When I received the device it had Windows 7 Pro on it. You can read below in the Geek Squad blog what happened, but they when re-imaging the machine they found it had Windows 8 in the core (in the base install? apologies I don't know the lingo). I told them that Windows 7 Pro was suppose to be on the machine and that they needed to put it back on. While they apologize for their error they said it was not their responsibility and the base install had Windows 8 (they installed this incorrectly on top of the error).
I informed them that I had never received a product key for either Windows 8 or Windows 7 Pro when I purchased the device. They recommended I reach out to HPP Enterprises (once we got the correct company out of bestbuy.com) and that they were responsible for delivering the Windows product key to me. HPP Enterprises would not assist me (this experience will come in detail in a future blog) and that it was either HP, Best Buy, Geek Squad or Microsoft's responsibility to furnish me with a product key. I decided to reach out to Microsoft as I had failed at the other four options up to this point. When I went to get support from Microsoft I saw this lovely screen below, very handy when you don't have a product key - by the way the "skip" requires you to purchase support.
I went back through Microsoft's site and while they kept trying to lead me to this screen I finally was able to open a chat window with a service representative. When I told her my predicament of not having a product key she said she was unable to help, but would send me directly to the support staff. She sent me a link and said goodbye, I clicked the link and closed the chat window.
So I go back to chat (the only way I was able to get someone) and tell that person my situation. This person once again sends me here:
This time I checked and re-explained that once again I was sent to the wrong place for my issue of needs a product key. She finally sent me to a list of technical folks that could assist me. When I explained my situation the tech said they could not do anything for me. They do not product key information and do not track their customers. He recommended I go to HP or Geek Squad and make them purchase me a new Windows license (the blame game was very common in this experience).
They said that I could repurchase Microsoft Windows 7 Pro from them and they could give me a discount to $50 if I produced my product key. Wow, I said no thanks I think I'd rather get a Mac then repurchase Windows for my machine.
Love those attentive ears, thanks Microsoft. I don't really fault you for your policy, but there should be some way to register my device with you so your tech/customer service team can identify me as a paying customer!
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