soon!
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
At the risk of sounding nitpicking, it's actually 20th April I believe. But I'm still hopeful they will be dispatched by this date.
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
There is also Easter between now (2nd) and the 20th, how is that likely to affect things? There are 11 working days left between now and 20th (not including today and the 20th) after taking into account weekends and Easter... (assuming my maths are right) "Does that mean we get Vista too for the inconvenience? hehe" I don't have a problem with that lol
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
Is anyone else concerned that they might not receive their copy when it's sent out as it isn't sent recorded delivery? Is there anyway that Microsoft could ensure that only the genuine recipient can use the copy and if it goes 'astray' replace it? I personally would be happy to pay for my own recorded delivery (I posted this on the other thread,but without reply)
Anonymous
April 01, 2007
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Anonymous
April 02, 2007
hi ian look,i dont want to hassle you,but im on the list of vista winners,but i havent received it yet. should i give up,or what can i do? thanks for your help
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
List of winner emails should be sent out later today (I'm told).
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
Damian,ifyou post your email address on here, then I'll forward it to you as a PDF file later today. Do you want the office/vista list or both? Paul
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
Hi, Thanks Paul. If you could provide me with a list of both and send them to pure_jedi@hotmail.com then i can pick them up without work blocking them or anything! Thanks Alot Damian
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
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Anonymous
April 02, 2007
There you go Damian, I've mailed through the winner lists. Hope you win.
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
I'm told that the backlog on the winner emails has been cleared ie if you requested the winner list you should have received it now.
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
A big thanks must go out to Ian for keeping us continually up to date with the progress of shipping/winner lists... I must ask though what the process should be for those that are getting a little 'worried' over their prizes potentially being undelivered. The reason for asking is that a work colleage received his copy of Vista pretty early. I've received both the "you are a winner" email and seen my name in clear print in the winners list. I can agree with earlier posts that it's a bit worrying sending out such a fantastic piece of software in un-recorded post. Shall I just hold fire a bit longer??
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
hi all any news on when the office 2007 pro will be shipped ian? plz reply mo
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
Well Damian, seeing as though you already have Vista, and you can't sell it to anybody, perhaps you'd consider donating the prize to a nice worthy cause... (Thought I'd try to be nice and cheeky, but I'm still stuck on XP) Not that there's anything wrong with XP of course, but for my nice new home-built PC, I'd rather like Vista) Sorry did I say that??? Paul
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
Morgan - no update unfortunately but I'm still chasing.
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
Hi Ian, Here at our company we had 2 lucky winners for the vista price, plus from old uni mates I know 2 more winners. In total I know 4 people that have won the vista price. But by the look of it only 2 have received their prices... Its a shame microsoft decided to rely on first "unregister" royal mail post.
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
I can't belive that so many people are suggesting that Royal Mail is an unsafe service. They are regulated and they certainly do not make a habit of losing mail. They would be dumped on by various regulatory bodies if they did. Royal Mail will optionally insure items and provide a means of signature control etc, but niether of which changes the actual delivery mechanism. So what is the problem with MS using them?
Anonymous
April 02, 2007
@Paul Smith: I think if the item has just been posted first class via royal mail and not via special delivery etc. The item is only insured upto £30. So as far as insurance goes there isn't any really - unless microsoft have a deal with them. However, there is no way to tell if the items have been shipped or delivered. Mark
Anonymous
April 03, 2007
@mbrown: I agree that order tacking is nice to have. From MS point of view, they know what they have posted, so if it fails to arrive and they have to send out a replacement, then what is the cost to them? The true manufacturing cost is probably negligible; and I don't suppose the retail cost is important in this instance? I can't believe that Royal Mail have lost all the orders that people are questioning. There must be another explanation. What is interesting, is that MS have [presumably] posted 1000 copies of Vista. A "handful" of people from these blogs are commenting about no delivery etc. What about the majority? Were they pleasantly surprised when a copy of Vista dropped in their mailbox? Conversely are there many people in blissful ignorance that they have won but nothing has turned up? This is probably the only competition where I have had any feedback. Generally, one enters a competition and then totally forget about it. If a prize arrives it is a total surprise. Thank you Ian for (so far) forgetting the T&Cs about "no correspondence ..."
Anonymous
April 03, 2007
I still have not received my copy of Windows Vista, and I am sure I won one because I received e-mail from microsoft. Should I wait a little longer or what would You recommend?
Anonymous
April 03, 2007
I have just heard that we expect to be able to ship the Office prizes by about Friday 13th April. Great date, what could possibly go wrong?
Anonymous
April 03, 2007
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Anonymous
April 03, 2007
Yippeeeeeeeee! Will be keeping a close eye on my letterbox :)
Anonymous
April 03, 2007
Ian, Excuse me for asking but Is anything going to be offered by Microsoft for all us 64bit system owners out here, who cannot update with a 32 bit OS. Has this question been put to Microsoft? Sorry to keep asking this... Thank you for your time & patience Chris
Anonymous
April 03, 2007
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Anonymous
April 03, 2007
@paulsmith i understand what you're saying, but i knew i won because i received the email from microsoft and i am on the vista winners list. i also posted on the previous blogs asking was it wise to post these prizes by royal mail. i only said this because i have 'lost' numerous items in transit with royal mail.i just thought it was amazing they were being sent this way. it is also very frustrating because anyone can say it didnt turn up. im more or less resigned to the fact its gone missing,unless anyone else has any ideas? and thanks ian,its very obviously not your fault and thanks for all the effort
Anonymous
April 03, 2007
I am also still awaiting my copy of Windows Vista. If they were sent Royal Mail first class, we should of had these by now, what do we do??
Anonymous
April 04, 2007
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Anonymous
April 04, 2007
Hi All Reading about all the Vista copies that have not arrived would it be possible to collect my prize of Office 2007 or pay Fedex or whoever to get me to sign for it? Thanks
Anonymous
April 04, 2007
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Anonymous
April 04, 2007
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Anonymous
April 05, 2007
Reqsted, but never got the email with the winner lists for both Office and Windows Vista... williamdowell(-*&REMOVE-ALL-INSIDE-BRAKET&!)@gmail.com - Would be greatful if it could be sent as i see the backlog has been "cleared"...
Anonymous
April 05, 2007
Here you are William, I've emailed youthe winner lists. They're in PDF Format, hope you win.
Anonymous
April 05, 2007
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Anonymous
April 05, 2007
I agree, standard royal mail is a terrible service. I had a letter delivered today that was dated 30 November 2006! How can anyone trust a service like that? The letter had a cheque in, not sure whether it will still cash. And my dad had a letter at xmas dated 4 YEARS AGO. It had a note from the post office attatched to it apologising, apparently they had fired the postman in question because he had thousands of letters stored at home that he hadn't deliviered. If same thing happens with Office prize we'll be on Office 2010 by the time the postman gets round to delivering them. I'm sure Bill can afford the extr to send it special, it's only a couple of pounds :)
Anonymous
April 06, 2007
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Anonymous
April 06, 2007
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Anonymous
April 06, 2007
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Anonymous
April 08, 2007
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Anonymous
April 09, 2007
Hi guys, The office prize will be shipping soon. I was wondering if there is anyone who would like to swap their vista for my office? If so please email me on markbrown83(at)ecosse.net Thanks, Mark
Anonymous
April 10, 2007
Will the 64bit disc work if the 32bit version has already been verified? I would have preferred 64bit if I had the choice.
Anonymous
April 10, 2007
Hello Ian, Could you please advise if the copies have yet been received and distributed. Thanks and regards, Frank
Anonymous
April 10, 2007
So what do we do who won but have not received Vista prizes?
Anonymous
April 10, 2007
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Anonymous
April 10, 2007
It's gone too quiet. Ian, is the 13th still looking good?
Anonymous
April 10, 2007
Dear Ian, I have been waiting patiently for my prize of Office 2007. To date it has not arrived when can I expect it to arrive as March 30th has now passed and allowing for postal delay it is now the 11th April. Being in the over 60 bracket winning anything is a bonus being alive to collect it is another thing.
Anonymous
April 11, 2007
Hi Ian I'm another who hasn't recieved my copy of Vista depite the winners e-mail. Do you know what's happened ?
Anonymous
April 11, 2007
sorry for very late reply, been really busy. i had the trail versions on 3 pc's. Everything worked perfectly. Kaspersky worked really well. As i have a wireless network. Tiscali goes to the wireless router. it works perfectly. When i installed this vista copy on one pc, it wouldn't install kaspersky and there were a few other bugs. But both were 32bit Editions. any help please.
Anonymous
April 11, 2007
March 30th 2007 has been and gone but alas I still have not recived my Office 2007 Disk? Have they been sent out? When is delivery expected? Thanks
Anonymous
April 11, 2007
Sorry folks I have been away for a while which is why things have been quiet. The Office prizes have arrived so should be distributed tomorrow, but I'm checking that all is ok. So to be clear: Copies of Office have not yet been sent, but will be very shortly. I'll update you when I know for sure they have been posted. Oh and PS: If people have sent me emails in the last week, I'm some way behind. If I don't respond it's because I'm backlogged, nothing else....
Anonymous
April 13, 2007
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Anonymous
April 13, 2007
Hope they get set out today... would be great if they arrived tomorrow in time for to use it to fill in an application form :) btw sent a email on the 5th Apr as instructed in the blog entry for the winners list of both vista & office, but havent recieved anything yet :( Dunno if its you that sends them out but can u nag whoever does for me pls?? :) Thanks for keeping us all informed btw... you're a star! Regards.
Anonymous
April 13, 2007
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Anonymous
April 13, 2007
Unless something terrible goes wrong, the Office prizes will be posted on Monday. It just didn't happen today, maybe expecting things to work out on Friday 13th was asking too much. Seriously though, this has been pushed pretty hard and it does look good for Monday. Alan - I'll chase that up, you should be getting these in a timely manner.
Anonymous
April 13, 2007
Whooops.... forgot to mention my email. If u can ask them to check / resend the winners lists for me that would great thanks. tarquel {@} hotmail . com . Thanks :) Nath.
Anonymous
April 13, 2007
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Anonymous
April 13, 2007
Ian, are you able to comment about what happens if things get lost in the post? A number of people have asked with regard to Vista DVDs, but I've not seen anything commented about how that would be dealt with. Thanks
Anonymous
April 14, 2007
If anyone has the winners lists, can they send them to me please? [the email addy is on my previous post above] Thanks Nath.
Anonymous
April 14, 2007
Monday Monday Monday, What Will it bring, Will the posty deliver Or chuck it in the bin.......
Anonymous
April 15, 2007
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Anonymous
April 15, 2007
@Nathan: Email sent - good luck :D
Anonymous
April 15, 2007
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Anonymous
April 15, 2007
Thanks for the update Ian, If I send you some money via paypal could you put a little bet on for me when you get to Vegas. Thanks again.
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Hey Ian Well i did send an email to try and give my correct address so that I get my copy of office..I dont know if you got it though...So I would like it if you could check the emails that I sent to the VO email address to sort it out...thanks... One more thing..You are doing a really good job..handling all of us bothering you about our prizes...Good Job Man..Keep it up..!!:D 1Love DaSunnyman
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Hi DaSunnyman - emails sent to the VO address are less accessible to me so it's best to contact me directly (via the link on this blog) otherwise I might not see the message. The VO address is for prize list requests only. The prizes are being dispatched right now so let's hope your new address got picked up....
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Hey It wasnt necessary a new address..it was more like an edit to the one you posted up you know..It was written kind of wrong...but its ok.. THanks though..!! Appreciate it..!! 1
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
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Anonymous
April 16, 2007
My Question about 64bit computer owners has not really been tackled by the powers that be. Can Microsoft do something for us? Thanks for the great job you're doing Chris
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
my office arrived this morning, many thanks ian for keeping us informed
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
I got my copy of office, thanks Ian for everything
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Got office this morning! cheers!
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Got it!!!!!! One of the first to raise queries so I thought I'd like to say MANY THANKS! for your efforts. Enjoy Vegas.
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Office safely arrived (via Royal Mail). Thank you to Ian and Microsoft.
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Hi Ian , I got my copy of office this morning, Thanks for keeping us informed and putting up with the trouble i'm sure you have plenty of other things going on at the moment. Thanks again to MS to running a great comp.
Anonymous
April 16, 2007
Got up this morning to see post,no office for me yet
Anonymous
April 17, 2007
Thanks Ian for all your hard work ! My copy of Office 2007 arrived safely this morning. Keep up the good work ! Tony
Anonymous
April 17, 2007
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Anonymous
April 17, 2007
Thanks John A, I have passed this on to the relevant people
Anonymous
April 17, 2007
"I won this is the MSDN competition and have no use for it since I use a Mac." Umm... why enter then?
Anonymous
April 17, 2007
Recieved my copy of office this morning, Thanks Ian and Microsoft.
Anonymous
April 17, 2007
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Anonymous
April 18, 2007
Cheers Ian and MS, i got office
Anonymous
April 18, 2007
Got my copy yesterday morning Ian - thanks for the assistance and, patience, over the last 2 months.
Anonymous
April 21, 2007
I can second the fact that the Anytime Upgrade DVD appears to be usable for a clean install. I didn't actually install the software (I don't plan on doing so just yet), but it can be used to boot into the install process as with a standard Windows DVD.
Anonymous
May 31, 2007
Hiya, My husband is on the winners list for a copy of Vista, but hasn't received anything yet. Who should he contact ?

Jaa

List of winners, and update on the Office delivery date (UK Developer Launch)

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