Microsoft

Microsoft

August 29, 2005

Microsoft Corporation

Address:

One Microsoft Way

Redmond Washington 98052-6399

U.S.A.

Phone Number:

425-882-8080

I purchased a brand new computer, which came with the Operating System Windows Home Edition XP. All was fine, I had my computer up and running, no problems - at all. About 6 months into using my computer, I started getting these message balloons, telling me to update my computer. I then contacted Microsoft to inquire as to what this was all about. I was informed that Home XP had some flaws in the program, and to protect myself, and my omputer, I needed to download these "HOT FIXES" or "UPDATES". So I did as I was instructed. Then the problems started, slow to respond, slow to open, slow to close, problems saving files, error messages. Not all at the same time, but gradual as I installed the hot fixes. My restore does not work, my firewall does not work, my audio does not work, my drives do not work. All falling apart. I started doing some research, as well as the obvious - checking for viruses, checking for spyware, using Microsoft Help Desk, etc. Each time I downloaded an update, hot fix, something else would change in my computer. I also am very careful as to not allow downloads into my computer, I use it

for business, so it is not used for gaming, surfing, music, just business. I finally had enough of relentless hours of trying to get my computer back to normal, so I got out the Operating System CD, Drivers CD, Applications CD, all [of which I paid for when I purchased my computer, these are part of the cost of your computer], I was going to reinstall my Operating System,

etc. I put in one cd after another, and get this message "The program installed on your computer is newer than the program on the disk, action denied. MANY TIMES I HAVE TRIED. Worked with Help Desk many times, no relief. I wrote microsoft and complained about this, I also asked them to send me an updated Home XP disk so that I may fix my computer. First response was for me to use the help line [why didn't I think of that] or to purchase a New CD. That statement hit a sore spot, I purchased CD's with my computer, these should work, if they do not, because Microsoft has changed the system after my purchase [updates due to the inability to get it right] then they need to replace my CD's so that I will be able to restore my computer back to it's

intended use. I told Microsoft that they are holding my computer hostage, for I can not afford to buy another Operating System, and they forced me into this corner with the "hot fixes - updates" I purchased recover disks, and one year into owning this my computer is a mess, and none of my recover disks work. I truely believe without a doubt [have no proof, but am working on it] that the hotfixes are manipulated. That they use these so called updates to gain access to computers, and prevent the consumer from having complete control of the computer [I am on a T1 Line, so I am connected to the internet at all

times, when my computer is on, or line plugged in.] Many times I have tried to do a simple task, and get a message bubble from Microsoft, yes Microsoft. Informing me that I can not do what I want to do, on MY COMPUTER. Microsoft owes me New Recovery Disks, so I may dump my computer, and reinstall. I have written three letters to Bill Gates himself, no reply, no gentleman. It truely disturbs me to know that they have such control over an item I purchased, was not cheap either, and they will not help me get this

rectified. The solution for them is to give them yet more money. I further believe that I purchased a defected product [hence the "hot fixes" and "updates", and they need to replace it, per law. Kimberly

Coos Bay, Oregon

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