There has been much discussion on this blog and others as to how tech enthusiasts can get their hands on the Windows Vista Beta2 release, given the traffic that the download site is experiencing. We want to let you know that we are pumping out bits as fast as we can in order to serve you as best we can. In fact, if we were to push out the bits any faster, there could be a considerable impact on the Internet as a whole -- which we of course want to avoid.
So, it's not that we didn't anticipate this level of interest or demand, but that we are at the threshold of what the Internet can bear.
As a recourse, we're encouraging those of you who can wait to instead order the DVD. In addition, ordering the DVD will also guarantee access to the RC1 (Release Candidate) upgrade, provided you activate your version of Windows Vista Beta2.
Please note that we're estimating that DVDs will take about 1-4 weeks to arrive depending where they're destined for in the world. (Also note that Microsoft does not benefit from orders for the DVD -- we are charging only for cost of goods and shipping.)
Those of you who've already requested a PID (product ID) key and want to get the DVD can simply return to the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program site and complete the DVD ordering process there, where you will be issued a new PID key.
In the end, for some users it may come down to a question of whether their time or money is better spent; if that's the case, then some people might be better off simply ordering the DVD.