Lockergnomie Mike Nelson is a bit frustrated with the way Microsoft has chosen to validate Windows XP. There’s a happy ending to this story, though…

You [recently] mentioned product activation. As a tech, I have no problem with product activation. I more than understand Microsoft’s position to slow down piracy. But the system really needs improvement.

As a tech, I do not mess with using any brands windows install disks. I have set up a generic windows install disk with SP/2 already built in. All I have to do is use the license number on the box to setup windows during a dump & reload. Microsoft has provided us technicians the means to do this through their own development pages. Besides, my job for my clients are to redo their computers after a major crash, partition virus, etc., as fast as possible. The longer it takes me to do the job, the more it costs them. In addition to some computers that have problems installing SP/2, by putting SP/2 in on the windows install eliminates a lot of possible problems.

This is where product activation becomes a headache. Because of many factors that this particular computer from was made before SP/2, or the customer changed the hardware by adding a burner, ram or something I have to call in for product activation. As soon as it re-asks for the windows license a second time, I know I am going to end up talking to someone that hardly speaks English to get a long list if numbers to reactivate windows. I would sure appreciate a phone number that will directly connect me with that person with the heavy accented hard to understand English speaking person to cut out all the redundant and time consuming number entry crap.

Have you been to Microsoft’s site lately? Have you ever seen an email address to make this suggestion on product improvement? I have looked, there isn’t one! If Microsoft needs me to registered my business with them to get the number, I have no problems with that. But as another local technician told me, “I agree, and yes your idea would make life easier for all of us, but you tell me where on Microsoft’s web site you can find some one to talk/write to? Who do you contact?

Fact is, there is no one, and Microsoft doesn’t care to provide anyone. So does Microsoft really listen? I would like to know how they could listen when no body knows how to contact them to make suggestions without paying some fee.

Believe me, they’re listening - and I’m working on another way for you to communicate directly to them and get support directly from them. Stay tuned, as always.

[tags]windows,microsoft,windows activation,windows xp,tech support,microsoft windows,product activation,activate windows[/tags]