What The Hell Is Wrong With MS?

[Spectarofdeath]

Because like everything else in America, there is NO ACCOUNTABLITY.

[Azselendor]

I had the same problem two weeks ago, ironically it was a malformed install and I fixed it with a restore. When I accidentally reinstalled the update it a few days after, it was fine.

Same thing with a video driver fix that screwed it up. It's in large part because microsoft uses a large number of 3rd party drivers and the drivers those 3rd parties supply are often out of date.

As for getting around technical support warrenty issues. I have 2 tricks.

1st I try the Agent route. I call them up and if it's a voice system I keep saying "AGENT" at each menu until it takes me to the right menu or person. I insist to the person I'm a field technician from the local OEM distribution site sent to fix a computer by the company -but I need verification on what is going on. This sometimes works.

2nd one requires me to be totally irrational and upset. I call them up and insist I purchased the extended warranty and I am asking for support under the terms. If they don't find any I tell them I purchased it at the store I purchased the computer and I already went to the store about it and they told me to call the company (microsoft/hp/compaq/dell/etc.). If they still refuse help, I get their full name (making them spell it) and demand to take to a supervisor. I get the supervisors' full name and repeat the situation to him informing him that on no uncertain terms will I tolerate his company or underlings pretending I don't have a warranty.


So far I've successfully replaced by defective Xbox 360 without having to pay the replacement shipping, 2 bad hard drives and got my directv bill cut in half.

It doesn't always work, but these companies are making money from my purchase and then deliver substandard equipment and service from new dehli, I'll be damned if I'm paying for that too.

[Atrocities]

Now the update wants to reinstall. I am seriously debating whether or not I should go ahead with the re-install.

[AngleWyrm]

Updates seem like grocery store purchases to me. If I had some pre-existing item that I want fixed, and a patch comes along that addresses that issue, then I'll get it.

Otherwise, they all read "Warning: You may be at risk! Download our stuff!". Because terrorism sells.

[Atrocities]

Terrorism no, fear yes. Fear fed by the all knowing fact that MS products are at risk to terrorism of hackers, spy monkeys, and evil doers the world over. So when MS says you should fear what will happen to your computer if you don't update, I kinda take it seriously because I know that if MS says I need to be afraid, well then, they know their product best now don't they, therefore I fear and update.

Now we must fear the update too. What hidden things have Microsoft installed onto my once secure and private PC? Authentication software, anti-P2P software, key loggers, ISP trackers, and other hidden nastiness.

Fear the Update.

[GuyOfDoom]

My computer has never been the same since I tried to upgrade to Service Pack 2. SP2 decided I didn't have a printer....

[AngleWyrm]

Yeah, my bad; terror does not equal fear...Much greater quantity. Terror is caused by the bad guys. Fear is merely caused by good guys pointing at the bad guys over there. To quote Douglas Adams, more like just nibbling on the hand that feeds you. Not at all like actually biting. Maybe a gentle chew once in a while, but definitely not a bite.

For instance, Big Lou in the alley behind the tavern: "Hey this alley is a dangerous place; all kind of ruffians about. Wouldn't want to see a fella like you get hurt. What you need is protection. Just look and me! I'm big, and I got this here club--So you ought to hire me for the job. Whatever you got there will be fine."