Josh Wrote:Like: http://www.funnyordie.co.uk/videos/f57c441be1/twilight-cycles

Orion Wrote:Hate: Microsoft. A client's PC's hard drive failed. The replacement came today, so I installed and and loaded Windows no problem. It gets to the login screen and says I have to activate before I can use it. A little annoying, since I can't log into Windows to install the network driver so I can get on the net, but I can do it over the phone.

It doesn't generate an installation ID. Fair enough, I call them up and they tell me to redo the licence key. Still don't get one. He forwards me onto another phone number. I call them up, tell them my situation, and am then told to get the original Windows disk and read out the serial number on it (its on the back side on the rim). Since this PC was bought when the old IT company looked after our client, we don't have the disk. I tell her that and she says I need it or I can't activate. Her hands are tied, but I'm getting pretty pissed off.

Then I realise I have the serial number on the Windows sticker on the computer case. I call up AGAIN (I've wasted over half an hour at this point) to be told that their system for validating the serial number and giving me a new key is down and I need to call back in an hour.

So gay.

Orion Wrote:Hate: Microsoft. A client's PC's hard drive failed. The replacement came today, so I installed and and loaded Windows no problem. It gets to the login screen and says I have to activate before I can use it. A little annoying, since I can't log into Windows to install the network driver so I can get on the net, but I can do it over the phone.

It doesn't generate an installation ID. Fair enough, I call them up and they tell me to redo the licence key. Still don't get one. He forwards me onto another phone number. I call them up, tell them my situation, and am then told to get the original Windows disk and read out the serial number on it (its on the back side on the rim). Since this PC was bought when the old IT company looked after our client, we don't have the disk. I tell her that and she says I need it or I can't activate. Her hands are tied, but I'm getting pretty pissed off.

Then I realise I have the serial number on the Windows sticker on the computer case. I call up AGAIN (I've wasted over half an hour at this point) to be told that their system for validating the serial number and giving me a new key is down and I need to call back in an hour.

So gay.

Kaden Wrote:Oh right. It's everyone but Microsoft's fault.

Josh Wrote:Sorry that's not Microsoft's fault.

Quote:1) The old IT company should have provided you with the discs that came with the computer.

Quote:2) You should know better than to call Technical Support without a serial number.

Quote:3) Systems go down from time to time, even Apple has issues which are completely out of their control.

Orion Wrote:I've rarely had to call Microsoft for anything, the few times I've needed a over the phone activation, I can normally use the machine to get my installation ID. Before today, I didn't know Microsoft would need a serial number from an XP disk.

Orion Wrote:Also, it would've helped if the Microsoft 'technician' knew that the serial number is on the Windows sticker as well, which is what I had, but she failed to mention that to me so I was lucky that I noticed it.

Josh Wrote:That's just silly, serial numbers are an industry standard. Dell, HP, Microsoft, Apple, etc all use those and some won't even help you unless you provide one. If you're working IT you should always have a serial number ready.

Quote:Not all computers have the windows sticker on them, usually you will only find those on machines purchased from a distributor like Dell, HP, or such. The technician likely assumed that you didn't have the sticker if you didn't have the CD, that is wrong since you shouldn't assume in Tech Support.

Quote:Why don't you complain about Comcast, I can get behind that- or epson.

Bil Baer Jaxx Wrote:I can't imagine how little room for failure there was in that household. How'd he turn out ok, and Michael Jackson ended up... Michael Jackson?