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Microsoft gets drunk, gives away Technet subscriptions
Ok, so I can't actually back that title up with any actual evidence, but when Microsoft pulls a Jack Napier and starts throwing money on the people of Gotham, you assume something is up.
Regardless, they're handing out free subscriptions to TechNet Plus - which normally run $349. Sign up via the appropriate link for the US, Canada, or the UK (readers in other countries may be out of luck), complete the registration forms, and you'll get access to all the glorious goodies in the TechNet vault. Despite my misgivings about the certificate warnings and badly-rendered page layouts, this is the real deal.
There are, of course, a couple catches. First, it appears as though the program will expire on September 30 - not a terrible thing, since you'll still get three full months of downloads and access. Second - and a much bigger issue - is that product key troubles abound.
It's all fine and dandy to have access to download things like Windows Home Server and Office 2007 straight from Microsoft, but access to legitimate keys is equally (or perhaps more) important.
That said, with a little patience and several re-clicks, I've managed to secure keys for Home Server and Office 2007 - so it does work.
Update: with IE8 and compatibility mode enabled, I'm having very good results getting product keys (9:36AM Central)
Update: Even better results when using Opera 10. WTH?
Update: Original links may no longer be working...Try this product link, as suggested in the comments:
Quick, go sign up before they come to their senses!
[via Ars Technica]
Regardless, they're handing out free subscriptions to TechNet Plus - which normally run $349. Sign up via the appropriate link for the US, Canada, or the UK (readers in other countries may be out of luck), complete the registration forms, and you'll get access to all the glorious goodies in the TechNet vault. Despite my misgivings about the certificate warnings and badly-rendered page layouts, this is the real deal.
There are, of course, a couple catches. First, it appears as though the program will expire on September 30 - not a terrible thing, since you'll still get three full months of downloads and access. Second - and a much bigger issue - is that product key troubles abound.
It's all fine and dandy to have access to download things like Windows Home Server and Office 2007 straight from Microsoft, but access to legitimate keys is equally (or perhaps more) important.
That said, with a little patience and several re-clicks, I've managed to secure keys for Home Server and Office 2007 - so it does work.
Update: with IE8 and compatibility mode enabled, I'm having very good results getting product keys (9:36AM Central)
Update: Even better results when using Opera 10. WTH?
Update: Original links may no longer be working...Try this product link, as suggested in the comments:
Quick, go sign up before they come to their senses!
[via Ars Technica]
Comments
120
Subscribe to commentsBufsabreJun 3rd 2009 9:01AM
you poseted the cananda link for the US
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/offer/technet_na.aspx
for the US if anyone is interested
Lee MathewsJun 3rd 2009 9:02AM
Fixed - thanks!
r3loadedJun 3rd 2009 9:26AM
It seems to be stuck in an infinite loop after logging in with my Windows Live ID.
KartikJun 3rd 2009 9:31AM
It doesn't work. Keeps giving an error, "We are unable to validate your customer information and proceed with your order at this time." :-(
JeffJun 3rd 2009 9:36AM
I'm getting the same error
GregJun 3rd 2009 9:54AM
Anyone figure out why this is happening?
dziban303Jun 3rd 2009 9:50AM
Same. I'm gonna try the Canada link.
dziban303Jun 3rd 2009 9:50AM
Update: Canada link doesn't work either. Bupkis.
NeilJun 3rd 2009 9:54AM
Same here, using the US link.
Kururugi SuzakuJun 3rd 2009 9:37AM
OMG It works!!!!
I got like 5 keys for office ultimate!!!!!
I got keys for Vista Ultimate!!!
THANK YOU DOWNLOADSQUAD!!!!
whookidJun 3rd 2009 9:39AM
Thanks for the tip off, very useful!!
ToasterJun 3rd 2009 9:39AM
Haven't been able to get keys yet. boo.
Nakul SharmaJun 3rd 2009 9:45AM
getting error :( going to try again and again
KururugiJun 3rd 2009 9:47AM
Mine says:
Expiration Date: 1/1/1900
????
Do you think it'll last till Win 7?
BufsabreJun 3rd 2009 10:15AM
From Arstechnica:
UPDATE:
I am now hearing that this is part of a pilot program that is set to expire on September 30, 2009, which means it's more of a three month deal, but hey, free is free! Currently, the expiration date reads "1/1/1900" but Microsoft is working on fixing that.
danJun 3rd 2009 9:49AM
how on earth has anyone managed to get it to render without the box on the left in the way... i can't type into the right boxes!!!!
JeffJun 3rd 2009 9:53AM
I get the box when using Firefox, so I tried IE and it doesn't give the box...but I'm getting the error that they can't validate my information
Brad LinderJun 3rd 2009 9:53AM
Try using Internet Explorer.
DanJun 3rd 2009 9:56AM
nope, IE8 wont even let me on it, says I have to let it accept cookies... :'O i have IE i swear!! :P im running win7 though, might make a difference
/shrug
syythlordJun 3rd 2009 9:56AM
Errors as well and I've been trying to get it since 8:30am EST.