About a month or so ago I went to an office supply store (big chain) and purchased Windows 7 upgrade. (Woo Hoo!) I had Vista, which I never liked. I heard from several people how much they absolutely loved Windows 7, so I was anxious to get it installed.
My husband installed it on his Sony VAIO computer first because I didn’t have the time when we got home. He said everything went smoothly and he didn’t really notice much of a difference. Still, I was positive there were some excellent improvements in 7 and when the weekend came, I installed it on my Sony VAIO.
I then went to YouTube to find videos that showed some tips, tricks and personalizations. There were a bunch of videos. I tricked out my version of 7 with some very cool stuff.
Today, while working in Photoshop on a particularly complex graphic for a client, a message popped up that said that I needed to register my Windows 7 with Microsoft. I totally remember doing that but thought, oh well… I’ll just do it again. After typing in that ridiculously long combination of letters and numbers that comprised my software key…
Invalid!?! What???
It gave me a phone number to call to help with the process of registering my copy. At the end of a six minute call where I had to read out a series of 9 groups of numbers to the automated voice on the other end of the line, it said that it was not able to register my copy. It continued, “If you want to speak to a customer service representative to say ‘Go on’.” I did. It then asked me how many computers I had installed Windows 7 on. I said, two. It then said something like… “We are unable to complete your registration. Good bye.”
I was completely bewildered!
I googled “installing Windows 7 on 2 computers.” That’s when I learned that you can’t. Hmmm. Doesn’t seem fair but… Okay, so how much is an additional “key” for the second computer?
I read over and over how you are only allowed to install one version on one computer. For an additional version you must buy another one. Of course, there’s reference to a “Family Pack” where you can install it on up to 3 computers, but good luck in finding it! I read two opposing statements on that… 1. It was a limited time only that has now expired, and 2. That it would be available when it’s available.
Unbelievable!
Right now, in the lower right corner of my desktop it very clearly states, “This copy of Windows is not genuine.”
Argh! I’m mad as H-E-L-L and I’m not going to take it anymore! (Like I have a choice.) This is so wrong!
What do you think? Does this make you mad? Do you think it’s fair? Do you have multiple computers? Have you purchased Windows 7 yet? Are you going to?
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Twitter: gwenatanner
says:
Wow. Well I got a new Asus netbook earlier this year that had Win 7 installed already. That’s my only experience with it. I was thinking I could install it on my MacBook Pro since I do have a license – but I was told I would need a separate license – $199!?? For something I already own? Forget it. I never installed Vista on my main PC, and I don’t plan on upgrading it, so I’m just going to stick with XP and Win 7 on my netbook. And Macbook will be 100% Mac I guess.
Do you have to pay full price for a 2nd key in your case?
Gwen Tanner recently posted..Product Inspiration: 50 Proven Ways in Your Niche
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Hi Gwen,
Yes, full price. There’s no discount for multiple purchases, even if you just need a key!
I liked XP far better than Vista, so I think it’s a smart move to not upgrade. Your computer will probably wear out before windows improves the software enough to upgrade!
I’m all up for boycotting MS at this point anyway.
Nobody can accuse MS as being fair, all we can say is that they are ruthless and care less about the customer. We are stuck with them for now, but business cycles. It may not always be windows on the top. When a new system does come along or when enough of us say enough is enough and don’t upgrade to a new system every 3 years, maybe they will wake up.
william chaney recently posted..Side Benefits of 30 day Blog contest
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Hi William,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. It’s often very frustrating to deal with MS. The thing that gets me the most is that I never saw anything that said I’d have to buy one copy for each computer… before I bought it! Maybe it was in small print or something. They could have at least pointed that out clearly.
Just love a good rant!
I’ve been all Mac all my life.
(except when the corporation I worked for insisted I have a PC to access corporate email years and years ago.) But all tech has its frustrations.
I wish you good luck on this.
Bobbye Middendorf
The Write Synergies Guru
Bobbye Middendorf recently posted..It’s Not Bragging
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Hi Bobbye,
LOL… yes, a good rant often is a good read, too! It would seem I struck a chord in quite a few people that relate.
I love Sony VAIOs. We’ve owned them exclusively for many years. It would be hard to give them up but who knows… one day perhaps, I’ll buy a MAC… just because!
Thanks for commenting. Hugs!
This rant was well-deserved! So typical. And so unfair. I’m pulling for you, if that means anything! LOL
Martha Giffen recently posted..A Blog-A-Day Will Win The Game
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Thanks, Martha! Your support is much appreciated. I won’t be winning anything, though. MS has most of us PC users over a barrel. Hugs!
Twitter: Robert_Britt
says:
my “kids” all have open source operating systems (Linux, Ubuntu) and have no problems with it. If I ever need to change from XP, that’s where I’m heading. Microsoft seems to think they have a strangle hold on everyone, but the tighter they grip the more we slip. away.
the version of office that came with my new laptop keeps asking for a code and I keep choosing “later” It was installed from the factory, but was only a 90 day trial. I’ve been selecting “later for about 6 months now. I’ll move to Open Office (also free) if MS Office ever stops functioning.
ew, this is such a vent-able topic. (pardon, me I must vent now)
Rob Britt recently posted..Better Shape Equals Better Sex
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Wow! Your kids must be very courageous. I wouldn’t even know where to start with that. I preferred XP or Vista by far. And now with 7 troubles, I can’t say that I appreciate that one so much either!
But I do appreciate your stopping by and leaving a comment.
Best Wishes!
Twitter: christine_tulsa
says:
Hi Deb,
Did you ever get the problem resolved to your satisfaction? Christine
I could feel your frustration…and although I’ve not personally run into a problem with Windows7 (b/c we’ve not upgraded Vista yet), your post makes me not look forward to doing the upgrade…lol! I’ve experienced similar situation before with another software, so I know exactly what it feels like
Christine Casey recently posted..How to Make Social Media Work for You
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Hi Christine,
Welcome! It’s nice to have the chance to get to know you a bit. We’ve now “hooked up” in several places. Appreciate the invites!
There will be no resolving this issue, I’m afraid. That’s the way it goes. I’ll have to buy another copy of Windows 7. You can buy one that you can put on your PC and laptop (32 and 64 bit) but not one you can buy to put on two PCs… go figure! LOL
All that said, Windows 7 is pretty cool but I’m not sure I would have purchased it had I known it would cost about $400 for both PCs (and in reality, we have 7 computers here – 4 PCs, 3 laptops.)
Deb,
Good things to know about Windows 7, I upgraded on my main desktop a few months ago, i love some of the new features on it , especially running two browsers and splitting screen. Seems like Microsoft wants to milk as much as they can by doing that , charging for each license!! My next computer will be a MAC.
Chris Bernardo recently posted..Is there an Easy Button to Make you Happy?
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Hi Chris,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Nice to see you here!
I ended up buying another key code from Microsoft online for the “special” price of $109 (plus tax). LOL.
I do like Windows 7, aside from some of the glitches they’re still working out. I did a lot of addons to it already so I definitely wanted to keep those.
I’m on my way over to check out your “Happy Button” post!
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