As usual folks Vista has hit the streets early, but you have to be an idiot if your thinking of getting it
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=35679It appears to have been leaked ahead of the downloadable MSDN release and can be found on various torrent sites and the FTPs of unscrupulous individuals.
We can't confirm if the release works, but after a period with 'nuke' status on the various nfo sites the release is now unnuked and allegedly proper and working.
Also to note is that installing from a previous version of Windows will not work stating a read error, suggesting that the release is far from perfect.
The release has the build number 6000.16386.061101-2205.
The key supplied with the warez release is an older RC2-based key, but apparently the Windows setup will allow you to install without a key for a 30-day period.
I suspect this is a MS trick to make folks think this is something worth getting.
Releasing a broken version ahead of time to nuke your existing xp install is money in the bag for MS, after all they want folks to use this new DRM infested operating sytem that dails home to Microsoft at least once a week.
It seems a fool and his operating system are easily parted.
Word to the wise folks, this O/S has nothing you need, its main selling point is a fancy transparent theme you can get elsewhere for xp, why waste your cash and give control of your machine to billy ?