According Compaq, at least some of their problems are caused by Compaq's custom software or drivers, which should be correctable mostly. There are more discussions on Compaq Usenet newsgroup.
For example, for certain Presario models, the following problem occurs according to Compaq's web site. A user may panic:
===
Compaq Phone Center Problems
After upgrading to Windows 98, the following problems related to Compaq Phone Center may be encountered:
1. The system gives blue screen error messages and files on the hard drive may be corrupted.
....
====
A list of other problems and solutions related this presario model according to Compaq:
compaq.com
A less technical home user may need extra help. They would be pissed even more if a Compaq support person told them that their support contract is void if they install a Microsoft retail version to upgrade, according to this angry customer customer and confirmed by the tech support person:
----------
From "Andy Campos" <Andy.Campos@worldnet.att.net>
Organization AT&T WorldNet Services
Date Mon, 8 Jun 1998 00:09:12 -0500
Newsgroups alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq
Message-ID <6lfrlb$f7b@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>
References 1
I am a TSE in Commercial Desktop Support which is different from presario
but let me just interject this, we are not allowed by LAW to support any OS
installed in a system other that what was LISCENSED for that unit if we help
with that then we are violating liscensing agreements and can get sued by
microsoft.
Billy wrote in message <6ld0ai$cv8$1@suriname.it.earthlink.net>...
>This is a must read:
>I recently installed Windows 98 on my 1610. I had a problem with a line
>across my screen. I called Tech support today and spoke with "John Wiley"
>and this is how the conversation went:
>
>TS: Hi "John Wiley" how may I help you?
>ME: I have a line across my screen and shows during bios setup and Windows.
>
>TS: Well, before we try anything I need you to run the Quick-Restore CD.
>ME: I won't run it. I have over 300 hours of work and tons of updates to
>all my software. It would take days to download all the upgrades again.
>
>TS: Look in system properties and tell me what version of Windows you are
>running?
>ME: It should'nt matter what version of Windows I am running. MS puts out
>these upgrades to enhance system securities and performance.
>
>TS: You aren't allowed to install any patches, upgrades, or any software
>not given to you by COMPAQ!!!!!
>ME: You mean I can't upgrade to Windows 98? You mean I am screwed if I
>ever want to upgrade my computer to a newer version of Windows?
>
>TS: Yes you are. You would then have to contact Microsoft for any software
>and hardware issues.
>ME: Thats amazing. I spend $2800.00 on a computer that becomes outdated as
>soon as a patch or upgrade comes out?
>
>TS: If you look at it that way.
>ME: Well, I am an active member of the internet community and I'll be sure
>to let everyone know how Compaq conducts business....
>
>TS: Is there anything I can do for you except for the Quick Restore? I
>can't help you any more if you will not run it to restore your computer
back
>to its original state....
>ME: No thats all I needed to hear. I will never purchase a Compaq again.
I
>will use Quick Restore and then unload this Notebook computer as fast as I
>can and purchase a Gateway 2000 or Dell computer.
>
>CLICK!!!!!!!
>
>This is what I remeber of the call I just made to Compaq Tech support. I
>cannot beleive that I can't upgrade to Windows 98 and still get support.
>This is almost funny. Anyone looking to buy a computer look elsewhere.
>Compaq is by far the worst company I have ever dealt with. I have been
>using computers since the 1970's and feel that Compaq is using the hell out
>of its consumers.
>
>DO NOT BUY COMPAQ. If you would like to see for yourself what kind of
>support they have just call 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Ask them if they support any
>upgrades to the OS they install. They'll tell you NO.
>
>And if you ever have any problems they tell you to run Quick Restore, which
>is a CD that formats your hard drive and reinstalls everything. This
>completely wipes out all work you've done and any settings or addresses of
>people or product updates you may have spent hours downloading......COMPAQ,
>learn how to run a company right or you will get no one buying computers
>from you. The market is too competitive for companies like you to
>survive.......
>
>William
>DON'T BUY COMPAQ!!!!
>
> |
