ERP Associates, Inc.

Have you guys ever tried to do business with Microsoft where you actually buy a product off their web site and have it shipped to you?  I was recently forced into exactly that scenario when I purchased a new laptop from Sams.  It was ugly. 

So I bought this HP HDX Premium laptop with 2 hard drives and an 18-inch monitor from Sams.  True it's so large it's probably not ever going on the road with me, but I'm working from home these days anyway and I thought I'd enjoy the larger monitor.  There are enough cons about it that I can't recommend it, but that's for another article.  Oh yeah, it came with Windows Vista Home Premium - 64-bit Edition.

Well, it didn't take me too long to figure out that if I want some basic functionality like joining domains, synchronizing files and folders and running my Virtual PC's, I'd have to upgrade to Vista Ultimate.  Ok, so it costs like $150 bucks, that's way more than I'd want to pay.  But after a while I deicided to bite the bullet and do it.  It should be a tax-deductable business expense after all, right?

The best I can tell there's only one place on the internet to purchase an "Anytime" upgrade and that's Microsoft's web site.  Not my first choice, but ok i can roll with it.  Then I find out that the only way to get an "Anytime" upgrade is to order a CD and have it shipped within the next 2-weeks for an outrageous $5.99 in shipping.  I get better shipping terms from most eBay sellers.  And why isn't it a download, after all, Oracle has all of their software available online right?  But it's the only place to get it so I went ahead and did it.  In the entire process there was never a place to specify 32- or 64- bit version, so I assumed they'd ship a DVD with both.  Bad idea.

About two weeks later I get this DVD in the mail.  I open it up and it says "This disk contains 32-bit software only".  Hey, where's my 64-bit Anytime upgrade disk?  Well, there's a piece of paper enclosed that says "Need 64-bit instead of 32-bit?"  According to the instructions I should be able to "simply visit http://www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia for information on how to obtain this software".  "A minimal charge, including shipping and handling will apply". 

So I go to the web site just to figure out if they're really going to charge extra for that.  I went through 3 or 4 screens and finally get to the "Windows Vista SP1 Alternative Media Information".  It doesn't let me change the Media from "32-bit CD".

Vainly I searched for a phone number to call in the information they sent, in my e-mail receipt and online.  Nope, no phone number.  I did find an e-mail address on the web site, so I sent them this e-mail:

From: Brent Martin
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 11:26 AM
To: 'WAU@one.microsoft.upgrade.com'
Subject: Problems with Windows Anytime Upgrade Order Number 900005

This is regarding Order number 900005 placed January 17, 2009.  I have a 64-bit system and I thought I was ordering the 64-bit media, but the media I received was 32-bit.  I attempted to go through the instructions for ordering the 64-bit media, but the web site doesn’t allow me to change to the 64-bit package. 

Please send the 64-bit Media to the following address:

I would appreciate it if you could expedite shipping as I need new functionality for my business laptop ASAP.

Alternatively you can provide me a RMA number and I would be happy to return it for a full refund.

Thanks,
Brent Martin

Then I get this e-mail saying they receved it and to expect a reply in a business day or so.  Good thing I'm laid back.

A few hours later I actually received a reply from what might have been a real human:

Hello Brent,
 
Thank you for your e-mail.
 
The Windows Anytime Upgrade is offered in 32 bit editions only.  However, as per your request we have created a separate free-of-charge order for the full 32/64 bit version of Windows Vista Ultimate. Your new order number is 28315 and the order will ship via FedEx. Please allow 2 to 7 business days for delivery.
 
If you have any further questions regarding this new order please respond to this e-mail and I would be happy to further assist you.
 
Thank you for contacting Microsoft.
 
Corey
Microsoft Customer Service

Well, that's nice of them to send me a 64-bit Ultimate and all and eat the shipping.   But why didn't they say up front that WINDOWS ANYTIME UPGRADE IS OFFERED IN 32 BIT VERSIONS ONLY?!!  And why didn't HP pick up on that when they included information about an Anytime Upgrade in the product literature packaged with my laptop?!

I'm starting to come to the conclusion that Microsoft's 64-bit Vista operating system is piece of crap and Microsoft is acknowledging it through coded marketing messages.  Check out this quote from the Windows "Vista SP1 Alternative Media Information" page:

The 64-bit version of Windows Vista is not for everyone. Please confirm that your system, applications, and devices are compatible with a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista before installing.

So who is Vista 64-bit edition for?  People who want to beta test Microsoft software for free?  Maybe it's part of their anti-piracy strategy to build software people won't want to copy, who knows.

It's sad, but Microsoft isn't the company that they used to be even 6 years ago.  Looks like it's time to sell my Microsoft stock and get a good cup of coffee.