MSDN Working on Microsoft Windows XP Download

Thank you for sharing your opinions about the Windows XP Beta 2 distribution
and MSDN. As mentioned by several people, this is indeed an acceptable forum
for voicing opinions, and on behalf of Microsoft and MSDN, we want to let
you know that we do indeed read, respond, and listen.

We would like to clarify several items that may have been misrepresented in
newsgroup posts and articles, to make sure you receive correct information.

MSDN is about delivering essential information, software, and tools to
developers. Subscribers receive generally available pre-release software,
and it is always our intent to do so as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the
Windows XP Beta 2 did not release in time to make our current shipment
(April). However it will ship to customers as part of the May issue.

The MSDN Subscriber Downloads site typically allows us to post software for
immediate download shortly after it releases. However, Windows XP and Office
XP include a new activation technology that requires each installation to
have a unique Product Key. As a result, we cannot post these versions until
the unique Product Keys can be distributed to customers. As a company, we
will have an online solution that will provide these keys for all final
release versions. However, given the demand and feedback from you, we are
aggressively developing an online solution uniquely for MSDN subscribers, so
that you will be able to download Windows XP Beta 2 and receive a unique
Product Key.

Finally, we wanted to clarify some confusion around the Windows XP Preview
Program. The first 20,000 people who registered for the Preview Program will
receive the Windows XP Professional Beta 2, and later release candidates.
Additional participants will receive release candidate versions of Windows
XP Professional later this summer. Unlike the Preview Program, MSDN
subscribers will receive the following pre-release and final versions of
Windows XP, including:

* Windows® XP Home Edition Beta 2 (English)
* Windows® XP Professional Beta 2 (English)
* Windows® "Codename" Whistler Server Beta 2 (English)
* Windows® "Codename" Whistler Advanced Server Beta 2 (English)
* Windows® "Codename" Whistler Professional Edition Checked/Debug Build
Beta 2 (English)
* Windows® "Codename" Whistler Customer Support Diagnostics Beta 2
(English)
* Platform SDK
* Windows® Driver Development Kit

Please continue to give us your feedback via the newsgroups, web site,
events, support services, and customer service. We are listening and your
feedback allows us to continually improve the program.

Arthur Yasinski
Group Manager
MSDN Content Samples & Subscriptions

Sam Henry
MSDN Technical Product Manager