2 days ago, there is Windows Vista retail download links posted on some forums. That seems pretty normal as there are people kept on uploading whenever Rapidshare removes them. The special thing about this Windows Vista leak is that it is DIRECTLY from Microsoft! It is original and untouched. It’s the 32bit-Vista version (Ultimate/Business/Home depending on what serial number you use, of course). Full-Version (not an upgrade).
There are 3 parts to download.
1. boot.wim
2. install.wim
3. X13-49120.exe
If you look at the filenames of the 3 files, it doesn’t tells you that it’s Windows Vista. My first question is, how did it got leaked out and know that it’s Windows Vista? The total file size for this 3 files is 2.52GB.
The domain that hosting the 3 files is msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net. I did a whois and this domain belong to a company called Digital River. Digital River is a leading provider of global e-commerce solutions for software and consumer technology. One example is that Norton store is powered by Digital River. After you’ve purchased any software from Norton and you chose to download the product after paying, Digital River will give you a link to download the FULL version.
Another question in my mind is, why is Windows Vista being hosted on Digital River? We all know Windows Vista don’t ship the product digitally. It comes in original DVD.
I am shocked and can’t explain. Downloading Windows Vista from the direct leaked link will be a lot faster and easier compared to files on RapidShare. But remember, if these files are hosted on a site chosen by Microsoft as “Content Delivery Network” for its products, it is possible that it logs every IP address that’s been downloading from them. I believe when Digital River notices a high traffic on those 3 files, it will be removed.
Edit: OK, I was wrong. You CAN buy Windows Vista online and download it after paying. That answered all my questions above on why is it being hosted on Digital River, and how does people know that those 3 files are Windows Vista.