"Bonus Packs"

The following is a letter slightly modified for three different recipients:

I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night downloading a plug-in
that lets my Vista machine (a Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC bought in
August) see my three other Windows XP machines. While there, I found that I'm
eligible for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff.*(see below) In particular, because I
bought a notebook PC from one of the authorized PC builders (HP and/or
MicroCenter) between 01/2007 and 10/2007 and because that PC came with Vista
Home Premium installed, I qualified for either a Kingston 2GB flash drive or
Artec's New USB 2.0 Mini Digital ATSC Receiver. I found this offer at
http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/. Somewhat excitedly, I attempted to redeem
my Artec HDTV Tuner. Unfortunately, I ultimately was informed that I DIDN’T
qualify, even though their own description of eligibility made me one. In any
case, I was directed to contact the authorized PC Builder. Tonight, I stopped
by my local MicroCenter store. They have taken the position that they are
not, in this case, the “PC Builder�, just the retailer of the “PC Builder�
(HP).
Here’s what Microsoft had to say:
You have been directed to this page because the system you are using has
failed to meet the eligibility requirements of the BONUS PACK Offer(s) you
are attempting to redeem.

To be eligible for BONUS PACK offers, the system you are using must meet the
following requirements:
The system you are using must have been purchased in the United States
with a genuine United States Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Ultimate, Microsoft
Windows Vista Business, or Microsoft Windows® Vista Home Premium operating
system or Microsoft Office® Professional 2007 or Microsoft Office Small
Business 2007 pre-installed by an eligible system builder.
The BONUS PACK promotion is only open to computer systems purchased from
system builder channels and excludes systems purchased from major computer
manufacturers (OEMs), or those purchased as part of a volume license
agreement.
BONUS PACK offers can only be redeemed from within the United States.
The system you are using must have been purchased or activated within the
promotion period, and the BONUS PACK offers must be redeemed by a specific
date. Please see the terms and conditions for more information:
http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_terms.aspx
For a list of eligible products and a full list of terms and conditions
relevant to validation of your system purchase, please see:
http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_eligible.aspx
If you feel you have reached this message in error, our support team can
help. Email based support for technical problems related to eligibility is
available at no charge and most support requests receive a response within
one business day. Follow the steps below to submit your request.
Run the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool. This tool will generate
a summary of your computer’s settings and system details that will aid the
support team in the troubleshooting process.
Click the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool link
Click Run when prompted.
Click Continue. The tool will scan your computer and display your results.
Click Copy to copy your results to clipboard.
Open a new Web browser and go to the Support Forum
Click New Thread to create a new message
Position the cursor in body of the message and click Paste. The results
are pasted in the message.
Click Post to post the message to the support forum.

Obviously, I had validated my copy of Windows several times. As I said, I
had to download the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder (KB922120)
which necessitated a validation.
I talked to a HP tech support person (in a live chat) tonight and described
the problem. I was left even more confused. Here is a partial transcript:
Robert Brodis
I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night and found that I'm
eligble for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff. I tried to redeem stuff for the OS
and Microsoft said I didn't qualify. I wish I could straighten this out.
Correction: I wish YOU could straighten this out.

Salene
May I know the Product number of the Notebook?

Robert Brodis
Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC
S/N: **********

Salene
The product number looks like EH463UA.

Robert Brodis
No, I'm just describing what's on my receipt, the box and the computer
itself. you can look up the offer at http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/

Robert Brodis
The same thing is described when I open Start|Computer|Properites

Salene
Robert, are you referring to the rebate on this Notebook?

Salene
Are you online with me?

Robert Brodis
actually, Windows shows: Presario 500 (GF596UA#ABA). No. Please. If you
are able, go to the above site. If not able, tell me and I will find a way
of copying the info.

Salene
Robert, the web site which you have provided is related to the Microsoft,
I am afraid we do not have the information about "Bonus Pack". I suggest
you to contact Microsoft for more information.

Robert Brodis
I did. THEY say to contact the authorized PC Builder.

Salene
As our domain of support is limited to provide technical software
troubleshooting via Chat. The nature of this issue are handled by our
rebate support technicians.

Salene
In our efforts to serve you better, we have set up a special toll-free
Rebate Fulfillment Hotline. For information on HP's mail-in
offers/rebates and promotions, please call us at 888-385-5410 (U.S.)
between 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. MST (Mountain Standard Time), Monday through
Friday.

Before I contact the Rebate Fulfillment Hotline, I wanted to cover my bases
in writing. It’s going to be hell trying to explain this to someone without
pointing them to the website.
Please don’t write back to tell me that it’s MicroCenter’s problem because I
bought it from there or HP's Problem because it's their computer and they
loaded it with Windows. Skip me and work it out with each other and then
contact me with the settled solution. I might remind you that this is a
“limited time offer�. I’m going to take this issue up with the corporate
offices of MicroCenter. I’ve dealt with them before and have both a phone
number and an email address. I’ll try to spread this issue over as many
Microsoft sites and support boards as I can. I’m starting at the "email tech
support" level at HP to see what kind of response I get. It may be something
as simple as "something is preventing Microsoft from validating Vista",
although I can't imagine how.


*Terms and Conditions for BONUS PACK offer
Supplies are limited. Offer available to customers who purchase a genuine
United States Windows® Vista Ultimate, Windows® Vista Home Premium, Windows®
Vista Business operating system, or Office Professional 2007, or Office Small
Business 2007 in the United States from approved system builder channels
January 30, 2007 through October 24, 2007 and has validated the software
using the Windows Genuine Advantage or Office Genuine Advantage programs. In
order to be eligible for BONUS PACKs, the operating system and Office system
must have one of the eligible part numbers or have been purchased from one of
the eligible PC builders. See the eligibility page for a complete list of
eligible part numbers and PC builders.

Redemption of BONUS PACK is available beginning January 30, 2007. Offer
excludes systems purchased from major computer manufacturers (OEMs), and
those purchased as part of a volume license agreement and those purchasers
redeeming outside of the United States. Limit one offer per operating system
or Office 2007 system purchased. Offer must be redeemed by customer by
December 8, 2007, in the United States. Microsoft is not responsible for
fulfillment of the offers. Companies providing the services and/or products
are solely responsible for fulfilling the BONUS PACKs.

Value of the BONUS PACK varies depending upon version of Windows Vista
operating system and Office 2007 acquired.

There may be shipping, handling and taxes on some of the products or
services offered in the BONUS PACK.

System Builders are not authorized to redeem BONUS PACKs on behalf of their
end customers or for the System Builders own personal or business use. BONUS
PACKs are to be redeemed by end customers only and are for the use of end
customers only.


Sorry for the exhaustive length. I just want to know if I qualify and if so,
how can I go about getting this bonus thing?

"from approved system builder channels"
"Offer excludes systems purchased from major computer manufacturers
(OEMs)"
I think you will find there is a difference between a"System Builder"
and an OEM that is a "major computer manufacturers".
Compaq/HP definitely fall into the 2nd.

The store you purchased may not be a System Builder.
Even if they are, the computer was not built by them.

From your description, it seems your computer purchase does not
qualify.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Brutus1" <> wrote in message
news:2811115E-65AF-48B3-89A6-...
> The following is a letter slightly modified for three different
> recipients:
>
> I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night downloading a
> plug-in
> that lets my Vista machine (a Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC
> bought in
> August) see my three other Windows XP machines. While there, I found
> that I'm
> eligible for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff.*(see below) In particular,
> because I
> bought a notebook PC from one of the authorized PC builders (HP
> and/or
> MicroCenter) between 01/2007 and 10/2007 and because that PC came
> with Vista
> Home Premium installed, I qualified for either a Kingston 2GB flash
> drive or
> Artec's New USB 2.0 Mini Digital ATSC Receiver. I found this offer
> at
> http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/. Somewhat excitedly, I attempted
> to redeem
> my Artec HDTV Tuner. Unfortunately, I ultimately was informed that I
> DIDN’T
> qualify, even though their own description of eligibility made me
> one. In any
> case, I was directed to contact the authorized PC Builder. Tonight,
> I stopped
> by my local MicroCenter store. They have taken the position that
> they are
> not, in this case, the “PC Builder�, just the retailer of the “PC
> Builder�
> (HP).
> Here’s what Microsoft had to say:
> You have been directed to this page because the system you are using
> has
> failed to meet the eligibility requirements of the BONUS PACK
> Offer(s) you
> are attempting to redeem.
>
> To be eligible for BONUS PACK offers, the system you are using must
> meet the
> following requirements:
> The system you are using must have been purchased in the United
> States
> with a genuine United States Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Ultimate,
> Microsoft
> Windows Vista Business, or Microsoft Windows® Vista Home Premium
> operating
> system or Microsoft Office® Professional 2007 or Microsoft Office
> Small
> Business 2007 pre-installed by an eligible system builder.
> The BONUS PACK promotion is only open to computer systems purchased
> from
> system builder channels and excludes systems purchased from major
> computer
> manufacturers (OEMs), or those purchased as part of a volume license
> agreement.
> BONUS PACK offers can only be redeemed from within the United
> States.
> The system you are using must have been purchased or activated
> within the
> promotion period, and the BONUS PACK offers must be redeemed by a
> specific
> date. Please see the terms and conditions for more information:
> http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_terms.aspx
> For a list of eligible products and a full list of terms and
> conditions
> relevant to validation of your system purchase, please see:
> http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_eligible.aspx
> If you feel you have reached this message in error, our support team
> can
> help. Email based support for technical problems related to
> eligibility is
> available at no charge and most support requests receive a response
> within
> one business day. Follow the steps below to submit your request.
> Run the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool. This tool will
> generate
> a summary of your computer’s settings and system details that will
> aid the
> support team in the troubleshooting process.
> Click the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool link
> Click Run when prompted.
> Click Continue. The tool will scan your computer and display your
> results.
> Click Copy to copy your results to clipboard.
> Open a new Web browser and go to the Support Forum
> Click New Thread to create a new message
> Position the cursor in body of the message and click Paste. The
> results
> are pasted in the message.
> Click Post to post the message to the support forum.
>
> Obviously, I had validated my copy of Windows several times. As I
> said, I
> had to download the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder
> (KB922120)
> which necessitated a validation.
> I talked to a HP tech support person (in a live chat) tonight and
> described
> the problem. I was left even more confused. Here is a partial
> transcript:
> Robert Brodis
> I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night and found that
> I'm
> eligble for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff. I tried to redeem stuff for the
> OS
> and Microsoft said I didn't qualify. I wish I could straighten this
> out.
> Correction: I wish YOU could straighten this out.
>
> Salene
> May I know the Product number of the Notebook?
>
> Robert Brodis
> Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC
> S/N: **********
>
> Salene
> The product number looks like EH463UA.
>
> Robert Brodis
> No, I'm just describing what's on my receipt, the box and the
> computer
> itself. you can look up the offer at
> http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/
>
> Robert Brodis
> The same thing is described when I open Start|Computer|Properites
>
> Salene
> Robert, are you referring to the rebate on this Notebook?
>
> Salene
> Are you online with me?
>
> Robert Brodis
> actually, Windows shows: Presario 500 (GF596UA#ABA). No. Please. If
> you
> are able, go to the above site. If not able, tell me and I will find
> a way
> of copying the info.
>
> Salene
> Robert, the web site which you have provided is related to the
> Microsoft,
> I am afraid we do not have the information about "Bonus Pack". I
> suggest
> you to contact Microsoft for more information.
>
> Robert Brodis
> I did. THEY say to contact the authorized PC Builder.
>
> Salene
> As our domain of support is limited to provide technical software
> troubleshooting via Chat. The nature of this issue are handled by
> our
> rebate support technicians.
>
> Salene
> In our efforts to serve you better, we have set up a special
> toll-free
> Rebate Fulfillment Hotline. For information on HP's mail-in
> offers/rebates and promotions, please call us at 888-385-5410 (U.S.)
> between 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. MST (Mountain Standard Time), Monday
> through
> Friday.
>
> Before I contact the Rebate Fulfillment Hotline, I wanted to cover
> my bases
> in writing. It’s going to be hell trying to explain this to someone
> without
> pointing them to the website.
> Please don’t write back to tell me that it’s MicroCenter’s problem
> because I
> bought it from there or HP's Problem because it's their computer and
> they
> loaded it with Windows. Skip me and work it out with each other and
> then
> contact me with the settled solution. I might remind you that this
> is a
> “limited time offer�. I’m going to take this issue up with the
> corporate
> offices of MicroCenter. I’ve dealt with them before and have both a
> phone
> number and an email address. I’ll try to spread this issue over as
> many
> Microsoft sites and support boards as I can. I’m starting at the
> "email tech
> support" level at HP to see what kind of response I get. It may be
> something
> as simple as "something is preventing Microsoft from validating
> Vista",
> although I can't imagine how.
>
>
> *Terms and Conditions for BONUS PACK offer
> Supplies are limited. Offer available to customers who purchase a
> genuine
> United States Windows® Vista Ultimate, Windows® Vista Home Premium,
> Windows®
> Vista Business operating system, or Office Professional 2007, or
> Office Small
> Business 2007 in the United States from approved system builder
> channels
> January 30, 2007 through October 24, 2007 and has validated the
> software
> using the Windows Genuine Advantage or Office Genuine Advantage
> programs. In
> order to be eligible for BONUS PACKs, the operating system and
> Office system
> must have one of the eligible part numbers or have been purchased
> from one of
> the eligible PC builders. See the eligibility page for a complete
> list of
> eligible part numbers and PC builders.
>
> Redemption of BONUS PACK is available beginning January 30, 2007.
> Offer
> excludes systems purchased from major computer manufacturers (OEMs),
> and
> those purchased as part of a volume license agreement and those
> purchasers
> redeeming outside of the United States. Limit one offer per
> operating system
> or Office 2007 system purchased. Offer must be redeemed by customer
> by
> December 8, 2007, in the United States. Microsoft is not responsible
> for
> fulfillment of the offers. Companies providing the services and/or
> products
> are solely responsible for fulfilling the BONUS PACKs.
>
> Value of the BONUS PACK varies depending upon version of Windows
> Vista
> operating system and Office 2007 acquired.
>
> There may be shipping, handling and taxes on some of the products or
> services offered in the BONUS PACK.
>
> System Builders are not authorized to redeem BONUS PACKs on behalf
> of their
> end customers or for the System Builders own personal or business
> use. BONUS
> PACKs are to be redeemed by end customers only and are for the use
> of end
> customers only.
>
>
> Sorry for the exhaustive length. I just want to know if I qualify
> and if so,
> how can I go about getting this bonus thing?

A local PC builder is a local or regional business that builds and sells PCs.

Do Dell, Gateway, and other major computer manufacturers (OEMs)
qualify as local PC builders for this offer?

No. The BONUS PACK offer excludes Windows Vista and Office system
products intended for major computer manufacturers (OEMs).

Bonus Pack FAQ: http://www.localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_faq.aspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Brutus1"wrote:

The following is a letter slightly modified for three different recipients:

I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night downloading a plug-in
that lets my Vista machine (a Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC bought in
August) see my three other Windows XP machines. While there, I found that I'm
eligible for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff.*(see below) In particular, because I
bought a notebook PC from one of the authorized PC builders (HP and/or
MicroCenter) between 01/2007 and 10/2007 and because that PC came with Vista
Home Premium installed, I qualified for either a Kingston 2GB flash drive or
Artec's New USB 2.0 Mini Digital ATSC Receiver. I found this offer at
http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/. Somewhat excitedly, I attempted to redeem
my Artec HDTV Tuner. Unfortunately, I ultimately was informed that I DIDN’T
qualify, even though their own description of eligibility made me one. In any
case, I was directed to contact the authorized PC Builder. Tonight, I stopped
by my local MicroCenter store. They have taken the position that they are
not, in this case, the “PC Builder�, just the retailer of the “PC Builder�
(HP).
Here’s what Microsoft had to say:
You have been directed to this page because the system you are using has
failed to meet the eligibility requirements of the BONUS PACK Offer(s) you
are attempting to redeem.

To be eligible for BONUS PACK offers, the system you are using must meet the
following requirements:
The system you are using must have been purchased in the United States
with a genuine United States Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Ultimate, Microsoft
Windows Vista Business, or Microsoft Windows® Vista Home Premium operating
system or Microsoft Office® Professional 2007 or Microsoft Office Small
Business 2007 pre-installed by an eligible system builder.
The BONUS PACK promotion is only open to computer systems purchased from
system builder channels and excludes systems purchased from major computer
manufacturers (OEMs), or those purchased as part of a volume license
agreement.
BONUS PACK offers can only be redeemed from within the United States.
The system you are using must have been purchased or activated within the
promotion period, and the BONUS PACK offers must be redeemed by a specific
date. Please see the terms and conditions for more information:
http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_terms.aspx
For a list of eligible products and a full list of terms and conditions
relevant to validation of your system purchase, please see:
http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_eligible.aspx
If you feel you have reached this message in error, our support team can
help. Email based support for technical problems related to eligibility is
available at no charge and most support requests receive a response within
one business day. Follow the steps below to submit your request.
Run the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool. This tool will generate
a summary of your computer’s settings and system details that will aid the
support team in the troubleshooting process.
Click the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool link
Click Run when prompted.
Click Continue. The tool will scan your computer and display your results.
Click Copy to copy your results to clipboard.
Open a new Web browser and go to the Support Forum
Click New Thread to create a new message
Position the cursor in body of the message and click Paste. The results
are pasted in the message.
Click Post to post the message to the support forum.

Obviously, I had validated my copy of Windows several times. As I said, I
had to download the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder (KB922120)
which necessitated a validation.
I talked to a HP tech support person (in a live chat) tonight and described
the problem. I was left even more confused. Here is a partial transcript:
Robert Brodis
I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night and found that I'm
eligble for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff. I tried to redeem stuff for the OS
and Microsoft said I didn't qualify. I wish I could straighten this out.
Correction: I wish YOU could straighten this out.

Salene
May I know the Product number of the Notebook?

Robert Brodis
Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC
S/N: **********

Salene
The product number looks like EH463UA.

Robert Brodis
No, I'm just describing what's on my receipt, the box and the computer
itself. you can look up the offer at http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/

Robert Brodis
The same thing is described when I open Start|Computer|Properites

Salene
Robert, are you referring to the rebate on this Notebook?

Salene
Are you online with me?

Robert Brodis
actually, Windows shows: Presario 500 (GF596UA#ABA). No. Please. If you
are able, go to the above site. If not able, tell me and I will find a way
of copying the info.

Salene
Robert, the web site which you have provided is related to the Microsoft,
I am afraid we do not have the information about "Bonus Pack". I suggest
you to contact Microsoft for more information.

Robert Brodis
I did. THEY say to contact the authorized PC Builder.

Salene
As our domain of support is limited to provide technical software
troubleshooting via Chat. The nature of this issue are handled by our
rebate support technicians.

Salene
In our efforts to serve you better, we have set up a special toll-free
Rebate Fulfillment Hotline. For information on HP's mail-in
offers/rebates and promotions, please call us at 888-385-5410 (U.S.)
between 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. MST (Mountain Standard Time), Monday through
Friday.

Before I contact the Rebate Fulfillment Hotline, I wanted to cover my bases
in writing. It’s going to be hell trying to explain this to someone without
pointing them to the website.
Please don’t write back to tell me that it’s MicroCenter’s problem because I
bought it from there or HP's Problem because it's their computer and they
loaded it with Windows. Skip me and work it out with each other and then
contact me with the settled solution. I might remind you that this is a
“limited time offer�. I’m going to take this issue up with the corporate
offices of MicroCenter. I’ve dealt with them before and have both a phone
number and an email address. I’ll try to spread this issue over as many
Microsoft sites and support boards as I can. I’m starting at the "email tech
support" level at HP to see what kind of response I get. It may be something
as simple as "something is preventing Microsoft from validating Vista",
although I can't imagine how.


*Terms and Conditions for BONUS PACK offer
Supplies are limited. Offer available to customers who purchase a genuine
United States Windows® Vista Ultimate, Windows® Vista Home Premium, Windows®
Vista Business operating system, or Office Professional 2007, or Office Small
Business 2007 in the United States from approved system builder channels
January 30, 2007 through October 24, 2007 and has validated the software
using the Windows Genuine Advantage or Office Genuine Advantage programs. In
order to be eligible for BONUS PACKs, the operating system and Office system
must have one of the eligible part numbers or have been purchased from one of
the eligible PC builders. See the eligibility page for a complete list of
eligible part numbers and PC builders.

Redemption of BONUS PACK is available beginning January 30, 2007. Offer
excludes systems purchased from major computer manufacturers (OEMs), and
those purchased as part of a volume license agreement and those purchasers
redeeming outside of the United States. Limit one offer per operating system
or Office 2007 system purchased. Offer must be redeemed by customer by
December 8, 2007, in the United States. Microsoft is not responsible for
fulfillment of the offers. Companies providing the services and/or products
are solely responsible for fulfilling the BONUS PACKs.

Value of the BONUS PACK varies depending upon version of Windows Vista
operating system and Office 2007 acquired.

There may be shipping, handling and taxes on some of the products or
services offered in the BONUS PACK.

System Builders are not authorized to redeem BONUS PACKs on behalf of their
end customers or for the System Builders own personal or business use. BONUS
PACKs are to be redeemed by end customers only and are for the use of end
customers only.


Sorry for the exhaustive length. I just want to know if I qualify and if so,
how can I go about getting this bonus thing?

Thank you! I was confused and didn't understand the requirements. Curiously,
MicroCenter (the store where I bought the notebook) is listed as a PC
Biulder, but I guess I' have to buy one of their "built" PCs to invoke them.
My guess is that I'm not going to be alone in having trouble with this
promotion. [SIGH] Oh well, I tried. Thanks again.

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:

> A local PC builder is a local or regional business that builds and sells PCs.
>
> Do Dell, Gateway, and other major computer manufacturers (OEMs)
> qualify as local PC builders for this offer?
>
> No. The BONUS PACK offer excludes Windows Vista and Office system
> products intended for major computer manufacturers (OEMs).
>
> Bonus Pack FAQ: http://www.localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_faq.aspx
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Shell/User
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "Brutus1"wrote:
>
> The following is a letter slightly modified for three different recipients:
>
> I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night downloading a plug-in
> that lets my Vista machine (a Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC bought in
> August) see my three other Windows XP machines. While there, I found that I'm
> eligible for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff.*(see below) In particular, because I
> bought a notebook PC from one of the authorized PC builders (HP and/or
> MicroCenter) between 01/2007 and 10/2007 and because that PC came with Vista
> Home Premium installed, I qualified for either a Kingston 2GB flash drive or
> Artec's New USB 2.0 Mini Digital ATSC Receiver. I found this offer at
> http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/. Somewhat excitedly, I attempted to redeem
> my Artec HDTV Tuner. Unfortunately, I ultimately was informed that I DIDN’T
> qualify, even though their own description of eligibility made me one. In any
> case, I was directed to contact the authorized PC Builder. Tonight, I stopped
> by my local MicroCenter store. They have taken the position that they are
> not, in this case, the “PC Builder�, just the retailer of the “PC Builder�
> (HP).
> Here’s what Microsoft had to say:
> You have been directed to this page because the system you are using has
> failed to meet the eligibility requirements of the BONUS PACK Offer(s) you
> are attempting to redeem.
>
> To be eligible for BONUS PACK offers, the system you are using must meet the
> following requirements:
> The system you are using must have been purchased in the United States
> with a genuine United States Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Ultimate, Microsoft
> Windows Vista Business, or Microsoft Windows® Vista Home Premium operating
> system or Microsoft Office® Professional 2007 or Microsoft Office Small
> Business 2007 pre-installed by an eligible system builder.
> The BONUS PACK promotion is only open to computer systems purchased from
> system builder channels and excludes systems purchased from major computer
> manufacturers (OEMs), or those purchased as part of a volume license
> agreement.
> BONUS PACK offers can only be redeemed from within the United States.
> The system you are using must have been purchased or activated within the
> promotion period, and the BONUS PACK offers must be redeemed by a specific
> date. Please see the terms and conditions for more information:
> http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_terms.aspx
> For a list of eligible products and a full list of terms and conditions
> relevant to validation of your system purchase, please see:
> http://localpcbuilder.com/buylocal_eligible.aspx
> If you feel you have reached this message in error, our support team can
> help. Email based support for technical problems related to eligibility is
> available at no charge and most support requests receive a response within
> one business day. Follow the steps below to submit your request.
> Run the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool. This tool will generate
> a summary of your computer’s settings and system details that will aid the
> support team in the troubleshooting process.
> Click the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool link
> Click Run when prompted.
> Click Continue. The tool will scan your computer and display your results.
> Click Copy to copy your results to clipboard.
> Open a new Web browser and go to the Support Forum
> Click New Thread to create a new message
> Position the cursor in body of the message and click Paste. The results
> are pasted in the message.
> Click Post to post the message to the support forum.
>
> Obviously, I had validated my copy of Windows several times. As I said, I
> had to download the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder (KB922120)
> which necessitated a validation.
> I talked to a HP tech support person (in a live chat) tonight and described
> the problem. I was left even more confused. Here is a partial transcript:
> Robert Brodis
> I was looking on the Microsoft.com site last night and found that I'm
> eligble for some 'Bonus Pack' stuff. I tried to redeem stuff for the OS
> and Microsoft said I didn't qualify. I wish I could straighten this out.
> Correction: I wish YOU could straighten this out.
>
> Salene
> May I know the Product number of the Notebook?
>
> Robert Brodis
> Compaq Presario F572US Notebook PC
> S/N: **********
>
> Salene
> The product number looks like EH463UA.
>
> Robert Brodis
> No, I'm just describing what's on my receipt, the box and the computer
> itself. you can look up the offer at http://localpcbuilder.com/offers/
>
> Robert Brodis
> The same thing is described when I open Start|Computer|Properites
>
> Salene
> Robert, are you referring to the rebate on this Notebook?
>
> Salene
> Are you online with me?
>
> Robert Brodis
> actually, Windows shows: Presario 500 (GF596UA#ABA). No. Please. If you
> are able, go to the above site. If not able, tell me and I will find a way
> of copying the info.
>
> Salene
> Robert, the web site which you have provided is related to the Microsoft,
> I am afraid we do not have the information about "Bonus Pack". I suggest
> you to contact Microsoft for more information.
>
> Robert Brodis
> I did. THEY say to contact the authorized PC Builder.
>
> Salene
> As our domain of support is limited to provide technical software
> troubleshooting via Chat. The nature of this issue are handled by our
> rebate support technicians.
>
> Salene
> In our efforts to serve you better, we have set up a special toll-free
> Rebate Fulfillment Hotline. For information on HP's mail-in
> offers/rebates and promotions, please call us at 888-385-5410 (U.S.)
> between 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. MST (Mountain Standard Time), Monday through
> Friday.
>
> Before I contact the Rebate Fulfillment Hotline, I wanted to cover my bases
> in writing. It’s going to be hell trying to explain this to someone without
> pointing them to the website.
> Please don’t write back to tell me that it’s MicroCenter’s problem because I
> bought it from there or HP's Problem because it's their computer and they
> loaded it with Windows. Skip me and work it out with each other and then
> contact me with the settled solution. I might remind you that this is a
> “limited time offer�. I’m going to take this issue up with the corporate
> offices of MicroCenter. I’ve dealt with them before and have both a phone
> number and an email address. I’ll try to spread this issue over as many
> Microsoft sites and support boards as I can. I’m starting at the "email tech
> support" level at HP to see what kind of response I get. It may be something
> as simple as "something is preventing Microsoft from validating Vista",
> although I can't imagine how.
>
>
> *Terms and Conditions for BONUS PACK offer
> Supplies are limited. Offer available to customers who purchase a genuine
> United States Windows® Vista Ultimate, Windows® Vista Home Premium, Windows®
> Vista Business operating system, or Office Professional 2007, or Office Small
> Business 2007 in the United States from approved system builder channels
> January 30, 2007 through October 24, 2007 and has validated the software
> using the Windows Genuine Advantage or Office Genuine Advantage programs. In
> order to be eligible for BONUS PACKs, the operating system and Office system
> must have one of the eligible part numbers or have been purchased from one of
> the eligible PC builders. See the eligibility page for a complete list of
> eligible part numbers and PC builders.
>
> Redemption of BONUS PACK is available beginning January 30, 2007. Offer
> excludes systems purchased from major computer manufacturers (OEMs), and
> those purchased as part of a volume license agreement and those purchasers
> redeeming outside of the United States. Limit one offer per operating system
> or Office 2007 system purchased. Offer must be redeemed by customer by
> December 8, 2007, in the United States. Microsoft is not responsible for
> fulfillment of the offers. Companies providing the services and/or products
> are solely responsible for fulfilling the BONUS PACKs.
>
> Value of the BONUS PACK varies depending upon version of Windows Vista
> operating system and Office 2007 acquired.
>
> There may be shipping, handling and taxes on some of the products or
> services offered in the BONUS PACK.
>
> System Builders are not authorized to redeem BONUS PACKs on behalf of their
> end customers or for the System Builders own personal or business use. BONUS
> PACKs are to be redeemed by end customers only and are for the use of end
> customers only.
>
>
> Sorry for the exhaustive length. I just want to know if I qualify and if so,
> how can I go about getting this bonus thing?
>