Cannot Get Support For Legal Copy of Vista (Invalid Product ID)

[Guest]

I'm trying to log a support issue with HP Scanners on Vista x64 that is being
caused by a Microsoft TabletPC driver (see
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/co...microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan)

I bought my copy of Windows Vista Ultimate x64 from Amazon.com, and
activated it about a month ago. However if I try to obtain Micrsoft support
(via
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=10659&gprid=455000),
I cannot get past the "Type your product ID" prompt. My PID matches the
"12345-XXX-7654321-98765" template, yet I'm told "The product ID number you
entered is not valid or is not in the correct format. Please enter a valid
product ID number and try again."

I have quadruple-checked my PID - I AM DEFINITELY ENTERING IT CORRECTLY!
Why am I unable to get support? Ironically, I can't even log this PID issue,
because you can't get support without a valid PID - a chicken and egg
scenario!

 

[Michael]

It is possible that what you bought was an OEM version rather than a boxed
retail version.
If the sticker that came with it (product Key) has the letters OEM any where
on it then this is the case.
Also if the XXX is 'OEM' then this is the case. If it is an OEM then support
is provided by the seller of the package, not Microsoft.

Michael

 

[Guest]

Michael

Thanks for your reply. Yes, you are correct - it appears I have an "OEM"
version. So that's a wonderfully misleading error message there on the
Microsoft Support site.

Amazon do not provide support for Windows Vista. Dell will not support me
either, as my system did not ship with Vista.

I was advised to buy this edition of Vista because I was doing a fresh
install rather than upgrading. Turns out it's been a complete waste of time
and money, so I regret doing this now. I'm absolutely fed up with the whole
Vista experience and lack of support, and will be actively looking for
another alternative.

 

[Guest]

You got a dirt-cheap OEM disk to save money. You knew the price of a full
retail version.

Buying OEM disks are for people that are self-support, not for whingers.

 

[Guest]

I see. So how exactly does the fact that I've been through the slog with HP
and Wacom (both of whom were unable to shed any light on the subject),
analysed crash dumps, before narrowing the issue down to a specific driver
that Microsoft produces make a whinger, eh? I doubt Ms will be giving me the
source code to fix their bug, so the limits of self support have now
exhausted. In short, I'm not looking for support - I'm wanting to report, in
detail, a bug so that Microsoft can fix this issue for everyone that's
expereincing it. Your comments don't add any value to this process.

 

[Guest]

- interesting how people get abused for expecting their software to work
correctly.

Nothing is perfect, true, so an individual prepared to put in the research
should be able
to find a solution. What is frustrating is that the marketing constantly
gives one message but the reality of a major problem is that there is no
solution for years, if ever.
(Remember the EXCEL rounding and formula errors ? And this is just a trivial
example when compared to other issues I have had to deal with.)

Major problems that need to be addressed:
1.The volume of fixes that have to be searched through. People do not have
the time and energy to persist with this.
2. The scarcity of real expert knowledge from individuals that is free or
cheap. Real experts do exist but I have found many expensive "experts" to be
worthless. eg. network latency issue
3. Major design flaws in software that create unsolvable problems. People
need to know when to abandon a product and try something else. eg WORD in
large networks.
4. Flawed fixes, updates etc - examine the latest Windows Genuine Advantage
fiasco.

 

[Guest]

I Jones,

I feel you pain. In short I am not a computer expert. Took my laptop in to
be upgraded by computer store to Vista. Had them wipe out old hard drive and
reinstall with Vista instead of XP. Now several of my programs will not
install due to administrator issue. Spent 2 days and several hours on the
phone for what should be a simple. Turns out the store upgraded my laptop
with an OEM version (learning so much more about computers then I wanted
too). In short Dell won't help because did not come with software. HP will
not help with printer drivers becuase my printer is over a year old.

Spent several hours with techs from India and all they could say is that I
had to pay another 60 dollars to jus get connected to Tech support. Not happy
about that since I just paid several hundred dollars for upgrade 2 days ago.

Had to wipe because a virus got past XP, and was suggested to upgrade to
Vista for better secuity.

Of course there is no 24/7 real support from Microsoft. I have been using
Windows and prior to that MS-DOS for over 20 years now, practically my whole
life. With lack of support I have got this week I ill probably buy a Mac next
time.