UncleDavid218

Hello to all. I have a problem.

After building my last computer, I went to Best Buy (or was it Circuit City?) and bought a copy of Windows XP Home Edition. After installing the OS, it asked me to activate the product and I did. Well, a few months later (two days ago) I got a virus through AIM and couldn't get it off. I thought that it was time to reformat anyway so I backed up my music/pictures and proceeded to reformat. After the install was complete, it asked me for my COA and I was shocked when it said that the COA I had entered was invalid. I now have twenty seven days for activation.

Can anyone help?

godfoot

Call up Microsoft and explain your situation. They should take care of it for you, especially if you registered it and/or kept the receipt from Best Buy.

UncleDavid218

I called them yesterday and this guy answered whom i couldnt understand. All I made out was I'll need to pay them 35 dollars for a new COA. **** THAT! I just paid 200 dollars for their damn program three months ago!

prime-evil

Quote: Originally Posted by UncleDavid218 I called them yesterday and this guy answered whom i couldnt understand. All I made out was I'll need to pay them 35 dollars for a new COA. **** THAT! I just paid 200 dollars for their damn program three months ago!

Go up the ladder.
When I'm having a problem with a company, and I know I'm in the right, I never let anyone shut me down. I just ask for their supervisor. And the next supervisor and the next, if need be. I don't get worked up, I just stay cool and keep working up the ladder until I get what I feel is fair. Have your info and receipts at hand, stay calm and professional, and allow yourself enough time to get through it. It may take a bit of patience. Be polite, but firm.

On rare occasions, I've had to email the company, but 99% of the time, this works. I've learned that the first wave of people you talk to are either too lazy to deal with your problem (it's easier to say no) or they don't have the authority to wave a policy in your favor.

beachbum86

ive talked to microsoft tech lots of times before for the same problems...just keep calling and eventually youll get someone that will issue a key as long as you read them the phone activation code, and make sure caps lock is on because that has cuased me probs before..and make sure your not getting any "0's"(zero) and "O's"(letter) mixed up.

if your phone activation code is lagit then you should be fine.

UncleDavid218

I took your advice and kept calling. On my third phonecall, a lady game me a new activation code -- no questions asked. You may have just saved me $100. Thanks!!!!!!!

prime-evil

Quote: Originally Posted by UncleDavid218 I took your advice and kept calling. On my third phonecall, a lady game me a new activation code -- no questions asked. You may have just saved me $100. Thanks!!!!!!!

Ha! I knew it would work! Next time don't make a seperate phone call. Just politely ask to speak to their supervisor. When you hang up and call again, you get someone at the same level, although they may just be in a more agreeable mood. And unless you're calling a toll free number, it's cheaper to stay on the line and get switched to another person.
I use this technique for all my consumer hassles. Everything from mistakes on my utility bill, tech problems, and travel/hotel reservation problems. If you are in the right don't hesitate to work the issue. But if you're wrong, and just trying to "get over", you'll just make a jerk of yourself.

BigAkita

I have one license that I've reactivated about 25 times and was never told no. Had it since XP was first released. Every time I just tell them I changed the hardware and there are no questions. Curious how they would tell you to purchase another copy.

neotheducky

Quote: Originally Posted by BigAkita I have one license that I've reactivated about 25 times and was never told no. Had it since XP was first released. Every time I just tell them I changed the hardware and there are no questions. Curious how they would tell you to purchase another copy.

Ditto here. I just call and say I reinstalled on my computer and they read me the activation key, no more questions asked.

UncleDavid218

nice. i think i may try that.

Zer0s

Quote: Originally Posted by prime-evil ........or they don't have the authority to wave a policy in your favor.

Case in point here people. Many times when you call in. And want something thats not normally in their realm of "being able to do". Dont get angry and start yelling at em. I know i get tired of it.

My MSDN COA asked me to re-activate once. I did so, i called into the activation line and that stupid automated lady got it right for once. I was amazed. I didnt even have to talk to anyone.

prime-evil

Quote: Originally Posted by Zer0s Case in point here people. Many times when you call in. And want something thats not normally in their realm of "being able to do". Dont get angry and start yelling at em. I know i get tired of it.

Agreed, Zer0s! I did make it plain in my first post to "BE POLITE"! There's no reason to go over the top and be anything less than professional. Phone center people do NOT have an easy job!
This whole activation thing is really a non-issue. If you have legitimate receipts and licensing, no one should have a problem, it's just a matter of explaining yourself clearly. Depending on the product, you may be talking to someone on the other side of the world. But, to clarify the purpose of my posts , the "go up the ladder" scenario is basically a tactic to resort to when the person handling your issue is mistaken or if you feel they are not treating you fairly.