How to get Vista even if you can't register in time

Windows Vista delays continue to concern consumers

Dinah Greek, Computeract!ve 14 Mar 2007

Consumers need not lose out if they are unable to register for their free Windows Vista upgrade before the offer ends.

For most people, this free upgrade to Microsoft's new operating system was the hook to buy a new PC for Christmas, rather than hang on until Vista was launched at the end of January.

However, thousands of people have had serious problems trying to register for the upgrade. The websites either crash, emails go unanswered or, even more worrying, the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity is not recognised.

One reader said after he had registered he was asked to pay £69.13 for the privilege - £12.03 shipping charge, and £57.10 inc VAT for the DVD. He refused but this puts him to the back of the queue again and he must try to re-register all over again.

With the cut-off date for registering now looming - for most this date is 31 March 2007 - readers have written to us, concerned that they will not be able to register in time.

Trading Standards has told us this shouldn't be an issue if people keep records.

Richard Webb, of Oxfordshire Trading Standards, said to keep copies of all emails that have been sent to the retailer or distributor - for most people this will be Moduslink.

Also keep a record of phone calls and most importantly, make screen grabs of failed registration attempts.

Armed with this proof, people who have been unable to register in time because of technical glitches outside their control should be able to demand that the retailer honours their upgrade.

Because the situation could be complex it is not clear who the claim will be against. It will most probably be the retailer, but it could be the distributor if it was at fault for not handling the registration. If unsure, people should contact their local Trading Standards office for advice said Webb.

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