Comments

# JamesR said on March 13, 2007 6:58 AM:

Let me see if i understand this right...

You wont send me an email telling me if i won a competition I chose to enter, because of privacy concerns. But you will send a complete list of all the winners( including my name) to anyone that wants to see it.

That kind of bizare logic makes my head hurt!

Never mind thou - thanks for the competition and the free vista.

# mbrown said on March 13, 2007 7:30 AM:

JamesR:

Thats a good point - doesn't bother me though..

# ianm said on March 13, 2007 7:36 AM:

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 :-)

# John said on March 13, 2007 7:59 AM:

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.

# Njum said on March 13, 2007 8:54 AM:

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

# Paul Smith said on March 13, 2007 9:15 AM:

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?

# Matt Lacey said on March 13, 2007 9:20 AM:

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.

:(

# Wael said on March 13, 2007 9:21 AM:

Do we include "(Office winners, Vista winners, or both)." in the subject as well?

# ianm said on March 13, 2007 9:28 AM:

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.

# ianm said on March 13, 2007 9:46 AM:

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.

# Paul said on March 13, 2007 10:08 AM:

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

# Alex said on March 13, 2007 10:34 AM:

once we sent the email do you know how long it will take to get the list back?

# ianm said on March 13, 2007 10:45 AM:

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.

# Andy said on March 13, 2007 1:36 PM:

Just got the email. I won a copy of Vista, but not a copy of Office.

Thanks!

# Matt87 said on March 13, 2007 1:43 PM:

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.

# Matt Eason said on March 13, 2007 1:46 PM:

Woohoo! Just got the list and I gots me some Vista.

Thanks for all your hard work on this, Ian.

# Damien said on March 13, 2007 1:55 PM:

Christ on a bike!! I actually won, my name is in the list of winners!

I entered half and hour into the competition so I think alot of people who didn't recieve emails may still have hope!

# ALesser said on March 13, 2007 2:13 PM:

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.

# JackieF said on March 13, 2007 2:23 PM:

Just got the list and i'm glad to see that i'm on it. Thank you for making it available to us Ian.

# Thanks said on March 13, 2007 2:40 PM:

Thanks for the help, just received an email and I won.

# Dan said on March 13, 2007 3:16 PM:

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.

# John said on March 13, 2007 3:18 PM:

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.

# Paul said on March 14, 2007 4:08 AM:

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'

# ianm said on March 14, 2007 4:40 AM:

Paul - the list shows first name, surname and post town

# Paul said on March 14, 2007 4:54 AM:

Perhaps we can have a new checkbox in our MSDN profile then - 'Don't publish my details to anyone who want them' :-)

It might have been a bit better to just let the (likely) relatively few people who wanted to confirm whether they've won email with their name/town to ask!  Rather than give anyone with an email account on the internet the chance to get a list of 1000 software developers in the UK.

# mbrown said on March 14, 2007 5:32 AM:

Paul:  What does it matter, worst case scenario you get some work out of it? :D

# Heather said on March 14, 2007 6:29 AM:

Will the prizes be sent recorded/special delivery?

They are too valuble prizes to be sent first class.

# Adam said on March 14, 2007 6:46 AM:

@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.  

# Carl M said on March 14, 2007 7:27 AM:

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.

# ? said on March 14, 2007 7:29 AM:

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?

# Dave O said on March 14, 2007 8:00 AM:

Although I appreciate Ian keeping everyone up to date, providing a list of winners to anyone who asks seems like a poorly thought through rushed solution. It probably goes against the DP act and certainly Microsoft's privacy policy.

# manakovich said on March 14, 2007 8:16 AM:

I’ve requested winners list for vista but never got it can someone forward it to me on manakovich@gmail.com

Thanks.

# ianm said on March 14, 2007 8:47 AM:

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.

# anon said on March 14, 2007 9:38 AM:

"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!

# Mike said on March 14, 2007 10:04 AM:

Ian,

Perhaps you could send Blue Peter badges, as consolation prizes, to those people who think they should have won, but didn’t.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6449919.stm

# Adam D said on March 14, 2007 11:28 AM:

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?

# ianm said on March 14, 2007 11:37 AM:

Hi Adam, I believe a "snapshot" was taken yesterday afternoon, I suspect there will be another one later today. But I'll ask.

# Gem said on March 14, 2007 11:44 AM:

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.

# Jon Hibbins said on March 14, 2007 12:25 PM:

I too have not recived a list yet, if someone could forward it to jon@hibbins.com i'd appriciate it

# Paul Smith said on March 14, 2007 12:30 PM:

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?

# Paul said on March 14, 2007 1:11 PM:

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.

# bob said on March 14, 2007 1:27 PM:

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

# ianm said on March 14, 2007 1:51 PM:

I'm told another batch of emails with winners has just been sent

# paul cummings said on March 14, 2007 1:58 PM:

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.

# Jon said on March 14, 2007 3:20 PM:

Ian, I feel really sorry for you, talk about damned if you do and damned if you don't!!!!

So many people here are throwing their dummies out because they haven't won a competition!!!!!

I have been reading your blog since the launch (not just for news of the competition either).

On the subject of the winners list, as it does not actually identify any individuals there is technically no breach of the DPA, but I'm sure your legal people already mentioned that.

Well done to yourself and MS for running this milestone competition and hopefully the bad experiences from people whinging about not winning etc will not put paid to any more.

# anon said on March 14, 2007 3:56 PM:

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?

# alex said on March 14, 2007 4:33 PM:

has any got one of these emails?

# Damien Bailey said on March 14, 2007 5:02 PM:

Could people please realise that it is a legal requirement for anyone running a competition in the UK to supply a list of winners on request. Microsoft have done nothing wrong.

# Adam said on March 14, 2007 6:49 PM:

@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.

# Huw said on March 14, 2007 9:42 PM:

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?

# dr del said on March 15, 2007 2:06 AM:

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

# maria said on March 15, 2007 3:49 AM:

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 :)

# ianm said on March 15, 2007 4:55 AM:

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.

# Jon Hibbins said on March 15, 2007 5:17 AM:

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

# LaceyWare said on March 15, 2007 7:19 AM:

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!

# ianm said on March 15, 2007 7:29 AM:

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.

# Tim said on March 15, 2007 8:02 AM:

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!)

# TEQ said on March 15, 2007 9:01 AM:

Just another confirmation, it is a legal requirement for anyone running a competition in the UK to provide a list of winners on request. If you don't like it, don't enter any competitions in the UK - Simple really. Personally, I don't see what the fuss is all about - My name and my town is listed - there's not a lot anyone could do with only that information.

The point about Royal Fail is a very good one - would be at least nice to see the software going out 'signed for' which wouldn't cost MS any more but would at least give some piece of mind over delivery.

# Luna said on March 15, 2007 10:04 AM:

I've already said this, but I just wanted to thank Ian and everyone at MS UK again for this fantastic launch and competition. It's really appreciated how much you've put into it, and kudos for running it in the first place. I hope the fuss doesn't put MS off from doing this kind of thing in the future, it was a great experience.

# Michael James said on March 15, 2007 12:05 PM:

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!

# Nick said on March 15, 2007 8:51 PM:

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!

# Jeremy said on March 15, 2007 10:32 PM:

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."

# michael_appleby said on March 16, 2007 3:45 AM:

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

# Leom said on March 16, 2007 5:16 AM:

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!!??!!

# snorth20 said on March 16, 2007 5:33 AM:

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

# JamesE said on March 16, 2007 5:33 AM:

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?

# JamesE said on March 16, 2007 5:52 AM:

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.

# Ant said on March 16, 2007 6:54 AM:

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

# Ant said on March 16, 2007 6:55 AM:

'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?

# ianm said on March 16, 2007 7:02 AM:

snorth: if you emailed the volaunch address they'll action your address change, but feel free to drop me an email with your details if you want to.

JamesE: To be honest I'm not sure who you address an official complaint to, feel free to email me via this blog and I'll find out and pass it through to an appropriate person. I will say two things though:

1) In every single case we have investigated where a person believes they have won, but are not on the winner list, we have found that either they gave the wrong answer, or contravened the T&Cs in a way that invalidated their entry, or were outside the first 1000 entries. We have found absolutely no exceptions to this

2) I cannot get into a discussion about every query we have which is why the T&Cs say "no correspondence will be entered into". So I can’t start corresponding with people about why they didn’t win.

However obviously I want to ensure that we're being fair to people and I also don't want you - or anyone else - thinking that they have been unfairly treated. So feel free to drop me a line. If you still want to go ahead with the complaint then of course I’ll help you to do that.

# Paul said on March 16, 2007 7:29 AM:

So - have they arrived yet in the office? What do they look like? Spill the beans.... :D

# JamesE said on March 16, 2007 7:55 AM:

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.

# JackieF said on March 16, 2007 8:42 AM:

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.

# ianm said on March 16, 2007 9:20 AM:

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.

# Tristan said on March 16, 2007 9:36 AM:

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. :(

# JamesE said on March 16, 2007 9:39 AM:

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.

# George said on March 16, 2007 9:59 AM:

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

# manakovich said on March 16, 2007 10:34 AM:

I can’t understand why people complaining about not winning. It’s like getting National Lottery ticket and then telling them that they are out of order because they didn’t pull your numbers out. Some people were lucky some were not. Such as life, get on with it. You don’t do anyone any good by complaining, all you doing is putting Microsoft off from running any promotions and prise giveaways in the future.

Anyway congrats to everyone who won and better luck next time for those who didn’t!

# IanC said on March 16, 2007 12:55 PM:

Ianm : As a matter of interest and to help put the competition into perspective, can you say how many entries there were for both?

# Matt said on March 16, 2007 1:09 PM:

so if i recieved a yes, you have won a copy of windows:vista e-mail a while ago then have i definatly won?

# martin said on March 16, 2007 2:05 PM:

Got mine!!!!!!

Package arrived this morning. Thanks Microsoft.

# Jon said on March 16, 2007 3:19 PM:

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!

# Jon said on March 16, 2007 3:25 PM:

One other query about the x86 / x64 question, no I'm not asking whether we get one or the other or both, I am asking if their are still issues regarding drivers for x64?  Whilst using the Beta versions I certainly noticed driver issues with x64 for devices such as scanners, web cams and certain graphics cards, I would prefer to use x64 but can't really see it being  a viable option if my hardware won't opperate properly.  ATI have drivers for x64 but try relaxing after a hard days toil with a game of Prey, works ok with x86 but no luck with x64.  <sob>

# michael_appleby said on March 17, 2007 6:22 AM:

Is it Windows Vista Ultimate that we've won?

# StanS said on March 18, 2007 7:45 AM:

Many thanks to Ian and Microsoft for the opportunity of winning Vista.

The release of Name and Town is a legal requirement in the UK and doesn't worry me at all or I wouldn't have entered in the first place.

Keep up your great blog Ian, we do appreciate it!

# JamesE said on March 18, 2007 12:51 PM:

Manakovich: It's not like that at all.  The lottery is a random draw; this was a first past the post competition. Your analogy should have been you enter the Grand National; win; and then get told that you won't be geting a prize because the organisers didn't care enough to run the race properly. I think you'd be pretty annoyed if you had gone to the effort, only to be cheated this way.  

It's very easy for all you people that won to make jibes about "the moaners" but we have every right to expect MS to do what they say they will do.

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 5:48 AM:

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.

# clive said on March 19, 2007 5:56 AM:

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

# Aliahmed said on March 19, 2007 5:59 AM:

So have the vista CD's been sent?

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 6:02 AM:

As far as I know they haven't been sent yet

# clive said on March 19, 2007 6:04 AM:

if as far as you know they havent been sent yet how come martin says he has recived his on friday

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 6:09 AM:

You'll have to ask him to explain what he actually received but it wasn't from the UK developer launch activities

# Mike said on March 19, 2007 6:38 AM:

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.

# Beverley said on March 19, 2007 7:35 AM:

I can't believe the amount of people with an entitlement complex. Do you really think that an organisation as large and with as much to lose as Microsoft have would, especially after the Richard and Judy et al. fiasco, would risk their integrity by not sticking to the rules of the competition?

Ian's already said a lot of entries had wrong answers or didn't comply with the t&c's. Do you think it's possible, you people who are whining about not having won, that you entered a wrong answer, perhaps by mistake, or didn't comply with the rules in some other way?

As for the people who have won one but not the other - be grateful for what you have! I won Office, am extremely grateful for winning a free-to-enter competition and would not dream of whining that I didn't scoop two prizes.

Carry on like this and Microsoft won't run any more competitions.

# Aliahmed said on March 19, 2007 8:47 AM:

So any current estimates as to when would it be sent from the distribution centre?

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 8:53 AM:

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.

# Heather said on March 19, 2007 9:26 AM:

Are they still being sent 1st class? It is very risky to send something like this none recorded/special delivery.

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 10:10 AM:

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.

# JackieF said on March 19, 2007 10:20 AM:

32bit only is A-OK with me. Can't wait to receive my coy now!

# LaceyWare said on March 19, 2007 10:22 AM:

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...

# Will said on March 19, 2007 10:23 AM:

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!

# Jevon said on March 19, 2007 10:27 AM:

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.

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 10:35 AM:

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...

# Martin said on March 19, 2007 12:37 PM:

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!!!

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 12:40 PM:

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!

# Martin said on March 19, 2007 12:57 PM:

Does that mean I might get another copy of Vista later this week??

Yippee!!!!!

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 1:04 PM:

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 :-)

# mbrown said on March 19, 2007 1:05 PM:

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

# Mike said on March 19, 2007 1:10 PM:

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?

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 1:17 PM:

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!

# the andyman said on March 19, 2007 1:23 PM:

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

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 1:28 PM:

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.

# Andy Betts said on March 19, 2007 1:36 PM:

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

# Mike said on March 19, 2007 1:49 PM:

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?

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 1:57 PM:

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.

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 3:35 PM:

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

# Mohammad said on March 19, 2007 3:45 PM:

Thanks for the video!

Looks like (compared to the US Launch) the box is much better! Can't wait for it to arrive! Is that all we are going to receive - not that i'm complaining or anything.  (IE, just opening the package to find the DVD case)

# Carl M said on March 19, 2007 4:18 PM:

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.

# Neil Jones said on March 19, 2007 5:45 PM:

Can you zoom in a bit so I can read the licence key?

Thanks.

# Luna said on March 19, 2007 5:56 PM:

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. :)

# Mike said on March 19, 2007 6:16 PM:

That video is great Ian but I’m still not satisfied.

Would it be possible for you to produce a video of the postman walking up to my front door and delivering the package through my letter box?

# ianm said on March 19, 2007 6:31 PM:

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 :-)

# LaceyWare said on March 19, 2007 7:03 PM:

Looking good. And, of course, we can now use the high quality video of your hand to identify you in public and stalk you!

Or maybe not. Many thanks for the video and for your continued patience with us (which seems to include replying to your blog late into the night...).

# dr del said on March 20, 2007 1:47 AM:

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

# Tristan said on March 20, 2007 4:55 AM:

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

# ianm said on March 20, 2007 6:31 AM:

Update: I've just heard that we're shipping the product today so you should receive it tomorrow or Thursday.

# mbrown said on March 20, 2007 7:52 AM:

Ian: Anymore news on Office, did you manage to speed things up? :D

# IanC said on March 20, 2007 8:42 AM:

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 :)

# Maddy said on March 21, 2007 4:52 AM:

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! :-)

# Dave said on March 21, 2007 5:16 AM:

I also recieved my copy this morning - very happy indeed.  Thanks for keeping us updated regularly Ian.  I hope your blog does not suffer as a result.  I certainly had never visited it before, and now plan to check it in the future.  We need these kinds of communication and on-line community.

# Matt Eason said on March 21, 2007 5:26 AM:

My Vista arrived this morning. Ditto Maddy, thanks for all the time and effort you and the team have put into this.

# Andy C said on March 21, 2007 6:23 AM:

My copy arrived today. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into this blog. It is one of my bookmarks now!

# Chris Mossom said on March 21, 2007 6:34 AM:

My Vista just dropped trough the door!!

Thanks again Ian, the team and Microsoft for your support of us UK developers.

# Dan Proctor said on March 21, 2007 6:52 AM:

My copy just came in through the letterbox. Thanks again Ian for your unending patience, and thank you Microsoft for running this awesome competition.

# LaceyWare said on March 21, 2007 6:55 AM:

As all the others have said, very many thanks. My copy arrived this morning!

# scoopex said on March 21, 2007 8:13 AM:

Can this version be upgraded to the 64 bit version at a later date ?

# James Rossiter said on March 21, 2007 8:15 AM:

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

# alex said on March 21, 2007 8:17 AM:

thank you very much ian , packaged arrived this morning very very pleasesd :D

# MNikoo said on March 21, 2007 8:19 AM:

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!

# Andy J said on March 21, 2007 8:27 AM:

thanks very much, received my vista copy today =)

cheers ian for keeping us all updated, and to microsoft as well!

# Parin said on March 21, 2007 9:00 AM:

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

# Steve said on March 21, 2007 9:30 AM:

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

# John said on March 21, 2007 9:39 AM:

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

# jones said on March 21, 2007 10:15 AM:

Once someone has installed it, please can you tell us if its a retail license or oem?

# Jim said on March 21, 2007 10:21 AM:

Thanks Ian, great job of overseeing everything.

Loading it up!

Jim

# Andy said on March 21, 2007 11:10 AM:

Got my copy this afternoon. Thanks Ian and Microsoft!

# Paul said on March 21, 2007 11:22 AM:

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

# Adam D said on March 21, 2007 11:23 AM:

jones - it is retail  edition.

Hopefully get mine tommorow!

# Ainars said on March 21, 2007 11:37 AM:

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?

# Luna said on March 21, 2007 12:04 PM:

Safe and sound. Thanks again Ian!

# Will said on March 21, 2007 12:29 PM:

Thanks Ian & Microsoft!

The effort you've put in to this is much appreciated!

# Nameless said on March 21, 2007 2:06 PM:

@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..

# Jonathan said on March 21, 2007 2:08 PM:

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.

# sntwhy said on March 21, 2007 2:45 PM:

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!

# Jon said on March 21, 2007 4:09 PM:

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

# Anthony said on March 21, 2007 5:03 PM:

Yep got mine today, thanks so much Ian and MS

# Neil Jones said on March 21, 2007 5:52 PM:

Something about "not carrying out oral inspections of munificent equines" springs to mind...

# Luna said on March 21, 2007 8:38 PM:

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. ;)

# Tristan said on March 22, 2007 4:58 AM:

Right the main question i can see at the moment are the following...

1) Can we get a 64 bit version from MS or are we only licenced for the 32 bit version?

2) 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

# Mark said on March 22, 2007 5:02 AM:

Thanks Ian (and MS)

Got mine yesterday, now to build the machine worthy of it.

# Ascii Smoke said on March 22, 2007 5:08 AM:

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

# Adam said on March 22, 2007 5:35 AM:

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!

# Gareth Adams said on March 22, 2007 5:42 AM:

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?

# ianm said on March 22, 2007 6:16 AM:

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.

# Habz said on March 22, 2007 6:40 AM:

Hi Ian,

I thought i'd just say once more what a great job Microsoft have done running this competition. I cant say this enough but, thanks Ian for keeping us all in the know.

I got my Vista yesterday.. just in time for my new powerhouse of a pc.

Thanks once again, hope all the unhappy folks dont stop you running more of these events for us UK devs.

# ianm said on March 22, 2007 7:14 AM:

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.

# Paul Smith said on March 22, 2007 7:42 AM:

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?

# Tristan said on March 22, 2007 8:03 AM:

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.

# TH said on March 22, 2007 8:08 AM:

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.

# HuwM said on March 22, 2007 8:41 AM:

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!!!

# Alastair said on March 22, 2007 9:52 AM:

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.

# William said on March 23, 2007 5:19 AM:

Thanks *SO* much for Windows Vista! I now look very very much forward to Office! For now i am running down the trial version!!

# Tyid said on March 23, 2007 6:11 AM:

Got my copy thank you very much, shame that some simpletons can't read the not for sale part on the disk.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Vista-Ultimate-Edition-Full-Version_W0QQitemZ300094232822QQcategoryZ11229QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

# ianm said on March 23, 2007 7:15 AM:

Thanks Tyid, I'll get in touch with ebay to get it removed.

# Michael said on March 23, 2007 7:41 AM:

Can I just ask where are we officialy told that this prize is not for resale?

The competition T&C's did not say any prizes won couldn't be sold on. And as I understand it, that is the legally binding part of the competition made with I (the entrant) made with you, Microsoft. That should have explicitly said that the prize is not for re-distribution if that was the case.

The letter that came with the prize did not say the item was not for re-sale.

The box itself does not say it isn't for resale. The only thing that comes close is the Certificate of Authenticity which has some garble saying:-

"DIRECT NOT TO LATAM NFR PROMO"

But how is anyone outside of Microsoft meant to understand what the means? I certainly don't have a clue what it means.

And to Tyid, it's not your job to police eBay on Microsoft's behalf. If you are going to, you could at least have pointed out the other Vista Ultimate's that have been up on there from this competition. Not just single out a user who you describe as a "simpleton".

And as you can see in that picture that person hasn't even opened the wrapping of their copy. How are they supposed to know they cannot sell it on if it says it on the disc?!

# Name Unprovided said on March 23, 2007 7:49 AM:

And don't forget http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Vista-Ultimate-Edition_W0QQitemZ130092827688QQcategoryZ11229QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

# Mullooco said on March 23, 2007 7:54 AM:

"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

# Name Unprovided said on March 23, 2007 7:59 AM:

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.

# Dominic said on March 23, 2007 8:26 AM:

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. :)

# Tyid said on March 23, 2007 9:11 AM:

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.

# Michael said on March 23, 2007 10:24 AM:

I apologise for being so harsh in my previous post. I was a little hot-headed at the time.

If it's Not For Resale, it's Not For Resale. :)

# Beverley said on March 23, 2007 10:45 AM:

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.

# Tristan said on March 23, 2007 10:57 AM:

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

# Bill said on March 23, 2007 11:19 AM:

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.    

# mbrown said on March 23, 2007 12:28 PM:

@Bill:

I have just sent you an email. :D

thanks,

Mark

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