[SocialWarfare]

Go here and sign up/register: http://imaginecup.com/
Then go here: http://imaginecup.com/MyStuff/FreeSoftware.aspx

It is supported by Microsoft so it is all legit

I am currently downloading Vista and XP

Edit: I took me about 30 tries to get through, but it worked in the end:)

[Krlll]

LOL,I got in aswell.
Missed Office though. :(

[ComputerGuy]

I tried a few times but it wouldn't load. I'll try again another day.

Thanks for the link Social.

CG

[Rob8UrChips]

Folks, you might need a lot of patience and perseverance. I've been at 'em for 5 hours solid with only this:

" Software Downloads are currently unavailable. Check back later. Return."

To get to the free stuff after you've registered, confirmed by clicking on the link in your email and re-signing in, click on the Competitions drop-down menu > any of the Competitions > My Software Downloads link in right-hand column of page.

Hopefully, you'll get access and that it'll never take you to the above "...currently unavailable..." page.

Will let you know if I ever get to d/l anything.

[alex]

Err...you guys do know that there's an expiration date on the downloads don't you?

Been delving into this, and it's end of year where you have to re-license (as in buy the product key).

Never said MS was dumb. Money-sucking leeches yes, but dumb? no.

[evilfantasy]

Originally Posted by alex Err...you guys do know that there's an expiration date on the downloads don't you? Been delving into this, and it's end of year where you have to re-license (as in buy the product key). Never said MS was dumb. Money-sucking leeches yes, but dumb? no.

Sorry everybody but

Good info Alex. I was thinking about trying it out.

[Rob8UrChips]

Originally Posted by alex Err...you guys do know that there's an expiration date on the downloads don't you? Been delving into this, and it's end of year where you have to re-license (as in buy the product key). Never said MS was dumb. Money-sucking leeches yes, but dumb? no.

Ah Ha! The old adage of "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn't good" applies not only to my ISP of British Telecom but also Microsoft and the so-called 'free' software' offers.

That said, I've been experiencing some serious problems for the last couple of months concerning a sudden and inexplicable disconnection to the Web and frequent system crash that no-one yet has been willing to shed light upon. So I was hoping to get this free download of MS software to use bits of it to try and fix the System Log errors, crashing, and disconnection probs.

If I eventually get to do a free d/l of my current Windows 2000 Pro, can I scavenge 'bits' off the free d/l to replace any broken bits, and then avoid the re-licence time limit?

I don't have a system or repair disk because the computer came with a genuine, validated, legal W2K pre-installed and was given to me by a UK charity that doesn't provide support, back-up, or fixes. They merely give and go: hence my Posts elsewhere for help.

So what d'you reckon guys - can it be done safely without mucking up the registry or making my knackered OS unlawful - or worse - totally unworkable?

EDIT: I'm of course assuming I can eventually access the Imagine Cup d/l section. I've been at 'em for another 4 hours this morning with no success yet.

[Rob8UrChips]

This is just an Update to let you know I'm still denied access to d/l anything.

Maybe they're waiting till after end Oct. so the "Buy Me" date is sometime in 2008 rather than end of 2007?

Quote:
Originally Posted by alex
Err...you guys do know that there's an expiration date on the downloads don't you?

Been delving into this, and it's end of year where you have to re-license (as in buy the product key).

Never said MS was dumb. Money-sucking leeches yes, but dumb? no.

Time will tell folks - and I'll keep trying them a couple of times a day to see when access is granted.

When and if it ever is, I'll Post back here and let y'all know.