Are you ready to pre-install Windows Vista? Do you know there is a new OPK for Vista that improves the efficiency of deploying Windows? Want to learn how to use image base technology to deploy Windows without media? Learn how to install Windows Vista in ~4.5 minutes! These webcast series is geared to enable you with the knowledge necessary to pre-install Windows Vista on a single computer to multiple computers at a time.
This is the 1st of a series of webcast designed to walk you through the steps necessary to deploy Windows Vista for different deployment scenarios. For DVD-based installations, we’ll show you how to automate DVD installations using a single answer file. For networks, we’ll show you how to configure a server with all the necessary services and components to support deployment of Windows Vista over a network using a configuration set, and images. We’ll even go as far as showing you how to install Windows Vista on machines without media! Now that’s cool.
In this webcast, we’ll cover what’s new for Windows Vista OPK, how to install, and authoring an answer file for unattended DVD installations.
Have a need for speed? No/ or a low budget for a 3rd party disclaimer, antispam, or antivirus applications! No Problem, Exchange 2007 has it all! Ever desire centralized administration for multiple Exchange servers…..and I do mean multiple! Receive an attachment but don't have the application on the computer to open it with…..c’mon that never happens right! Forgot to setup that OOF feature before you went on that 3 weeks’ vacation? Could this be the end of email as we know it? Now I know you are saying "hey BOB, Exchange is not even offered in the SB channel so why do I care?" Well we are going to answer those question and more in the next BOB technical discussion …sign up now!
Event Date:
1/18/2007 |
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Event Time:
9:00 AM Pacific, USA & Canada (DST) = GMT - 08:00 |
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http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15005015
BoB
I have had the following question asked to me quite often so I figure it was worth posting:
Can I downgrade my OEM version of Microsoft Windows Vista Business to Windows XP Professional?
Yes. OEM Downgrade Rights for desktop operating systems apply to Windows Vista Business & Vista Ultimate as stated in the License Terms. Please note, OEM downgrade versions of Windows Vista Business and Vista Ultimate are limited to Microsoft Windows XP Professional (including Tablet PC Edition & x64 Edition). End users can use the following media for their downgrade: Volume Licensing media (provided the end user has a Volume Licensing agreement), Retail (FPP), or System Builder hologram CD (provided the software is acquired in accordance with the Microsoft OEM System Builder License). Use of the downgraded operating system is governed by the Windows Vista Business License Terms, and the end user cannot use both the downgrade operating system and Windows Vista Business. There are no downgrade rights granted for Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium.”
BoB
It’s 3:00am, you’ve been working on your non-booting server for 12 straight hours and that black screen with the little blinking cursor taunts you as if it were saying You….Will.…Never.…Fix….Me….Go….Home….! There is no error message. It never gets to a Last Known Good or Safe Mode boot option. It just posts, beeps and blinks. What do you do? Format and reinstall? But we have important data. Restore from backup? Backup?!? You’re joking right? Your customer hasn’t backed up their server since the night after the last critical failure. There’s only one option. Stay and fix it. It posts with no beep codes so the hardware should be OK right? But it doesn’t quite load any OS files so I can’t blame Microsoft….yet. Hmmm, it must be a disk issue. We can fix it. We have the technology. In this webcast we will discuss the boot process and the critical disk structures that are involved during boot. We will learn how to use disk editing tools to look at these on disk sectors and see what they should look like. We will also discuss how to fix many common disk related issues such as corrupted Master Boot Records, corrupted or missing Boot Sectors and exactly what and where is the Master File Table? Join us as we begin a new year of BOB technical discussions for servers.
Jaisson
Hey y’all,
Did you attend the Intel Microsoft Ready 2 Rock Road Show and pass the online Ready 2 Rock Quiz with 80% or better accuracy? Did you get a confirmation email but noticed that the order confirmation e-mail you received did not indicate if you will receive a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate?
We are aware of the situation and this issue is being addressed. We cannot confirm your OEM Sales Center order through this channel.
- If you redeemed your $25 e-code by attending the Ready 2 Rock Road Show or New Horizons training, and received an order confirmation before 11/30/06, you have been established as one of the first 5000 people to redeem their $25 e-code for merchandise and will receive a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate.
- If you received your $25 e-code from Microsoft Partner University and received an order confirmation before 12/6/06, you have been established as one of the first 1000 people to redeem their $25 e-code for merchandise and will receive a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate.
Your copy of Windows Vista Ultimate will be shipped within 6-8 weeks of general availability. Items may be sent separately or with your merchandise order, depending on availability.
Jaisson
Hey y'all (using my best Texan accent),
Don't forget about our two webcast tomorrow! In the first webcast we will walk through Active Directory Disaster Recovery (User/Group restore) in a multi DC environment. An hour later we will cover Windows Vista and the new Physx Processor for gaming machines! I installed my Physx Processor, downloaded Cell Factor for FREE and LOVE IT! Come see what I am talking about!
REGISTER NOW!
Active Directory Disaster Recovery
Event Date:
12/7/2006
Event Time:
11-Noon CST
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004864
SB: The Gaming Niche
Event Date:
12/7/2006
Event Time:
1-2pm CST
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004904
BoB!
Get ready for 3 new exciting live webcasts aimed at helping you get ready for the combined launch of Windows Vista and 2007 Office. In this series you will hear about programs designed to help you position your business to be successful now and through launch. You will also have the opportunity to have your questions answered directly by Microsoft product marketing managers and technology owners.
Growing Your Business with Windows Vista and 2007 Office
Webcast Series Details:
Wednesday, December 6th, 2006
TOPIC: Windows Vista Express Upgrade and Microsoft Office Technology Guarantee Programs
TIME: 9:00 - 10:00AM (PST)
SPEAKERS: Patrick Kennedy, Microsoft Group Product Manager & Carel Talens, Microsoft Marketing Manager
LEVEL: 200
DESCRIPTION: The Windows Vista Express Upgrade and Microsoft Office Technology Guarantee programs are designed to help maintain new PC sales during the holiday season, despite launching after the season is over. By purchasing a pc with the qualified software during the designated time frame, customers will be able to upgrade to the corresponding next generation technology once it launches. This Web Cast will go over all you need to know to participate in these programs.
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004897
Tuesday, December 12th, 2006
TOPIC: Strengthening Your Business through Genuine Software Advantage
TIME: 10:00 - 11:00AM (PST)
SPEAKER: Andrew Forsyth, Microsoft Business Development Manager
LEVEL: 200
DESCRIPTION: Providing genuine Microsoft software empowers you to generate new sales and create strong customer relationships by providing the value and peace of mind your customers want. Windows Genuine Advantage enables your customers to validate their software – assuring them that they will receive all of the features, performance, and updates that only Genuine software provides. Learn how the Genuine Advantage can help you build your business by strengthening your customer base, and avoiding potential lost sales to competitors.
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004898
Tuesday, December 19th, 2006
TOPIC: Windows Anytime Upgrade
TIME: 10:00 - 11:00AM (PST)
SPEAKER: Hakan Olsson, Microsoft Lead Product Manager, Technical
LEVEL: 200
DESCRIPTION: Windows Anytime Upgrade is a new program that enables Windows Vista users to conveniently and affordably upgrade to a higher edition of Windows Vista. This session will reveal an overview of the program and user experience, as well as the business model associated with the program.
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004899
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Many of you have asked for more in-depth training on how to use OPX to deploy Windows and Team BOB has responded with 4 training videos called "The Clone Wars". These videos are designed to give you a complete understanding of OPX and how to use it in your business. Think of these videos as an informal interview of three guys in the tech room talking about deployment. As you'll see, we had fun creating them.
Episode 1: The Overview!
In this episode we compare two network deployment methods discussing the pros and cons of disk imaging vs. a network share containing Windows bits and configuration sets. We explain the history of OPK and why it was necessary to create OPX! We also address some of the licensing issues System Builders must adhere to when installing OEM bits. Additionally we explain branding opportunities and how you can get support for OPX .
Episode 2: The Setup!
Episode one walked you through the overview of OPX and in this episode, we'll walk you through all the necessary procedures to setup OPX in your production environment. Once installed, we discuss how the GUI of OPX and how it works. As a System Builder, this episode in most important because we show you how to manage drivers , applications, update, and branding for deploying Windows on systems you build.
Episode 3: The Deployment!
Now leveraging how OPX manages drivers, applications, updates, and branding, this episode shows you how to integrate them with your Windows deployments. We'll explain how to deploy Windows over a network for high scale Windows deployments and how to automate a Windows installation from the Windows hologram CD.
Episode 4: The Final Chapter
In this episode we unleash OPX's full powers. We dive straight into the advance features. We cover have to install applications like Microsoft Office over the network and from the local deployment machine. We also cover the cool new tool called the SBBYPASS tool which gives you the ability to get Windows Updates while in factory mode. Then we wrap it up explaining how to create a recovery solution. |
Visit https://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?PageID=556283#OPK to view the videos.
Want to see if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista? Just download, install, and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
This small software tool will scan your computer and create an easy-to-understand report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues, and recommend ways to resolve them. Upgrade Advisor can also help you choose the edition of Windows Vista that best fits the way you want to use your computer.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx
Are you a registered partner? Are you already utilizing its many benefits like the Action Pack? If so you may be able to get a free, FOR RESALE copy of Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard edition (valued at $599.00). Evaluate five customers’ IT needs with small business assessment to get your free copy. For details, look under the “Increase Your Opportunities” tab in the MAPS Toolkit or go to https://partner.microsoft.com/smallbusinesstoolkit5
Based on best practices from partners like you, the Small Business Technology Assessment Toolkit offers a step-by-step guide to help identify prospects’ business and technology needs and to begin long-term relationships by introducing Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS 2003 R2).
Did you know that over 50% of small businesses that buy new systems without Office pre-installed end up installing a copy with in 60 days? Do you need help capturing that missed sales opportunity? We have made some great changes to our licensing programs that give system builders a second chance to sell Office on a new PC! With the Office Ready PC program, system builders can now either sell Office with a new PC or pre-install a risk free 60 day trial of Office Professional! This is a huge new opportunity for system builders.
Here is how it works:
1. System Builder acquires Preinstallation Kit (OPK)
o Through Distribution
o From www.microsoft.com/oem
2. System Builder installs with a Windows and Office Ready image
3. Customer gets 60-day trial of Office
4. Customer decides they want Office and contacts the System Builder
5. System Builder purchases Product ID from Distribution
6. Customer converts Office Trial with Product ID
Five Great Reasons To Sell 2007 Office
1. Compelling new 2007 Office features and capabilities help drive Office sales on new PCs
2. Home and Student 2007 helps you compete better with a complete SKU lineup and improved consumer/business differentiation
3. Office Ready delivers better customer experiences out-of-the-box and helps you recapture lost revenue through trial
4. Simplified licensing and inventory management for Office across both branded OEM and whitebox Office Ready PCs
5. 2007 Office system helps you engage with customers to drive new hardware sales through compelling capabilities and solutions
The BOB team is presenting a webcast on OfficeReady this Thursday November 30th! Sign up for this webcast where I will go over both the Office Ready program and how to use the OPK Master Kits to pre-install it! Don’t put this off and let another sales opportunity walk away! Sign up now!
SB: Office Ready -What you need to know
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004843
The BOB team brings you a special guest this week! Justin Turner is one of our Product Support Escalation Engineers and specializes in Active Directory. During this webcast we are going to walk through the proper way to restore Active Directory in a multi domain environment! Its more than just restoring system state. We will discuss the ins – and –outs of the restore process and we will be there to answer any questions you may have. This is a more advanced discussion and basic knowledge of Active Directory is recommended! Don’t let another restore take longer than it should. Sign up now!
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004864
Event Date:
12/7/2006 |
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Event Time:
9:00 AM Pacific, USA & Canada (DST) = GMT - 08:00
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Duration:
60 minutes
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Now that Windows Vista is RTM it is time to look at gaming in a whole new way! With Windows Vista you will get the performance and reliability required when gaming. With AGEIA PhysX you get the first and only physics processor available today to enhance game play physics. In gaming, physics is all about how objects in your game move and react to the environment around them. In many of today's games, objects just don't seem to act the way you'd want or expect them to in real life.
Gaming physics are exciting and immersive physical gaming features that you can expect to see in the next generation of cutting-edge Games for Windows™ titles will include groundbreaking physics features such as:
- Explosions that cause dust and collateral debris
- Characters with complex, jointed geometries for more life-like motion and interaction
- Spectacular new fluid and liquid effects
- Cloth that drapes over objects in the game environment and tears in the way you expect it to
- Solid objects that crumble and break realistically into thousands of pieces and can remain in the scene
- Dense smoke & fog that billow around objects, even when in motion
As a System Builder you should provide the latest and greatest in gaming technology when you build your next system. To help with this, the BOB team has invited AGEIA to speak about the PhysX Processor in this webcast and answer any questions you may have!
Can’t wait for the webcast? You can see a demo of this technology today at: http://www.ageia.com/partners/training.html. Additionally, download a free copy of Cell Factor which demonstrates the new levels of realism made possible by the AGEIA PhysX Card at www.ageia.com/cellfactor
Windows Vista and the AGEIA PhysX Processor - A winning combination and the hottest technology to hit gaming since 3D Graphics card.
Event Date:
12/7/2006 |
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Event Time:
11:00 AM Pacific, USA & Canada (DST) = GMT - 08:00
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Duration:
60 minutes
SB: The Gaming Niche |
http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15004904
As part of the Get Ready Your Way promotion, you can get yourself a copy of the top of the line in versions of Windows Vista. That's right, Windows Vista Ultimate! Find out more at http://www.microsoft.com/oem/getready
So I was talking to a group of System Builders while presenting at a road show in Florida. One of the System Builders in the audience made a comment that he was annoyed that every time someone came in with a machine that needed the OS reinstalled, he had to call to have it activated. That struck me as a little odd so I asked a couple qualifying questions and found out that these were typically machines made by Dell, HP, etc. I asked if he was using the reinstall disk that came with the computer and he indicated to me that no he was using a copy he had on hand and using the COA number on the side to activate it. I took the opportunity to inform him that what he was doing violated the System Builder license.
Well I am pretty sure you could see the explosion from space. Needless to say this was not only a revelation to many of the partners in the room but it was also cause for great consternation and anger. Well the fact is, it's a tough situation. A customer comes in and just wants their machine fixed and they are looking to you to do it. In order to be fully license compliant, however, you have to use the restore disk that came with the system. Now I understand that often times these computers don't come with restore disks but with images on the hard disk that can be used to create recovery media. The problem is that often times the consumer chooses not to be diligent in storing their installation CD's and various backups of their software. So you want to help out the customer but you also don't want to do something that violates the OEM license. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas on how we can make this situation better for both the System Builder and the consumer.