VistaTorrent Shutdown by Microsoft

Just like we expected, VistaTorrent, the bitTorrent tracker setup to help Microsoft distribute their Windows Vista Beta 2 ISO, has been shutdown by Microsoft.

Microsoft sent a “Cease and Desist Letter” to the guys running the site.

It seems that both of us are now officially members of the prestigious “Cease and Desist Letter” club. We are not saddened by this turn of events, as it was wholly expected - and neither of us had ever received a “Cease and Desist Letter” before.

Demand for Immediate Take-Down: Notice of Infringing Activity

[URLs Deleted]

CASE #: 45618

14 June 2006

Dear Sir or Madam,

Microsoft has received information that the domain listed above, which appears to be on servers under your control, is offering unlicensed copies of, or is engaged in other unauthorized activities relating to copyrighted works published by Microsoft. …

Who didn’t see that coming?

Microsoft Windows Vista Beta 2 - Available Via BitTorrent, for now

Anyone who has tried to download Windows Vista Beta 2 in the last few days knows that Microsoft is experiencing extremely high download demand. Microsoft is currently recommending that people order the Windows Vista Beta 2 DVD, instead of downloading it from their site.

VistaTorrent, created by two “Windows enthusiasts”, Chris and Jake, is the unofficial BitTorrent download site for Microsoft Windows Vista Beta 2. The guys at VistaTorrent were able to download the full ISO from Microsoft, and set up a BitTorrent tracker to let others download it, instead of having to order it. They are also providing an MD5 hash to verify the file after downloading it.

Since Microsoft hasn’t been known to exactly embrace distributing their software via BitTorrent, grab it while you can.