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General discussion

Vista support call prices.

Feb 6, 2007 12:00AM PST

Anyone notice the new fees for calling Microsoft about Vista?

The reason I read was Microsoft felt they were cheap compared to Geek Squad.

Bob

Discussion is locked

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$50.00
Feb 6, 2007 12:36AM PST

The tech at Compusa told me it was $50.00 per instance? I don't know if that is true, but this is the only figure I have heard.
Before Vista I used them once on XP and the charge was $35.00.
I do know that their E-Mail tech support for Vista is free.

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More of a rip-off...
Feb 6, 2007 5:51AM PST

Given my experiences with Microsoft technical support, I'd much rather go to a forum and ask if I have a question or problem...in the few contacts I've made I went through three or four people and only received a valid solution half the time. They may be cheaper than the Geek Squad, but that's not saying much. Best Buy wants $60 to install a single piece of software, $90 to install a single PCI card, and $130 to install an OS?! And their relatively untrained employees are paid just how much per hour? Gotta hand it to them, they sure know how to rip people off.

John

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Afraid of pc's
Feb 6, 2007 6:33AM PST

They charge these prices for those who are afraid of the computer and there are many. Most of the people I know, would be afaid to open up their pc and do any kind of repair. If I could charge my family for the amount of time I have spent on the phone helping them I would be rich.

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Ditto with my family!
Feb 6, 2007 8:29AM PST

I have a longstanding policy with my family--the only thing I will accept in payment is good food and a good beverage. The only problem is that by now I need to go on a serious diet!!!

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Prices
Feb 6, 2007 8:27AM PST

Do they still charge if they can't solve the problem? I'm about ready to call on this networking vista/xp problem I have in another post.

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They can elect to waive it, but...
Feb 6, 2007 11:45AM PST

Under the standard support system if they fail to resolve the problem they can elect to waive or refund the fee, but there are no guarantees that they will do so. The good news is that for the first 90 days after activation you are entitled to free technical support by e-mail, online chat, and/or phone. Considering Vista was just released there should be no question as to whether or not you qualify, provided your copy is legitimate. You can click here to get started.

Hope this helps,
John

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Microsoft Help
Feb 6, 2007 1:36PM PST

Thanks John, maybe I'll give that a try. My Vista is on a new HP notebook I purchased about a week ago. I tried HP with this issue, but they were no help at all.

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Oh...
Feb 7, 2007 2:27AM PST

When it comes to OEM versions of Windows, Microsoft will usually direct you back to the manufacturer for assistance. Unfortunately, HP and others don't know Windows nearly as well as Microsoft's technical support department, so the support is lacking. If you do contact Microsoft I wouldn't initially mention that it was pre-installed by HP so there's a greater chance they'll help you and not point you back to square one again.

Good luck.
John

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Support
Feb 9, 2007 3:26AM PST

You know, there are actually several places that provide support that is as good or better as paid companies for free. I know Isara.com (yes I'm a member) has people who give free tech support to it's members. Since it's a free membership, it's free tech support.

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Me too
Feb 9, 2007 1:16PM PST

I bought a new HP notebook last week and have been unable to get online either. I've spoken to Verizon, HP and Belkin (several times each). In my case, I think the real problem is that my Verizon modem is 7 years old and incompatible with Vista, so I'm closing the acct and starting over with new DSL equipment. (I think I like the HP notebook but I'm going to return it since I won't be able to get it working during the 14-day return period. I'll try again with the new DSL.)

But when I asked HP questions about Vista (like how to display file extensions), they referred me to the Microsoft phone number with the fee. I hung up before the fee started.