shad0w48
06-29-2007, 09:26 PM
I installed a new cd drive in my computer this morning, and booted my computer. Everything is good. Five minutes later, Microsoft pops up a message saying that 'due to a recent hardware change' I need to have Microsoft activate my Windows Vista again. (ugh I hate activation)... So I click sure, activate over the net. It comes back and says 'warning! This key is being used by another computer already!' (yeah... my computer before I gotta new CD drive...) and warns me that if I do not buy another key or enter one NOW, Windows will die on me, or I can call them by phone. I use my cell phone's call timer to track how much time I spend waiting. A minute after I dial the toll free number, it comes back with some automated message saying 'thanks for calling, this process will take about 6 minutes, but you should first try doing this over the net if you haven't already...' and some other gibberish. (Well if I am calling it means I CAN'T do it over the net. Come on) So I enter in all sorts of stuff into the phone, check my clock, and by the time I finish entering my 500 digit validation thing, its come to 7:02. (Sure... 6 minutes eh?) Then it says 'please wait while I activate your ID. Sorry! We can't activate your ID. Transferring you to some other guy outside the country...' Well that is what the activation window said all along! (Waste 7 minutes of my time why don't you!) So I wait for another 38 seconds while it rings someone up. They were easy enough to understand and personable enough, I'll give em that. They asked me a few simple questions, 'whats the product name? how many times have you activated it before? where'd you buy it?' etc. It felt like I was being given a test. (Well, I was kinda being tested to make sure I didn't lie about it, I'm sure the foreign guy had all the answers right in front of him) And then he said 'OK! Here's your (incredibly long) confirmation ID.' So I entered the ID clicked next, it worked, then it was gone. Back to the fiery pit from which it came. I ended my call and it said 'Call time: 12:24.' Well that was about 15 minutes (including all the other stuff) of my time that was wasted. Thanks a lot Microsoft...
grr... Does it mean nothing to actually pay for your software anymore? Cuz even if you do, it will badger you with activation and anti-piracy junk. Hate it.
grr... Does it mean nothing to actually pay for your software anymore? Cuz even if you do, it will badger you with activation and anti-piracy junk. Hate it.