Complaint Review: Microsoft Corporation - Redmond Washington

Paige said: Most smart people know that Microsoft is a wholesale crap computer software maker. Go and get a new Apple G5 computer. Paige, are you kidding? Try and reinstall OS-X sometime, and let me know how that goes. Finally, you didn't read the post. She doesn't have $200.00 to go buy Windows again, why would she spend 10 times that amount to buy a stupid Apple, which will run less than 20% of the programs she enjoys now? Kimberly said: I am having problems with certain components of Windows XP, all I wanted to do is reinstall the Windows XP, and I can not, without jeoperdizing some of my programs. Well, that's YOUR decision. You can back up your data, format your drive and reinstall the original Windows, THEN the updates, THEN your programs. OR, sit in the steamy pile you're in and wait for someone to magically fix the computer. Go with option 1. Seriously, how hard is it to understand that occasionally, Windows files either get corrupt from a bad install, spyware or virus that is not your (or Microsoft's) fault? 3 new viruses are introduced into the US every day. Sorry about your plight, but we all go through it. Or limit yourself and be psuedo-trendy and get an Apple, like Paige says. It seems to me that you have a lot of options.

um... at least around here.. A T1 line is not necessarily a good deal. And is actually not the fastest for home use. I know that from late 90's thru 2003, my at home cable access was nearly 25% to 50% faster than the T lines at work. That was proven via speed tools we used at work on the work network. Probably mostly due to the traffic (people,pc's etc). At work T lines were loaded with users and servers heavily. Anybody still using T1 lines are likley older users not wanting to improve their setup. Personally I think anybody still using T1 lines at a home setup need to retire. I too have a large amt of product that are very specifically tied to a pc or configuration. Its very easy to change most of that. I too had several government heavy pgms that were similary tied to a current setup. Most of that is easy to redo. Besides once you get that setup cleaned up, you should ghost it (no matter how big). At work we actually ghost imaged a rather large setup just in case and it was a major government related project too)..

Guys, with proper software setup and proper usage. There are no problems. Ive been on cable broadband since it came about and have had all 4 current (originally one) on the home network with all able to go internet. All 4 have XP Pro and all 4 have Norton Internet Security package..all 4 have multiple levels of protection... all but pc#1 have images of their whole pc (ghost) on the network'd hd (I have over 1200 gig on my home network with only 200gig total on the imaged units (200gig on pc#1) and 800gig on a networked hd. (router connected). Btw, I am a 20yr vet of software & mainframe, but only have about 2 yrs of pc techy related experience. If XP gave you a problem it more likely was problems in your process or methods. XP isnt the issue though I would agree that going Linux or mac is a great idea. I plan to take two of my pc's and go 100% linux. And Im even thinking about buying a mac though recent events at Apple are making me hold back. Btw, nobody at MS owes you a recovery disk (thats soley the duty of the mfg of the pc or the store you bought it from), it would never be Microsoft.

Most smart people know that Microsoft is a wholesale crap computer software maker. Go and get a new Apple G5 computer. No viruses because it is build on the UNIX file system. Much more stable than Microsoft. They dont crash like Windows. With a Mac OS X computer you can hook it up to the internet. Also about what that drop out person said, you should be able to use your systme on the internet, just has to be a good one like apple.

Dan, the reason you couldn't install it on other computers is because that would be piracy. Be thankful that you were stopped, because had you been audited, you would have been hit with fines that would have likely put your company out of business. When you buy a Windows or any other piece of software, generally you are allowed to install it on ONE PC. Not 50. For every PC, you have to have a license for the software. 50 PCs, 50 licenses. You paid for 1 license and tried to install it on 5 PCs.. That's illegal. The newer Windows and Office "Activation" deals are in place mostly to prevent people from doing what you tried, but also to educate people because many people think like you do. You buy the disk, you can install it as many times as you like. Now, if you add too many new pieces to your PC, or take the hard drive and move it to a new PC, then you have to reactivate it, because it tracks the hardware so that people don't clone the disk and install it multiple times. That's in place to attempt to defeat the hard core pirates, not the 'accidental' pirate like yourself. Of course, piracy is piracy, and the penalties are no different for an accidental pirate than for a blantant pirate.

I personally would never listen to a microsoft service rep. I think that was your first mistake. Just kidding. :) I don't know what kinda stuff you know about computers, but I would suggest you give linux a try. You would never have to worry about being taken for money because it's free. I had a problem with microsoft about 2 years ago. I also run a business. I started with just my computer. When I started expanding I needed four more for the others that were working for me. I went to install the Xp and office disk THAT I PAID FOR, but couldn't. Turns out that once the copy was registered on one computer, it couldn't be activated on any others. That was beyond frustrating. So yes, I would agree that these updates are just a means of forcing others into buying more crap. I switched to linux after that and have never been happier. Just make sure you backup your work files before doing anything. Trust me, I made that mistake and it ain't pleasent to live with.

I would like to wholeheartedly thank-you both Robin and Carl, you both read my letter, totally understood what I was talking about, and were a big help. You are a great people. Have a wonderful day!!!

I had a similiar problem with my computer once. It turned out that I had so many programs starting once I turned on the computer that other programs would not work (error messages, no audio, no saving.) It may be that when you put on the updates and hot alerts that they are going into the startup mode (that's what happened to me.) When you start up the computer type in CTRL-ALT-DEL to get the task manager. Then you go into processes and you can see everything that is running on your computer at that time as well as how much power they are using. (Even if it's Spyware it will be on there.) Then you can either go and take things that do not need to be on constantly off of startup or if it's spyware you can go and remove the program from your computer. And don't worry it will not let you end something that is truly important for the running of the computer.

I had a similiar problem with my computer once. It turned out that I had so many programs starting once I turned on the computer that other programs would not work (error messages, no audio, no saving.) It may be that when you put on the updates and hot alerts that they are going into the startup mode (that's what happened to me.) When you start up the computer type in CTRL-ALT-DEL to get the task manager. Then you go into processes and you can see everything that is running on your computer at that time as well as how much power they are using. (Even if it's Spyware it will be on there.) Then you can either go and take things that do not need to be on constantly off of startup or if it's spyware you can go and remove the program from your computer. And don't worry it will not let you end something that is truly important for the running of the computer.

I had a similiar problem with my computer once. It turned out that I had so many programs starting once I turned on the computer that other programs would not work (error messages, no audio, no saving.) It may be that when you put on the updates and hot alerts that they are going into the startup mode (that's what happened to me.) When you start up the computer type in CTRL-ALT-DEL to get the task manager. Then you go into processes and you can see everything that is running on your computer at that time as well as how much power they are using. (Even if it's Spyware it will be on there.) Then you can either go and take things that do not need to be on constantly off of startup or if it's spyware you can go and remove the program from your computer. And don't worry it will not let you end something that is truly important for the running of the computer.

All you need to do is delete the sp2 and then reload everything back into the system. I found out the hard way just like you, that when you update to sp2 the old xp disc are no longer useable and I think that is what microsoft wants you to do, buy another os system. Good luck

All you need to do is delete the sp2 and then reload everything back into the system. I found out the hard way just like you, that when you update to sp2 the old xp disc are no longer useable and I think that is what microsoft wants you to do, buy another os system. Good luck

All you need to do is delete the sp2 and then reload everything back into the system. I found out the hard way just like you, that when you update to sp2 the old xp disc are no longer useable and I think that is what microsoft wants you to do, buy another os system. Good luck

All you need to do is delete the sp2 and then reload everything back into the system. I found out the hard way just like you, that when you update to sp2 the old xp disc are no longer useable and I think that is what microsoft wants you to do, buy another os system. Good luck

No one said anything about your intellingence or finances. I apologize because I could have worded it better. I was trying to give a quick response. It seems odd to me though that you have twenty years experience with computers, yet have never heard of an update or hotfix. And that is not an assumption. You said it yourself. As far as your finances, I don't assume your poor or anything. But if you can't afford to buy new windows disks, you shouldn't be able to afford a T1 line. I like that you said points 1,2,3 were obvious. Ok, then why didn't you understand what was happening when you tried to use your recovery disk? If it is so obvious that Microsoft isn't trying to get money out of you, then why did you say they intentionally did this? Microsoft doesn't owe you anything. They didn't sell you the disk. Did I make assumptions; yes. But only based off the information you provided. Just answer a couple of questions. Who is your ISP? What is it that windows won't let you do? Exactly what did you do at a state level? Did you actually buy anything from Microsoft? Are you aware that Gates is the Chairman, and not a customer service rep? I certainly was not trying to be a jerk. But on the same note, I wasn't trying to be nice either. I don't think you're dumb, poor, or anything else. I don't know you and even if I did I don't judge people on a personal level. Remember, don't post anything on the net unless you're prepared for what others are going to say. And never forget this tidbit. If a painter does a bad job painting my house, I am not going to call the CEO of Sherwin-Williams.

Several things.. The idea behind hotfixes and updates is that it changes something. So, it's no surprise that something changes each time you download one.. That's what they do. I also agree that you do not have a T-1 line. If you DO have a true T-1 line, then you need a second rip off report on whoever sold it to you. It is possible that you have a fractional T-1, but that still would seem to be overkill for what you describe. More likely, you are on a DSL connection, which is also always-on. DSL and cable connections nowadays offer higher speeds than even a T-1 line. My home cable connection is 3Meg downstream, while a T-1 is only 1.5Meg. You don't mention what manufacturer the computer is from. I am guessing it's not Dell, but probably HP? Those companies purchase what are known as OEM versions of Microsoft products. They purchase them at a reduced cost because they will provide the support for the product, not Microsoft. The fact that you called Microsoft and they helped you was above and beyond. The problem with buying computers nowadays pre-loaded is that you don't get a true Windows CD. You get "pre-loaded" and a recovery disk. Which means you have to blow up the entire computer to reload the OS. It seems that you understand this and want to do this, but cannot figure out how to do it. Basically, you need to BOOT from the recovery CD. Start the computer up with the CD in the drive, and pending on the computer and BIOS type, it will either automatically boot from the CD rather than the HD, or will tell you to press a key to boot from the CD. Either way, there will be many steps before a reload takes place, because it's not something that you or they want to 'accidentally' happen. Your main source of complaint should be towards the computer manufacturer for their support. Actually, through your message, I can't see where you called THEM for support on using the recovery disks.. Looks like you called Microsoft, who would have no idea about the computer manufacturers recovery procedure. (I'm guessing that's what you meant by "help desk"? If that was the computer manufacturer, then again, they're the ones that your anger should be directed at) The whole "newer file" error tells me that you're trying to update things from within Windows. That won't work, you need to replace windows outside of windows. (Boot from the CD)... Of course, as you know... When all else fails... RTFM.

It is possible to get an incomplete or corrupt download from Microsoft Update site that will do a number on your entire OS. Go to Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs. When the list populates, you should see a list of updates and hotfixes. If you don't, check the box at the top that says "Show Updates" and re-open the list. Remove every Microsoft update shown there. Then re-download and re-install them. This may correct your problem. You also do not say what brand of computer you have. HP is very fond of doing backdoor updates into your system via BackWeb that can cause difficulty. There may be other manufacturers doing the same. Some of the so-called "productivity software" bundled into branded systems can cause troubles as well. It is not always Microsoft's fault...those manufacturers who do backdoor updates are at fault as well. You are correct...your recovery disks should work. The fact that they don't seems to point to one of two things: they are not completely erasing your hard drive first or you may have some faulty hardware. I am thinking incomplete erasure since you are getting the error message about newer programs being present on your drive. Have you spoken to the manufacturer of your system as to why the recovery disks may not be working? They may be damaged. Ask for replacements. Have you run a drive check utility? A faulty hard drive can cause problems. Check your drive status in the Control Panel under Administrative Tools>Computer Management>Disk Management. Make sure your SMART status reports your hard drive as "Healthy". It is possible to download a zero drive utility for every brand of hard drive. If you know the brand, try downloading the utility and wiping the drive THEN use your discs. You should not get the error message. BUT if your recovery disks are damaged, you may not be able to restore your system, so order your new recovery disks first. I really don't think that Microsoft has targeted you for "manipulation". It is possible to turn off Automatic Updates and do them manually. Microsoft releases updates on the second Tuesday of every month. I simply back up my important stuff and do them then. If all else fails, hire a tech. I think you have exhausted and frustrated yourself with this issue and maybe it would be money well-spent to turn the problem over to someone who can pinpoint your trouble for sure and correct it. Good luck.

To Paul - First Paul let me apoligize to you if you got the feeling I was screaming at you or in any way being not so tactful. I wasn't. Second - I did not have problems after hooking to the internet, read my letter again. The problems started appearing after downloading hotfixes and updates from Microsofts Website. Third - I was not trying to upset anyone on this site, my intentions were to get some sort of reply from someone at Microsoft. As I stated I have written them 3 times and have got no reply, hoping I might stir something in here. Guess not! Fourth- you have good intentions but it will not work for some of my programs, which have to be run from a specific registered computer in order to work. Tied in with the T1 line. Hard to explain. I am not having problems with the internet, or with those particular programs, I am having problems with certain components of Windows XP, all I wanted to do is reinstall the Windows XP, and I can not, without jeoperdizing some of my programs. Sorry to have stirred you up, no intentions here, just want Microsoft to step up to the plate. Have a good evening, and thanks for your help.

What was your complaint? You bought a new computer and it was working fine. You hooked it up to the internet and six months later it's no longer working fine anymore. Common sense tells you something on the internet probably affected it. And, what did I tell you to do? Don't hook your main computer up to the internet. If the internet screws up something, don't use it. Is that rambling to you? I didn't say you can't use ANY internet. I said to buy a cheap, second computer and use it for the internet. You must have missed that part. You can still do all your business and your forms and files. Just don't hook your main computer to the internet to do it. They have flash drives that hold a gig of information. That's how I move things between my two computers. You will learn. I've had viruses that make your computer completely unusable. Some will turn your screen black. Some will keep the computer from even going online. The worst ones will damage your important work files. I've had all this stuff on my computer at one time or another. But, it was always my second computer that I use just for surfing, never my main computer. When something bad happens to your computer and a virus screws it completely up, you will see. By the way, I'm completely calm. You see, I have all the virus problems handled. I figured out solutions. You're the one who came here complaining about how Bill Gates owes you disks or something, remember? Scream at him. I just offered you advice that would solve your problems now and in the future. Take it or leave it, makes no difference to me. Is that calm enough for you?

First to Daniel [Take a step back] you should not leave rebuttals, you are ruid and offensive. I have been dealing with computers at a State Level for over 20 years,I said I have a T1 line and I do, don't presume you know me, my finances, or my intellegance. You were no help, as in your points 1, 2, & 3, a big huge DUH!!! The rest of your letter was...... Second to Lori [Befriend a Geek, Reformat the Drive] Thank you, some very useful advice, I like your style. Thanks for your time. Third to Robert [Kimberly, Don't Beat yourself Up] Thank you - too you also, I will give it a try. Thanks for your time. Fourth to Sheila [Spyware etc] I have been applying these on a regular bases, I appreciate your input. Fifth to Paul [Never hook your main computer to the Internet] What are you rambling about I run a business and have to use a network for some work, forms, files, etc. I don't think the internet is going to ruin the planet. Calm down life is good!!

are great programs, but you should initially run them in SAFE MODE.. There are times when a virus starts up with the computer and the programs wont catch them.

I don't think your problems lie with the Microsoft updates but with malware, viruses, spyware, etc. I have XP pro and have downloaded all the updates with no problems. I can't help you get the computer re-formatted but I do have some suggestions on how to keep the computer clean once you re-install windows. If you are always connected to the internet a good firewall is an absolute must. A firewall can be either hardware or software or both. Also, a good antivirus program. Make sure you keep the virus definitions up-to-date and that it scans your email. Also, most programs allow you to schedule regular full system scans. You can set this for a time when you are not using your computer as it will slow it down. In addition to the above you should have a spyware prevention program running all the time. In addition to the prevention program you should regularly scan your system with a program such as AdAware or SpyBot (both are free). I realize this sounds like a lot and it is. Unfortunately, we live in a world where some people think it is fun to hurt others.

Yeah, Microsoft can suck but right now it's pretty much the only game in town. If you computer is running slow you may still have a virus, spyware whatever on your computer... Go to http://securitytango.com/. This site gives step by step instructions for removing virus and or spyware. If you don't feel you can do it, ask a computer nerd friend to come over and do it for you.

Windows XP is by far one of the pickiest systems that I've had the 'pleasure' of working with, however, it IS possible to reformat the drive and re-install the original operating system. You'll need either a) a friend who is a computer 'geek', familiar with the reformat options and the required rebuild steps, b) a lot of help from a tech website to do it yourself, or c) take your machine into a mom and pop computer repair store and have them do the work for you (this is by far the most expensive option, however, if you do it yourself and miss a step, this option may seem pretty reasonable). Before using any of the options above, make sure that you back up your machine (any personal files, accounting files, etc), and locate all of the software for any periphals that you have (think printers, add on CD/DVD's, modems etc). As frustrating as it is, at least you have the knowledge that XP is better than ME, and you're NOT alone. It's not only Windows programming, but all software that may need, at some point, to be 'patched' and/or updated. Think specifically anti-virus and spyware software. There are things you can do to fix your machine, so take a deep breath, explore your options, and 'git 'er done'.

Windows XP is by far one of the pickiest systems that I've had the 'pleasure' of working with, however, it IS possible to reformat the drive and re-install the original operating system. You'll need either a) a friend who is a computer 'geek', familiar with the reformat options and the required rebuild steps, b) a lot of help from a tech website to do it yourself, or c) take your machine into a mom and pop computer repair store and have them do the work for you (this is by far the most expensive option, however, if you do it yourself and miss a step, this option may seem pretty reasonable). Before using any of the options above, make sure that you back up your machine (any personal files, accounting files, etc), and locate all of the software for any periphals that you have (think printers, add on CD/DVD's, modems etc). As frustrating as it is, at least you have the knowledge that XP is better than ME, and you're NOT alone. It's not only Windows programming, but all software that may need, at some point, to be 'patched' and/or updated. Think specifically anti-virus and spyware software. There are things you can do to fix your machine, so take a deep breath, explore your options, and 'git 'er done'.

Windows XP is by far one of the pickiest systems that I've had the 'pleasure' of working with, however, it IS possible to reformat the drive and re-install the original operating system. You'll need either a) a friend who is a computer 'geek', familiar with the reformat options and the required rebuild steps, b) a lot of help from a tech website to do it yourself, or c) take your machine into a mom and pop computer repair store and have them do the work for you (this is by far the most expensive option, however, if you do it yourself and miss a step, this option may seem pretty reasonable). Before using any of the options above, make sure that you back up your machine (any personal files, accounting files, etc), and locate all of the software for any periphals that you have (think printers, add on CD/DVD's, modems etc). As frustrating as it is, at least you have the knowledge that XP is better than ME, and you're NOT alone. It's not only Windows programming, but all software that may need, at some point, to be 'patched' and/or updated. Think specifically anti-virus and spyware software. There are things you can do to fix your machine, so take a deep breath, explore your options, and 'git 'er done'.

Windows XP is by far one of the pickiest systems that I've had the 'pleasure' of working with, however, it IS possible to reformat the drive and re-install the original operating system. You'll need either a) a friend who is a computer 'geek', familiar with the reformat options and the required rebuild steps, b) a lot of help from a tech website to do it yourself, or c) take your machine into a mom and pop computer repair store and have them do the work for you (this is by far the most expensive option, however, if you do it yourself and miss a step, this option may seem pretty reasonable). Before using any of the options above, make sure that you back up your machine (any personal files, accounting files, etc), and locate all of the software for any periphals that you have (think printers, add on CD/DVD's, modems etc). As frustrating as it is, at least you have the knowledge that XP is better than ME, and you're NOT alone. It's not only Windows programming, but all software that may need, at some point, to be 'patched' and/or updated. Think specifically anti-virus and spyware software. There are things you can do to fix your machine, so take a deep breath, explore your options, and 'git 'er done'.

I'm like a freakin' no-brain high-school drop-out with like a 9th grade education, and yet I figured this out right away, like week one. You'd have to be out of your mind to hook up your main computer with all your important files and information on it to the internet. Don't you know what happens when you use the internet? There are viruses, one right after the other. Download scams that install themselves the minute you click on something. And then, you compound the problem by hooking up with Microsoft! These are the idiots that made internet explorer that lets all this virus crap on your computer in the first place. They got years to spend making a funny paperclip that talks to you, but not one second to make an internet product that prevents stuff from downloading all by itself. Forget them and their silly updates. The idiots sent me some XP update CD. Naturally, it was free or else I would never have sent for it. The last Microsoft product that I actually paid money for was Works version 1.05 from back in the DOS days of 1986. Anyway, I have the update CD sitting around. The whole idea was to get something for free, not to actually install anything. Especially something from Microsoft. I use their stupid crap until some rocket scientist decides to quit fooling around with rockets long enough to make me some good software that allows me to do the things that I use a computer for in the first place. The Microsoft crap is such a poor product. My god, they suck! I can't see how anybody in their right mind would actually hook into their site and download more nonsense. That's almost the worst possible thing you could ever do. If you want and need internet access, you MUST buy a second computer. It doesn't have to be new or fast. Any cheap garbage works just fine. My Toshiba is 266 Mhz. It cost me $200, used. There's my internet. If you download something, save it to a flash drive. Then, take it out of the internet computer and transfer the files onto your main computer. You know, I can't believe that I'm the only one that figured this out! My god! Hooking your main computer into the internet is like wearing see-thru food wrap for clothes. The whole world can see your tattoos and all the cellulite on your a*s. Is that what you want? Do you want the whole world seeing your social security number, or your credit card account? Maybe your bank numbers? Or, how about your name, address and phone number? If you type any of that onto your computer screen and it's hooked up to the internet, you just shared it with the rest of the world. You probably only got one way out. Format that stupid thing. Then, put the operating system and all your work files back on. Then, this time, stay the hell off the internet with it. Use a second computer. One that's set up just for the internet. That way, let it get screwed up with viruses. I'm set up so that I can do a BACKUP restore, not a system restore, in under 24 minutes. So, let some pimply-faced hacker jerk-off loser send his helper search bar my way. Big deal. I restart under safe mode, which turns off his stupid loser program. Twenty-something minutes later, the computer has restored itself, good as new again. As for my main computer, with all my important information on it, it will never see as much as a browser screen or a yahoo log-in page. No internet for that machine, ever! You'll learn all this, just like I did. Some people just take a bit longer, that's all. By the way, this is exactly what secure government computers do. They don't hook their stuff up to the internet, that's for sure. Their computer is off-line and it stays off-line.

I understand your frustration. Microsoft doesn't make the most reliable products. However, you haven't been duped by anyone. I am going to list some facts to help you understand what is going on. 1. You have an "always-on" internet connection. This means you are open to spyware and adware, which will cause the problems you're having, and may not always show up with a scan. 2. When you updated windows, some version #'s and dates changed in the registry. The cd won't install from within windows because the dates on the cd are earlier than the dates on the hard drive. In order to do a clean install (which I certainly don't recomend), you need to boot from the cd. 3. Microsoft makes billions of dollars from it's products. They have no reason to mess with your computer just to get more money. 4. If you are having problems with a cd that came with your computer, you should first contact the store/manufacturer. I am not being a jerk, just trying to help. Also, you don't have a T1 connection. If you did, you would be paying about $400 a month. I certainly hope you don't have one just for one computer! The best thing to do is ask someone with experience to look at your computer. Don't take it the wrong way but it is obvious you are not very computer savvy. No offense. But you are showing the basic qualities of an inexperienced user. Last but not least, you never bought anything from Microsoft. It came with the computer. So don't say how expensive it was when you didn't even pay for it. I am sick and tired of people bashing companies because they can't figure out what they themselves are doing wrong. I would seriously suggest that you take some computer classes on basic user stuff.