The Like/Hate Thread

[Jack]

[Jonathan Meer]

Like: http://www.funnyordie.co.uk/videos/f57c4...ght-cycles

hahaha

[Orion]

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.

[Vad]

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.

*slams head on desk*

[Josh]

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.

Sorry that's not Microsoft's fault.

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

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

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

[Kaden]

Oh right. It's everyone but Microsoft's fault.

[Ashe]

I don't think he's so much saying its "their fault" as much as he's just ranting about the frustration involved from dealing with the situation, which is entirely understandable.

[Josh]

Oh right. It's everyone but Microsoft's fault.

Okay maybe a part of it is.

[Orion]

Sorry that's not Microsoft's fault.

I don't care.

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

Of course they should've. But if you knew the other IT support companies in my area, you'd hardly be surprised.

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

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.

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.

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

True, but I was hardly blaming them for that.

[Josh]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

[Orion]

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.

Yes, I'm well aware serial numbers are important. I've just never needed one for a Microsoft installation.

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.

All computers are supposed to have a Windows XP sticker on their side, it's part of the EULA, including any prebuilt systems from Dell and the like. Any computer with Windows on it is technically illegal without that sticker. She should've known that and told me to check it accordingly; if I couldn't, that should've tipped her off that it might be a dodgy copy. And yes, she shouldn't have assumed, IT is all about asking as many questions as you can.

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

Haven't used Comcast, but Epson's pretty ordinary. But come on, as if there's nothing to complain about with Microsoft.

[Kole T. Merr]

I built my own PC. I bought Windows online. It didn't come with a sticker. I guess that means that my computer is illegal?

Well, apart from all the downloaded movies and games and whatnot.

[Vad]

I believe that's for hardware activation. Using a CD and having the key in front of you isn't a motherboard integrated activation system. DELL uses a hardware activation where if you reinstall the CD provided for that computer, it automatically activates. There is a limit on this though, I found it for my Dell. 200 or so times I believe.

[Celena]

Tiger Woods at 2: http://www.megavideo.com/?v=7Z6FTIGZ

[Jack]

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?

[Kole T. Merr]

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?

What are you talking about?

[Jack]

Tiger Woods being forced to play golf since 2 years old.

[Milk Bubble]

Hate: Having to reinstall The Sims 3 because they made some gay update to the download manager and now it's IMPOSSIBLE to see what you have downloaded. Thanks EA. :/

[Cain]

Hate accidentally resetting the ram clock to 800 on a 667 computer, leading to never booting said computer up again without a technician's help. Been without a gaming computer for a few months now. >.<

[Pinky]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb3RNpiNK...feature=iv