With eight PC's in the house and holding the role of home network administrator, I occasionally end up ringing Microsoft when I stumped and Google doesn't provide a ready answer. It used to be activation issues where someone read a long number over the phone to me, but fortunately they now have a more intelligible computer generated voice to do that. They're always super friendly and urging me to have a nice day, but I can't recall a single time they ever solved problem on the phone.
By way of an example, I was having trouble activating a computer, I didn't realise at the time that the serial number provided with the pre-installed OS with the laptop was an OEM, and a different serial than the one one the sticker provided. I couldn't work out why using the serial number that had was already on the PC didn't work in reactivating it after a reinstall.
So the Microsoft call centre guy was super friendly, took the serial number off me and after a couple of minutes going off investigating, said I'd have to contact Acer to resolve the activation issue. Puzzled I asked why I would be calling Acer to resolve a Windows activation issue, but rather than explain that I had an OEM key that was used as an easy way for a manufacturer to send out, I just got the repeated mantra of "please call Acer".
Asking why by this stage and the Microsoft happy have a nice day approach started to sound a little frustrated, and I suspect didn't want me to have a nice day anymore. I hung up after a fairly long and not particularly helpful call. In reviewing why I would call the manufacturer, I suddenly had the thought that the serial number on the bottom of the laptop might be different, and sure enough it was and activation worked. It might not be an everyday occurrence but Microsoft had enough information to solve the mystery for me, but I don't believe asked enough questions to ascertain why I might be using an OEM serial.
I guess all ended well, but frankly I've had a better experience with one of those guys who rings up and says there is a problem with my Windows Operating System. Those scammer guys always seem to be great customer service manner and infinite patience, well until about half an hour in when you decline to let them take control of your PC. Have a nice day I always say.
