Calling MS support is fun...

[SpookTheHamster]

I reinstalled XP on my Mac recently. I'd bought the OEM version, as I was also buying a new hard drive and Microsoft's rules at the time allowed OEM purchases with non-peripheral hardware.

Sadly, my mother had thrown away my COA with the product key. But no worries, ensured the lady on the phone; technical will give you a new one. I gave the guy on the other end of the phone the part number, and he asked

"Who manufactured this computer, sir?"
"Apple"
"*chokes* who?!"
"Apple"
"But, Apple computers cannot run Microsoft Windows"
"Yes they can, under Boot Camp"
"Well, Apple does not install Windows"
"No"
"I see, so who manufactured the computer?"
"Apple"
"But they don't install Windows, they use their own system"
"I know!"
"So who made it?"
"APPLE!"
"I'm afraid I can't help"
"I'd gathered that..."

I called again, and Microsoft refuses to help me. To qualify for OEM software you now need to be a licensed system building company, not just to be building a system.

Moral of the story, don't lose your COA. Carry on buying OEM software, but don't expect any help if it goes tits up.

 

[72930]

Pirate windows! You paid for it...it isn't difficult (not that I've tried )

 

[pianoman]

that phone conversation sounds like an Abbott and Costello act

 

[mattscott306]

That's priceless. I think you should send a letter to Bill Gates about it, I'm sure he'll care, and will gladly help you out. Lol, thanks for the laugh.

 

[Bill Gates]

Call back, and tell them it's a Dell.

 

[jeremy.king]

Carry on buying OEM software, but don't expect any help if it goes tits up.

This is quite clear in the OEM terms. The system builder is responsible for support, which means you support your own OS. It has nothing to do with being an Apple, although that conversation made me giggle, its how the OEM license works.

 

[dllavaneras]

That's priceless. I think you should send a letter to Bill Gates about it, I'm sure he'll care, and will gladly help you out. Lol, thanks for the laugh.

I say Digg it. It's worked wonders for others recently

 

[OllyW]

Phone again and tell them your computer was made by your local PC dealer, you know the little shop on the corner that sells the cheap home made computers with see through cases that light up

They won't have a clue who they are so will probably just give you the new code.

It's worth a try

 

[SpookTheHamster]

If I say "it was made by XXXXX" they'll just tell me to call them. I've emailed the people I bought the copy from, in the hope they'll help. If they don't, I have 11 days to sort it out before WGA kicks in.

 

[mkrishnan]

Moral of the story, don't lose your COA.

This discussion really starts and ends there. Good luck, I hope it works out for you!

 

[weg]

Moral of the story, don't lose your COA. Carry on buying OEM software, but don't expect any help if it goes tits up.

Well, that's exactly why it's called OEM! The equipment manufacturer is in charge of providing you support. I don't really understand what you're complaining about. You bought software for which it's explicitely stated that you won't get support from Microsoft. You still called at Microsoft, probably thinking that because you own a Mac, Microsoft has to help you anyway. Of course they didn't. What's so wrong about that?