would it be possible to download a working version of windows vista?

Answer 1

not legally

buy it like everybody else

Answer 2

I don't think so. Read this.

Vista – How Microsoft Prevents Piracy
Source: http://windows.about.com/od/windowsvista/a/spp_vista.htm
Learn what features of Vista will be disabled if the software isn't genuine
Microsoft's efforts to combat software piracy will be stronger with Windows Vista than they are with XP. Microsoft Software Protection Platform, the Vista equivalent of Windows Genuine Advantage, will virtually disable your computer if your Vista install doesn't pass Microsoft's validation test.

Exactly what happens when Microsoft determines that a version of Vista isn't genuine isn't entirely clear in the white paper describing the Sotware Protection Platform (SPP) tools. At one point, Microsoft writes that people using a failed copy of Vista will not lose access to their personal data.

Instead, they will see a persistent message on the desktop telling them the copy of Vista isn't genuine and they will lose access to certain Vista features including:
· Windows Aero
· Windows Defender
· Windows ReadyBoost
· Download Center, Windows Updates, and other updates and new releases
While a persistent message and missing features would be a deterent to piracy, there is the potential that SPP could do much more to disable a copy of Vista that fails validation. If validation fails, Microsoft writes that Vista will enter "reduced functionality mode". Once in reduced functionality mode, users will only be able to use the default Web browser for an hour at a time. No other applications will be available, as there will be no Start menu or desktop icons. After using the Web browser for one hour, Vista will log the user off without warning. The user can log back on immediately, but the same limitations apply. Since the screen shot provided in the white paper says that accessing your computer with reduced functionality will "also allow you to buy a product key online", it appears that the purpose of reduced functionality mode is little more than to provide a way for users of presumed pirated software to purchase another copy from Microsoft.

Exactly what happens when a Vista copy fails validation isn't clear from Microsoft's white paper or press release. Based on the spin Microsoft has put on their efforts to prevent piracy of Windows XP, we'll probably have to wait for stories of "false positives" to determine exactly what features (or core functionality) is lost when Vista fails validation.
*****More information at the source link.

Answer 3

there are numerous file sharing sites were you could download a copy of windows vista
however with its advanced piracy detection the copy would be found to be illegal and would cease to function after 24hours
windows vista apart from being the safest is also the hardest to succesfully pirate
however they said the same about windows xp,and the rest is history
here are some torrent links to windows vista...........http://verified-p2p-links.com/torrents/?ihq=windows+vista+ultimate,note:these are torrent files and are useless on their own,to download these you need to install a torrent client such as"bit torrent"(http://www.bittorrent.com/download)
to download the file,use the open button and browse for the downloaded torrent file,when found click it and it will be added to the download list on the torrent client
click start to activate download
remember these are shared files and may not work correctly
good luck mate!

Answer 4

yes you can download a copy of vista, from microsoft, but you have to have the product id key to use it. if you get your hands on a copy of vista, but no product key, you will not be able to activate and it will turn itself off after about 15 days.

Answer 5

Believe you can buy vista at £67, so isn't too much money to save a lot of grief!

Answer 6

It's perfectly possible, but totally illegal. You'll have to spend hundreds of pounds/dollars like everyone else. Bill Gates isn't the richest man in the world for no reason.

Answer 7

If it was possible don't you think everybody would be doing it?

Answer 8

No.....