How do I get Groove?

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I've heard from a number of people that they are finding it hard to get started with Groove. Here is a recent example:

I've never found it so difficult in my life to find out how to buy a product! :-)

I've spent literally a couple hours on the web and cannot determine a clear answer to how and where my options are for purchasing Groove.

The most appealing option I have read so far would be the annual lease of $80 through Microsoft Office Live ... but for the LIFE of me I cannot figure out how and where to complete this transaction.

Now, there are a number of getting started challenges whenever you try something new, but its frustrating for all of us when potential customers can't even figure out how to get the product!

Luckily for me (and the rest of us) this fellow was persistent, and eventually broke through the secret code to get Groove. (Thank you for letting us know how hard it was!)

Let's see if we can make it easier for the rest of us.

Here are a few things to know when you want to Get Groove.

  1. Groove is included in your MSDN and Technet subscriptions
    • if you are MSDN or Technet subscription holder, you can access Groove 2007 and the rest of Office 2007 there. 
  2. Anyone can try Groove, for free, using the trial download of Office Live! Groove from https://www.trymicrosoftoffice.com/wwtrial
    • This link accepts international addresses
    • At the moment, this link only provides access to US English software installs. Localized versions should be available in the next few weeks
    • You can get access to localised versions of Live Groove if you go to https://office.microsoft.com and follow the links to Try Office 2007.
  3. Try before you buy!
    • Strangely enough, the only way to buy Office Live Groove is by first Trying it first, and then you have an option to click to buy. 
  4. Do I need Servers to try Groove?
    • No! Get Groove from the links above, turn it on, and the client will automatically connect to a Relay and let you start Grooving with others. If you like what you find, then come back to https://office.microsoft.com/groove to learn more about the infrastructure.
  5. How long does the free trial last? What are the limitations of the free trial?
    • The free trial lasts for 60 days. At that point, you have to either buy a subscription (for about $80/year) or the client will go into "reduced functionality mode", affectionately known as RFM.
    • Don't worry -- you keep your data, even when in RFM mode.
  6. I found Groove, installed Groove, but now I can't seem to use Groove!
    • Here's a bug: after you install the trial version, you have to restart Groove before you are able to get out of "RFM" and start creating workspaces. Unfortunately, there isn't any warnings to help clue you in to the problem. Don't just close the Groove window, you actually need to right click on the Groove icon in your system tray and chose "Exit". Then manually start Groove up again from your programs menu.

I hope this info helps you get up and running quickly. If you run into a problem, or better yet, if you found a solution, let me know so I can share it!