Build 5111 is the only leaked build which was titled the Microsoft Neptune Developer Release and has a version number of 5.5.5111 (which Windows XP and 2003, 5.1 and 5.2 respectively will see as a newer version).
Windows Neptune Build 5111 - Bootable.iso
Windows Neptune build 5111 is a Milestone 2 build of Windows Neptune that is currently the only available build of Windows Neptune. It is also known as "Microsoft Neptune Developer Release" and was sent to developers on 27 December 1999. The build still includes much of Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Professional branding, partially as the base for this build was Windows 2000 Professional build 2128, with Neptune files added on top. Although many files are version 5.50.5111.1, and this is even the true version in the kernel, the kernel actually reports 5.00.5111.1 to match the subsystem version field in its own PE header.
This build has been subject to certain confusion regarding its version number. Firstly, the operating system binaries identify as build number 5111.1, however, several discs known to contain the build are labeled with the build number 5111.6. This is due to Microsoft's conflicting usage of the delta number field, which appears to have been used to mark recompiles of the same build as well as to distinguish different variants of the same compile.
There have been several different disc images available online over the years, and most have been modified in various ways, with the timebomb being completely disabled in some instances. The copy that is currently on BetaArchive was dumped from the original disc and does not include any modifications. A product key is not required for this variant, but it contains an active 444-day timebomb. Modified copies of build 5111.1 ask for a Windows 98 product key.
However, the disc label also says "Software Expires: 6/1/2001". The leaked copy of build 5111.1 has a 444-day timebomb since the date of installation (like all later builds of Windows 2000), and an additional date check during setup, which will display a warning but allow the installation to continue. The date which is checked by setup is neither 6 January 2001 nor 1 June 2001, casting doubt on the common belief that the build on this disc is indeed exactly the same as the leaked copy.
The Bug Reporting page can be accessed either through Help Center or its dedicated desktop shortcut. It's stored in BUGREPT.CAB before it's installed. Although it originates from Windows Me build 2415, the bug reporter page was specifically adapted towards the Neptune project. The bug reporter identifies itself as version 5.00.00.5112, and reports are saved to the C:\neptune_bugs directory by default. The Bug Reporting page contains two hidden sections with instructions for submitting additional files which are specifically tailored towards the DirectX and System Restore functionalities.
The Help and Support Center (and its respective bug reporting page) would be later brought over to the Whistler project from as early as build 2211, although it still saved bug reports in the same neptune_bugs directory at the time of porting.
Also a first appearance in this build is the "Comments?" link in the title bar of most dialog windows. Clicking it brings up a feedback dialog from INSTCOLL.DLL with a brief form to explain the problem. This would then be sent anonymously, along with a screenshot of the offending window, to Microsoft.
Windows Neptune build 5111 is a Developer Release of Windows Neptune and a Milestone 2 build. At the moment, it is the only leaked build of Microsoft Neptune, though other builds are rumoured to exist.
There is a file (tosdvd.sys) included in Neptune build 5111.1, that has a version number of 5.50.5095.1 and could be a leftover from an earlier Neptune build, however, it is unknown if Neptune build 5095.1 ever existed.
Neptune (build date of December 27, 1999 with a build number of 5111) was shown to selected groups of internal users and TechNet subscribers in 1999 (though it is still debated as to whether it was an alpha release or a Technology Preview). It was developed from the Windows 2000 codebase. "Neptune" was intended to be the next consumer version of Windows after Millennium. Only build 5111 was distributed outside of Microsoft. 2ff7e9595c
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