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Repair Computer, Repurchase OS?

Posted by Cliff on from the doesn't-sound-fair-does-it dept.

An anonymous reader asks: "Recently, I have been bit by a computer repair on an e-Machines computer that involved a system board replacement. Though this was strictly a repair, not an upgrade, neither MS or e-Machines will provide for activation of the system. Why should a user have to purchase another copy of XP after repairing a computer? The system board is listed on the e-Machines website, but costs 4x what an off-the-shelf board with the same chip-set/capabilities costs, and furthermore is not actually available. The e-Machines rep even said repurchasing XP was my only option. This seems to me patently unfair and of questionable legality. Is it possible that there are enough disgruntled consumers bit by this problem to generate a class-action lawsuit?"

5 of 453 comments (clear)

  1. IIRC.... by Churla · · Score: 4, Funny

    If I recall correctly there are ways to get around this by calling actual MS support. Usually this involves being the "bullying customer" some. But they will do an over the phone registration. I had to do this when I had to replace the MB in my mother-in-laws computer.

    P.S. - This should also blossom into a beautiful flame war, I would recommend hot cocoa with marshmallows for viewing it.

    --
    I'm a fiscal conservative, it's a pity we don't have a political party anymore
  2. Re:eMachines by walt-sjc · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm having serious doubts about eMachines computers.

    Really? You are having doubts about the quality of one of the least expensive computers on the market???? I'm shocked. Totally shocked. I would have never expected in a million years that the quality of such a low-priced, low-end machine wasn't very good....

    I think you should immediately turn over the machine to the Geek Squad, and pay them big bucks to tell you that, indeed, the eMachine is a pile of crap. Those guys know. They are experts after all...

    What? Was that a little too sarcastic?

  3. Re:Have you actually talked to Microsoft? by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 4, Funny

    b) Did you pirate the software or (sometimes) are you using the same OEM disk? Yes.

    Sounds like a brilliant plan.

    --
    This guy's the limit!
  4. Re:Easy compared to what? by MightyYar · · Score: 4, Funny

    So THAT'S why ATMs don't consist of just a big pile of money and a clipboard...

    --
    W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
  5. Re:Easy compared to what? by try_anything · · Score: 5, Funny

    making a phone call and talking to someone for a few minutes is not actually hard

    If that were true, we'd all be out flirting with girls instead of fiddling with our computers and posting on Slashdot.

    (Just kidding, in a yeah-but-maybe-there's-something-to-it way.)