Longhorn Reloaded - what Vista might have been

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

Longhorn Reloaded - what Vista might have been

by Brad Linder May 29th 2007

You may remember Windows Longhorn as the codename for the project that eventually led to Windows Vista. But some folks out there aren't satisfied with that explanation. They say Longhorn was meant to be much more, before Microsoft changes its goals for the final release, stripping the new WinFS file system among other things.

Vista was instead built from the Windows Server 2003 kernel. But the Joejoe Group has gone back to the earlier build 4074 of Longhorn and continued development from there. The group has now released the unofficial (and unsupported by Microsoft) Longhorn Reloaded M1 Technical Refresh. The latest version can be installed on a partitioned hard drive along with your native operating system.

Longhorn Reloaded features temporarily abandoned by Microsoft like WinFS, and features that eventually found their way into Vista like Aero. So far, Microsoft hasn't sent any cease and desists to the Joejoe group, but the Longhorn Reloaded is almost certainly a violation of Microsoft's terms of service, so it'll be interesting to see how the project develops both from a technical and a legal standpoint. Right now, you can download the operating system for free. Don't expect all of your XP or Vista drivers to work though.

[via Softpedia]

Tags: joejoe group, JoejoeGroup, lonhorn, vista, windows longhorn, windows vista, WindowsLonghorn, WindowsVista

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

HubmaN said 1:30PM on 5-29-2007

Actually, I was hoping it was the PDC '03 release (somehow, the build number evades me)... it was actually something with a scheme, I hoped for. Have you ever seen the promo video for it? It kicked ass. Now Vista's ass is getting kicked. If they're going to revive Codename Longhorn, make it at least *that* version!

Adam Maras said 4:59PM on 5-29-2007

Be aware that this project is completely illegal by the terms of the Microsoft EULA. More information on why this project is a waste here: http://www.aeroxp.org/index.php?categoryid=23&p2_articleid=93

Stan said 7:57PM on 5-29-2007

Looks like the site has been shut down. 404 error now.

hahawtfbbq said 10:17PM on 5-29-2007

Hahaha quick! Go to their site and click on their Wiki button....so gross.

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