Technet Plus changed and Reduced number of Keys to 5

[Tews]

I just checked my account, and it does indeed say five, but I "harvested" all of my keys before I did anything else.. Let us know if you find out anything about the keys expiring though... Thanks...

 

[Wishmaster]

I have been considering getting the Standard techNet Sub, but Im a bit confused.


With 5 keys does that mean 5 total activations?
Meaning any combination of a OS and/or Office?
Like 3 Windows Activations and 2 Office?

Also, what about the other reference to 2 keys each for the Standard?
Is it 2 OS and 2 office activations?

 

[wirednuts]

at this point who knows what anything means. BUT if in fact this is all just an error and things are as always, then-

10 activations per key (meaning 10 different computers). on each of those computers, you get unlimited number of re-activations (dont change a lot of hardware)

but even with just 5 keys, you can request for more. its not like youre buying a set number of keys, they just give you a few up front and you can get more if needed... thats why its not a big deal if they did in fact reduce the default number to 5 keys. however, if they decide to kill the keys after your sub has expired, then youre essentially renting them and thats not going to sit well with a lot of people because a lot of testing goes on and on as various programs get updated and you must keep them compatible with the latest builds of windows and its updates too...

 

[echrada]

I have just taken out a new TechNet Standard (Retail) sub and it is 10 keys - the only difference is that I do not get the Enterprise versions of anything.

I also have an expired Professional Retail sub and all those keys are still in play.

For the UK subs here is a link to the comparisons

http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/e...2118877154cs623787403&WT.srch=1&tid=623787403

 

[wirednuts]

OK thats good to hear. its likely as the guy was saying then (i have the Technet Professional - Retail account), probably just a website error

 

[wirednuts]

there is more confirmation online that this is indeed an error. another member has talked to a different live help concierge and he has confirmed the technet website has problems right now, and there is absolutely no changes to the technet program. we should get all 10 keys back sometime soon.... just be patient.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
That's good to know -- My biggest worry was the possibility of keys NOT working say after an expiration -- you might be testing something just before expiration and need to wait a while until you can afford a new subscription

There's plenty of LEGIT reasons why a subscription is allowed to lapse before renewals -- especially in these times where a lot of people are on Contract work and regular money can't always be taken as a "given".

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Tepid]

Well as I said,, it was only a rumor about Key Activation Lapsing and I have not seen anything official.
I will believe any of this (my posts and others) when I see it.

 

[wirednuts]

there wont be any expiration on the keys. this is just a temporary problem, if there was any real changes then microsoft would send out notices to subscribers through email.

 

[Dave76]

Hopefully we can find out something on this soon, getting ready to re-new on monday.

 

[sandman]

On the Technet blogs some one inquired about the change and they were told they were having issues with the web site and the keys will be back to 10 once they get the site fixed. That is what I read on the web blogs for the site so time will tell.

 

[sandman]

Here is conversation with Microsoft
this is not true, i just did an online chat with MS about this. read for yourself -


harry: Initial Question/Comment: why are accounts being limited to 5 keys now?

http://tinyurl.com/nz38gn

Kevin Liang has joined this session!

Connected with Kevin Liang. Your reference number for this chat session is 2522194.

Kevin Liang: Thank you Harry for contacting the TechNet Online Concierge. Please give me a moment while I review your question.

Kevin Liang: Harry, this is a web site issue. Our TechNet team is working on it. Sorry for the inconvenience.

harry: oh, it is not new policy from Microsoft?

Kevin Liang: It is just a web site issue. When it is fixed, the subscribers can request 10 product keys again.

harry: ok, it is being reported that MS is changing it's policy and limiting keys to 5

Kevin Liang: That's not true.

harry: thank you for clearing that up. i will post what you have told me to correct that

Kevin Liang: It is my pleasure to help you.

harry: have a nice day.

Kevin Liang: Have a nice day.

 

[pparks1]

Well, that's certainly good news for Technet subscribers. Did seem funny that the news outlets and such didn't know about this change before it hit...usually there is some chatter before changes like this are implemented.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Monday Morning 08.45 CET it still says 5 keys maximum on a lot of products -- the strange thing is that on products I've already downloaded it says 0 keys claimed .

I'll wait for it to get fixed.

Incidentally Windows Enterprise versions allow 1 key but MULTIPLE ACTIVATION (that's how it worked before ).

Like others I'm not really too bothered by 10 or 5 but I WOULD be if the keys stop working after XXX days or expiry of subscription.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[sandman]

I changed from Plus to Standard and have gotten the Enterprise key on Plus but not available on Standard and had Enterprise running in Vware same as Ultimate as far as I can tell, hope they get it fixed myself .

 

[BCXtreme]

One can't help but wonder why they don't get these obvious issues sorted BEFORE they go live with new website code. It seems to me this problem would have been easy to spot in testing, which seems to indicate that there wasn't any thorough testing.

 

[Jacee]

As to the rumor: that once the Subscription runs out. Your keys are deactivated.

In most cases, MSDN subscriptions come with “perpetual” use rights—the ability to continue using the software after the subscription has expired, even though the ability to download software and product keys ends when the subscription expires. An expired subscriber can only use software that was available during the subscription term for the subscription level purchased; software released after subscription expiration cannot be used. MSDN subscriptions offered through retail channels and most Volume Licensing programs (Enterprise Agreement, Select, Select Plus, Open Value, Open, etc.) come with perpetual use rights unless otherwise specified. Certain "subscription" Volume Licensing programs (Enterprise Agreement Subscription, Open Value Subscription, Open Subscription, etc.) as well as subscriptions offered through the Microsoft Partner Network do not have perpetual use rights, so it is necessary to renew the subscription or program membership in order to continue using the software. If you sell or transfer a subscription to another party, any perpetual use rights are transferred to the new party so you would need to purchase a new subscription in order to continue using the software
MSDN Subscriptions| MSDN Licensing - Software Use Rights, MSDN Licensing. How can I use the software included in my MSDN Subscription?

 

[Tews]

Thanks for clearing that up Jacee!

 

[Jacee]

You're welcome

 

[24c]

Are MSDN and TechNet goverened by the same set of rules?