Inside Windows Marketplace

Download Microsoft Expression Web & Microsoft Expression Media at Windows Marketplace

We've recently added a few Microsoft software titles to the Windows Marketplace catalog that are now available to download instantly.  2 titles that we are very excited are newly released Microsoft Expression tools:

 
Microsoft Expression Media - Microsoft Expression Media is a professional asset management tool to visually catalog and organize all your digital assets for effortless retrieval and presentation. Imagine how much more you'd get done if you could just find what you're looking for. Expression Media makes digital asset management easy - just drag and drop to import more than 100 different media formats, including digital RAW files. Even when your originals are offline, Expression Media's visual catalogs allow you to browse, search, and annotate your assets.Handle lots of files, fast, with the professional's choice. Rename, convert, or tag hundreds of files at a time with sophisticated batch processing; or use powerful search features to instantly find and retrieve your digital media assets. Edit images and keep track of your changes with version control, while folder watching keeps your catalogs up to date. Impress your audience with slide shows, videos, and Web galleries. When it's time to deliver, Expression Media can export your assets in exactly the format and size your clients need, with dozens of professionally designed presentation templates. With Expression Media Encoder, you can convert and publish video to reach a broad, cross-platform audience.


Microsoft Expression Web - Take advantage of the best of dynamic Web site design, enabling you to design, develop, and maintain exceptional standards-based Web sites.Unleash your creativity and bring your Web sites to life with sophisticated CSS design features including visual designers, specialized task panes, and tool bars that give you precise control of page layout and formatting.Reduce complexity and ease integration of data by using powerful task panes and design tools, which allow quick incorporation of XML data. Seamlessly integrate Web design and development teams with Expression Web and Microsoft Visual Studio, by taking advantage of superior support for XML, ASP.NET and XHTML.Create dynamic, interactive pages and sites that leverage the power of the Web to deliver compelling user experiences. Easily design to standards and optimize your sites for accessibility and cross-browser compatibility with built-in support and validation for Web standards.

- Didi B., Windows Marketplace UX Team

Help Identifying and Preventing Phishing Scams

We have recently had reports of attempted phishing scams where parties unaffiliated w/ Windows Marketplace or Microsoft are sending false "Order Summary" e-mails to customers.  In the case where you think you have seen a phishing scam that's falsely representing Microsoft, you can visit the following links for assistance:

1.     Help determine if the email is a phishing attack: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/phishing.mspx

2.     Handling and reporting suspicious e-mail: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/phishingdosdonts.mspx

3.     What to do if you think you’ve responded to a phishing scam: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/phishing/remedy.mspx

4.     Phishing filters to help protect you from online scams: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/online/phishing_filter.mspx

Happy computing!

Zac Emmel - Program Management team

The Windows Vista 64-bit upgrade from Windows Marketplace requires a 64-bit operating system.

[cross posted from http://robmensching.com/blog]

Recently there were some reports of problems installing Windows Vista from Windows Marketplace.  I followed up with a couple people who were kind enough to respond and it turns out all of them were having issues installing the 64-bit edition of Windows Vista.  One of them also pointed out this thread where people are all seeing the same problem.  The error message they all were seeing was the following:

Cannot extract Windows Vista Setup to your hard drive.  Please ensure that you can create files and folders in the same folder where VistaSetupPrep.exe was downloaded.

Unfortunately, that error does not actually explain with the real problem is.  Instead, you have to go to the log file that is created in your Temp folder called "Windows Vista Setup Preparation (NNNNN).log".  Patrik, who reported problems on my blog first, provided me his log.

Preparing Windows Vista Setup...
Extracting setup files to: C:\Vista Ultimate 64bit UPGRADE\
Error 0x80070005: Failed to launch: C:\Vista Ultimate 64bit
UPGRADE\Vista\setup.exe
Exiting Windows Vista Setup preparation.

The 0x80070005 error translates into E_ACCESSDENIED.  But access denied isn't exactly the problem either.  If you run the setup.exe in the Vista folder you'll get the real error message.  I don't have the exact text in front of me but it says something like: "This is not a valid 32-bit executable".

And now we have found the actually problem.  The 64-bit Windows Vista install is actually a 64-bit install executable.  Therefore, you must be running a 64-bit operating system (such as Windows XP 64-bit).  Unfortunately, if you are running a 32-bit operating system you cannot upgrade to a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista with the bits currently available for download from Windows Marketplace.

Didi tried to capture this fact in a bright red warning at the top of the 64-bit page.  It says something like:

Warning: You must have a 64-bit capable machine running a 64-bit Windows operating system to run Windows Vista 64-bit Editions. Learn more at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx.

Rob M. - Windows Marketplace Dev team

What do you get when you download Windows Vista from Marketplace?

[cross posted from http://robmensching.com/blog]

This is a blog entry that I've been trying to find time to write for the last week.  Unfortunately, the push for GA-day has been all encompassing.  In any case, the news that Windows Marketplace would deliver Windows Vista (and Office 2007 too!) electronically went a lot bigger than I expected.  I suppose the fact that the news was carried by the Associated Press should have made it clear that things were going to go big.  Trevin actually captured the press coverage a bit better than I did.

Out there I found comments at a couple places where people speculated that Windows Marketplace would be distributing ISO images of Windows Vista and that the customer would have to burn the ISO image to a DVD before installing to Windows Vista.  That is the way that MSDN distributed the Betas and RCs to developers but is not what we are releasing from Windows Marketplace.  For Windows Marketplace, we wanted a solution that would not require special hardware (DVD burner) or knowledge (how to use DVD burning software to burn an ISO image).

When you buy Windows Vista from Marketplace you will be able to download three files: VistaSetupPrep.exe, boot.wim and install.wim.  The two .wim files are the bulk of the download (for the 32-bit version they are ~116 MB and ~2.2 GB respectively) and contain the stuff that actually gets installed.  VistaSetupPrep.exe is smaller (for 32-bit this is ~74 MB) and contains the files necessary to actually do the install.

I highly recommend using the digital locker assistant to download Windows Vista.  The digital locker assistant handles three very important steps for you.  First, the assistant has the ability to resume the download of files should your download be interrupted for any reason.  If you do not use the digital locker assistant and your download is interrupted then you will have to start the download over from the beginning.  Second, the assistant will verify that the files were properly downloaded when complete.  Since Windows Vista is composed of such large files there is a chance that corruption can occur while the files are in transit.  The digital locker assistant verifies the files before launching the install and that improves the chances of a successful install the first time through.  Finally, all three files have to be downloaded into the same folder.  The digital locker assistant ensures that files stay together.

After all of the files are downloaded, you can launch VistaSetupPrep.exe (or simply click the "Install" button in the digital locker assistant).  VistaSetupPrep.exe then extracts the 500+ files compressed inside it and links the .wim files into into a folder called "Vista".  The end result is that the Vista folder is a replica of the Windows Vista DVD.  Before VistaSetupPrep.exe exits, it launches the setup.exe in the Vista folder and Windows Vista setup starts, just like if you had launched it from DVD.

That's it. 

For the last week and all of this weekend everyone on the Windows Marketplace team has been downloading Windows Vista and Office 2007 from our internal test servers and installing on our computers at home.  I have to say it's been a proud moment for me.  Repeatedly people on the team have remarked, "I was amazed at how smooth the whole process was.  It just worked."  I worked on the Windows Vista setup team for two years before joining Windows Marketplace to (quickly) develop the system for distributing Windows Vista via ESD.  Let me tell you, there is nothing a setup developer likes to hear more than "It just worked."  I hope you enjoy it too.

Rob M. - Windows Marketplace Dev team

The Wow is avaliable to download on Windowsmarketplace

Windows Vista Countdown Clock

[cross posted from http://robmensching.com/blog]

This morning, Jascha [Update: found a link] sent around a link to a guy who has a funny way of saying that he's looking forward to the Windows Vista release on Windows Marketplace.  I'm excited about the near future too.

But what really caught my eye was the "Countdown Clock" in the top right corner.  Turns out that the gadget came from Donavon West at Live Gadgets.net.  So, I pinged him to see if he would let me host the countdown clock here and he said, "Go right ahead!"

I can tell you that all of us on the Windows Marketplace team are working very hard to the tick of that clock.  We are having a great time and very much looking forward to when it all reads "00:00:00" and you can buy Windows Vista and Office 2007 online.

Update:  You can find another countdown clock at the top of Windows Marketplace.

Windows Vista and Office 2007 on Windows Marketplace

[cross posted from http://robmensching.com/blog]

A couple days ago we announced the project that has been keeping me very busy as of late.  Windows Marketplace will be selling Microsoft's flagship products Windows Vista and 2007 Office at the same time the products hit the shelves.  This is a huge event for those of us in Windows Marketplace and we are very much looking forward to "GA-Day" (the day the products become "generally available").

In my early morning searching, I came across this article on MSNBC written by the Associated Press.  I don't think I've ever been this involved in a project that was picked up by the AP.  WiX got a lot of coverage but I don't remember the Associated Press.  It's quite a cool feeling.

I also saw Mary Jo Foley questioning how many people will actually purchase Vista for download from Windows Marketplace.  The AP article also suggested that few users were expected to download Vista over the Internet.  I'm optimistic that providing Windows Vista on Windows Marketplace that we will be able to reach a new set of customers.  In any case, we are building out Windows Marketplace to ensure that we can serve anyone who wants to purchase Vista and/or Office online.

However, I believe that releasing Windows Vista and Office 2007 on Windows Marketplace makes one thing very clear.  Electronic software distribution (ESD) is here to stay.  We've already built up a lot of cool technology to distribute software electronically (like the Digital Locker) and we've got a lot more coming.  If you're a software developer, I suggest taking a look at what it takes to get listed on Windows Marketplace.  If you're a consumer, in the coming months you're going to see improvements across many aspects of the Windows Marketplace Catalog.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment here or contact me directly.  I'm obviously a bit busy through January 30th but I'll try to answer any questions I can.  In the meantime, keep coding, you know I am.

Rob M. - Windows Marketplace Dev team

Download Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 at Windows Marketplace

Today, we officially announced that on January 30th, 2007, Windows Vista upgrades and Microsoft Office 2007 editions will be available to buy & download from Windows Marketplace.  We are very excited as this will be a new step for Microsoft, as we previously sold Windows only on packaged discs or pre-loaded on computers. 

From our press release:

“Starting Jan. 30 and working with retail partners, Windows Marketplace will offer the following upgrade editions of Windows Vista and full versions of the 2007 Microsoft Office release at suggested retail prices:

·         Windows Vista Business

·         Windows Vista Home Basic

·         Windows Vista Home Premium

·         Windows Vista Ultimate

·         Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

·         Microsoft Office Professional 2007

·         Microsoft Office Standard 2007

Windows Vista editions offered through Windows Marketplace are available in English only, in either 32-bit or 64-bit versions. Windows Marketplace visitors also can find a wide variety of Windows-compatible hardware and software, including products carrying the Certified for Windows Vista logo, which are tested to ensure superior reliability and quality when running on Windows Vista."

The Microsoft software downloads will be available at Windows Marketplace via our free download tool, the digital locker.  To learn more about the digital locker, visit our digital locker showcase.

If you're planning on buying Windows Vista or Office 2007, mark your calendar for January 30, 2007 and come to Windows Marketplace.

-Didi B, Windows Marketplace UX team

It's always free shipping with the digital locker.

 
Windows Marketplace offers software titles from hundreds of retailers. When you’re browsing, look for the green lock or check the digital locker only checkbox. These titles are available for instant downloading from your digital locker.

 
When you’re ready to purchase, create a Windows Marketplace account with your Windows Live ID. Remember, if you have a hotmail.com or msn.com account, this is your Windows Live ID. This manages your personal information like billing, software, purchase details, and communication preferences. It also provides easy access to support for the products you’ve purchased.

 
When you’re signed in, check out just one time. Even if you are buying from multiple retailers, it’s all taken care of in one simple transaction. You can download and install the products you have purchased, make backup CDs, and view your software licenses online.

 
The digital locker keeps your software & license keys online, but the digital locker assistant is a free desktop client that downloads and manages your software installers on your PC. You don’t have to use the digital locker assistant to use the digital locker, but it makes your software available anytime, including when you are offline. Download and install here

 
No more shelves full of software boxes. Your digital locker is your new personal storage place on the Internet. You’ll never search for another software CD or license key again.

Start now

- Didi B, Windows Marketplace UX team

High tech crafting

Winter weather is the perfect excuse to stay warm indoors and do crafts.  After a quick search on Windows Marketplace, I found crafting is much more high-tech than I ever imagined.  Here are 3 creative applications to enhance your crafting time, all available to download now:

 1) Send multimedia greeting cards with Greeting Card Maker

With Christmas around the corner, youre probably getting ready to send holiday greetings to your friends. Well, this year with Greeting Card youll be able to send some all-new electronic greetings to your PC-owning friends, complete with graphics, music, and your own personal message!   Learn more...

 2) Create stitch patterns from photos with PM Stitch Creator 3.0

This program automatically converts your digital pictures into stitch patterns optimized for specified floss palette, or you can create patterns from scratch with virtual needles and other tools like color fill, eraser, or text. Stitch patterns can be viewed on screen and printed as stitch work, or chart together with color key and material list.  Learn more...

3) Create a scrapbook that is ready to print with PhotoMix 5.3

PhotoMix allows you to create digital scrapbooks or collages quickly and easily. Get PhotoMix and you'll be able to create a scrapbook from several images using layouts or renew old photos with the help of multiple filters and effects. Decide what exactly to do with your work of art - send by email, set as desktop wallpaper, or make a print.  Learn more...

 - Didi B., Windows Marketplace UX team

Top 5 reasons to download your gifts this holiday

Want to be ultra hip and futuristic?  Try downloading your gifts this holiday.  Now I know what you're saying and it's true: downloading a pair of skates, a pony, or a doll is still a few years ahead of us, but there is one thing you can download now that will make this holiday season bright: the gift of software.   "Software?" you say, "Why, how is that ultra hip?"  Our top 5 reasons are here to convince you.

1) It's green.  Ways to be eco-minded are all around us these days, and here's another green tip: downloading your software means less trash.  No software box to throw away, no installation CDs to be stored, no printed licensing codes that you need to keep track of.  All software purchased and downloaded at Windows Marketplace is stored in your digital locker - and that includes the software license.  Saves on wrapping paper. too.

2) It's instantaneous.  Talk about instant gratification: purchasing downloadable software is the fastest Internet shopping you can do today because your purchase arrives seconds after you buy it.  Impress your friends by getting all your holiday shopping done in an hour or be the coolest Mom or Dad ever when your children's gifts are ready to play as soon as they find out.

3) It's a gift for you.  Worried that your parents, at beginner levels in their computer skills, are susceptible to viruses or online attacks?  Download security software and install for them.  Even give them a quick tutorial while you're around during the holidays.  Know your friend will become addicted to World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls IV, or Call of Duty II if he/she just took the time to download it & try it?  Download it for them and get them playing on your team pronto.

4) It's the most creative gift giving there is. Create scavenger hunts starting with a clue hidden in a stocking and hide other clues around the house. Ultimately lead to the freshly installed software on the computer, ready to go.  For the ones who love big presents, wrap a big box with a card hidden inside telling them a new surprise is waiting on the PC.  Or bundle a gift for a true software lover by giving something that will help them utilize their new download, like a wireless mouse, a game's Official eGuide, or a USB Flash Drive so they can take their software anywhere. 

5) The best reason of all: It saves you money.  Now through December 11th, thousands of software titles are on sale.  And of course, there is free shipping on all downloadable software (wink, wink). Click the banner below and start now:

 - Didi B, Windows Marketplace UX team

30% off thousands of downloads

Today at 3:00PST, Windows Marketplace launched a 30% off sale for over 3000 downloadable software titles. This sale will be live thru December 11^th. You can find showcase titles here:

30% off thousands of select downloads

And there are featured titles in the following categories:

games

security software

home & office

Download now and save!

A super secret hot tip

Fellow readers of the Windows Marketplace blog, because of your loyalty, we'll let you in on a little secret first.  We're launching a huge sale on Monday November 13th - savings of 30% on over 5000 software titles - and all will be available to download via the digital locker. If you haven't tried the digital locker yet, I can't tell you what you are missing.  I could start by saying thousands of downloads available on demand, checkout with multiple merchants in one click, keeping all your registration codes in one place either online or on your desktop....but that would be just scratching the surface.  Regardless, mark your calendar for 3:00pm PST on Monday November 13th.  You'll be glad you did.

 - Didi B, Windows Marketplace UX team

Yo DJ! Where's the party at?

You can be a DJ right now.  Yes, you. If you've always wanted to be and you have the MP3s, WMAs of WAV files on your PC, you are ready.  Because you only need one more thing to make it happen:  the tools.  And hey, here they are, waiting for you to download now and learn easily.  Check, check:

1) Make your mix with  MP3 Audio Mixer by Acoustica - $24.95

 
MP3 Audio Mixer allows you to edit your tunes or remix MP3s on your computer. Whether you're a DJ or just creating cool mix CDs, this tool is for you! Mix MP3s, WMAs, WAVs, record your own, set volume fades and pans via a simple graphical interface! It is your soup. Mix it well! Exports to MP3, WMA, RealAudio, and WAV files.

 2) Record and produce with Mixcraft by Acoustica - $34.95

Mixcraft allows you to record and mix music like the best producers and DJs at just a fraction of the price. It¿s designed to be fast and easy. Focus on your creativity and not on technical details! Many users have found that they rarely need to use the help file. Cut, paste, edit and shape your sounds the way you want! Use built in effects like reverb, flanger or EQ. Install a variety of DirectX or VST effects to add tremolo, distortion, chorus or even remove the vocals from a song!

3) Broadcast your mix with liveDJpro Olive Edition by StokeEntertainment - $95.00

Weve brought hundreds of DJ comments together over the years and created a DJ package from it. Weve concentrated on the ease-of-use and the functionality.Maybe the most important part of liveDJpro is its media Players. The DJ can operate up to 10 Players at any one time. Each Player has silence detection facilities which means, after a Playlist has been built, liveDJpro can run completely unattended without the risk of those awkward silences between tracks. The Players also show a visible waveform for the loaded media and have support for BPM detection (beats-per-minute).If the DJ using liveDJpro is more like a radio station DJ, they can use the powerful Sample Players. With up to 100 Sample Banks and 200 Samples per Sample Bank, there will be no shortage of space. You can even use up to 10 Sample Players to manage them all simultaneously.

Now all you need to think of is a DJ name....

 - Didi B, Windows Marketplace UX team

Security 2007: think ahead

Are you up to date with your PC Security?  The new security suites for 2007 are now being releases - and many are available to download on demand via the digital locker.  One of our favorites:

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007

"Trend Micro PC-cilin Internet Security 2007 comprehensively safeguards your computers, home network and personal identity. Email, shop, share pictures, bank, and instant message, confident that this award-winning software will repel malicious attacks and reduce time-wasting interruptions. PC-cillin also features free phone support and TrendSecure, additional security software and online services. Benefits AntiVirus Security Detects and removes viruses and the latest threats from your emails, Internet downloads, removable media and PCs."

 More security picks for 2007 at Windows Marketplace.

 - Didi B, Windows Marketplace UX team