THE Vista Express Upgrade Thread

WTF? I've been trying for a week to check my status and I always get the same message from their site:

An unrecoverable error has occured, please try again later.

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

Update! I just tried with Firefox instead of IE and it worked! grrrrrrrr

The good thing is that is says:

Order Status : POP/COA validated
Shipping Date :
Carrier : Standard

So I guess I just have to wait for shipment now

 

There seems to be a lot of doubt, confusion and anxiety about the Vista upgrade process. I have submitted several upgrade submissions , so here are my experiences with the upgrade process in summary form.

What do the Order Status modes mean?
Order is approved - My first upgrade reported this the whole time and never changed. I received the upgrade disc maybe 4 weeks after submitting all information via email and its still listed as 'Order is approved'.

COA validated - This means that the Certificate Of Authenticity code you provided has been verified and all that remains to complete the submission is your POP (Proof of purchase) needs to be verified. You need to provide a scan of the filled in redemption form, Tax Invoice and EFTPOS docket if you got one. I had my second upgrade stay in this state two weeks after faxing the info, then I sent it via email and it reached the next state after two days. I dont know what happened with the faxed information.

POP/COA validated - This means all the information you needed to supply has been received and verified and your order is queued for delivery.

How long until I get my upgrade software?
The support person I called said May / June. I got it a few days later (early Feb). There is no guaranteed time frame for delivery. There are a number versions (basic, premium, business, 32 bit, 64 bit, N versions etc.) and each may be either in stock or not, if they are in stock then it might take a few days to ship after reaching POP/COA Validated. If your particular version is waiting for stock to arrive then it will take longer. Remember that many many people are upgrading worldwide and demand for the upgrades is very high, so supply may not meet demand for some or all products, and delays may occur for some versions and not others.

What is the quickest way to get your order processed?
Scan your documents and email them. It worked quickest in all cases for me. Make sure the scans are clear and legible. Include the order number in the subject line and in the email so they know which upgrade order this documentation refers to.

What do you get when it arrives?
In Australia I received an air freight envelope. Inside was a clear clamshell case (like a DVD case), with a color printed booklet with product information clipped into the front of the case. The software comes on a single DVD with a nice hologram surface, and there is a Certificate of Authenticity stuck to the back of the case with the product key on it. It seemed well presented to me and it feels like it is worth something, I guess I was expecting a paper sleeve with a disc.

Note the following:
1) The upgrade product key, unlike the retail software, is apparently locked to the motherboard of the computer you install to. If you try to change the motherboard or try to migrate to another PC later, I dont believe Microsoft authenticate you. This is hearsay and I cannot confirm through experience. There are comments by others that you can tell them your motherboard died and theres really no way they can dispute it. Just be aware.

2) You dont need to have a previous operating system installed, despite the fact that its an upgrade. There is a workaround so that you effectively get a clean install. Read about it here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=102448

Hope this helps answer your questions.
RogerRamjet

 

how can you received it so fast? Window Vista just released not even 3 weeks????
can you show us the picture?

 

sweet there is hope for me yet. after stuffing my first order up, my 2nd one has changed to pop/coa validated.

I know I 'm getting my other free Vista, office, 1care in about 2 weeks (won them).


I'm in New Zealand btw.


Insane

 

how can you received it so fast? Window Vista just released not even 3 weeks????
I dont know, the guy from moduslink told me May/June then it just arrived out of the blue. I was surprised but Im not complaining. I submitted the redemption form on the 18th Jan, so it took about 3 weeks from the time it was submitted.

can you show us the picture?
What picture?

 

the cd/dvd that your recieved!! cheers

 

This upgrade program is the buggiest thing I've ever seen. We'll be lucky if half of us get our upgrades. Most of the time their website just poops out.

And all this to get an OS that I'm not even convinced is actually an "upgrade".

 

lol
i'm having my doubts too... :S

 

My order status just changed

it is now:

So it went from late March to sometime else? Whats wrong with this company?

 

Interesting article over at the reg about this "Express" Upgrade

http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2007/02/16/redeem_this_bill/

 

Another interesting development...
I just received the following e-mail:

Dear Valued Microsoft Windows Vista Customers:

The website on which you placed an order for an upgrade to Windows Vista for your Microsoft Product experienced a technical problem whereby your estimated tax due was overstated. Your credit card has not been charged. The corrected amount, plus any applicable local taxes, will be charged to your credit card when ModusLink ships Microsoft Windows Vista to you.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the fulfillment center directly at [email protected].

We apologize for any potential confusion and look forward to fulfilling your order.


Sincerely yours,
The Upgrade Redemption Center

Oh, and my status is still stuck at "COA validated"...

 

My email:

Hello it has been 2 weeks since I faxed my proof of purchase with
order number to your fax line. I was present when the fax sent and
completed so I know it has been received.

This delay is getting longer than necessary in updating my order
status, currently the POP has not been validated and I would like to
know why.

Thank you



The response:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your interest in the Upgrade Redemption Program.
Sorry but we had to reset your coa #, microsoft has not validated
your coa, so it has been reset. so please restart your order..

Regards,

Upgrade Redemption Center

VS-Lost Order
Dear Customer,

Thank you for your interest in the Upgrade Redemption Program.

We are currently unable to locate your order, please verify your
order number and include your name and Certificate of Authenticity
number. The location of the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker
may vary between manufacturers. The COA Number can be found on the
sticker near a barcode. It is a 14-digit number, usually beginning
with three zeros, in the following format: 00000-000-000-000. Then
email [email protected] with the information requested.

 

My COA/POP was validated a couple of days ago and was just wondering how long it is going to take to get to shipped status? Should I just keep pestering them with emails telling them to hurry up or I'll report 'em to Office Of Fair Trading (Australian thing) due to the fact that they have misleaded me due to it being an express upgrade?

 

One of mine has been like that for a couple of weeks. It depends how much stock there is for the version you are waiting on and how much demand there is for it.

Dont bother with the threats, they would laugh themselves sick, for so many reasons:
1) The facility handling the upgrades is not even in Australia, so OOFT would have no power over them.
2) 'Express' can mean anything to anyone. Moduslink might consider 'express' to mean 'within twelve months', and who can dispute that?
3) The redemption form says it will take 'approximately 6-8 weeks' from the time the form is received by them. That could mean well into april. Then it says 'this offer is subject to supply and availability' which means we might never ship it at all if we decide not to.

The key is to be patient I guess.

 

Here's the thing with the upgrade. I already have an official 32bit and 64bit Vista DVD that I got for watching a couple of videos about Vista.

The Vista installation media is the same for all the versions, the only thing different about it is the key you use. The key isn't even required during installation, you can pick what edition you want to install if you don't use a key.

So my point is that I don't care if I get the DVD media, I just want my upgrade keys. There should be no availibility issues with that...just email me my keys already!

 

There is an interesting article posted yesterday@thg

UPDATE: Windows Vista Express Upgrades could begin shipping next week
http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/02/22/windows_express_upgrade/

 

ModusLink told TG Daily "Most" Vista Express upgrades confirmed to ship in March
check this out...
http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/02/23/vista_express_upgrade/

 

Please tell me you're joking

 

"Mail: Mail the web confirmation page and a copy of your receipt to:

Technical Upgrade Program
P.O. Box 1918
Orem, UT 84059-1918"

Well i am resending them my invoice since they did not get my first one. = /

But what do they mean when it says web confirmation page? I planned on writing my order number on the invoice that i printed out from newegg. Is that ok?

 

So kenny, have you got your status updated by now??

Just wondering because I'm from Australia too.

Sent my receipt copy by email to the asian department but no response yet.
The system is quite poor after reading everybody's problems with their website.

 

says in the email they sent you. 4-6 weeks.

 

Just to update everybody on my situation...
I received an e-mail today from the NA division, and my POP has finally been validated (after over five weeks). Apparently I should receive the disk within 4-6 weeks.

One new piece of information (at least new to me) is that they have to be notified by May 1 2007 if the order is not received. (June 1 for non-English versions)

 

I just faxed my Invoice to the number early this morning and I was wondering if my Update site should change from COA Verified to anything else. Also should I be looking for a email or anything to verify them receiving my fax?

Thanks

 

You can find from previous posts in this very thread that the final status should be "COA/POP verified" (referring to certificate of authentication and proof of purchase, respectively).
FYI: My status remained as "COA verified" for over 5 weeks after I faxed my POP until finally it changed to "COA/POP verified" a few days ago (when I received an e-mail notifying me to expect receipt within 4-6 weeks). I should note that I faxed my POP a second time and e-mailed it as well after waiting a couple of weeks. So, be patient for a while... I would be very surprised if your status changed today! Try e-mailing the POP if you get fed up with waiting. Remember to note your Vista order number somewhere with your POP.

 

any update so far? everyone still on pop/coa....

 

I have a similar situation to jywc. I mailed my POP back in the last week of January. Finally, about a week ago (~4-5 weeks later), my status changed from COA Validated to POP/COA Validated and I received the same email ("Your validation is now complete...").

For anyone sending any information to Moduslink (ie. Forms, POP, etc.):
From what I've read in this thread, you should include your order number on EVERY individual piece you send. If you're mailing or faxing multiple pages, write the number on each page. If you're emailing, write the order number on the POP before you scan it, and also include the number in the body of the email. It seems that at Moduslink, different pages get separated and sent to different departments to deal with. If a page is given to a department and it doesn't have an order number on it, they obviously can't match it up to you.

I have a question for anyone who has received their copy:
Is it the full version, or an upgrade version? It is possible to make a (fairly) clean install with an upgrade disc, but a full one would be easier. I would expect it to be the full version.

Come on 4-6 weeks!
Andrew

 

Can someone help me? When i get to the confirm order and payment page this is the message they gave me:
"Unable to continue.
Sorry! We're unable to process your payment request. Please try later."

As for my first attempt, it said unable to authorize my CC but when i checked my CC, there an amount posting for it. That amount now disappears so i attempted the second time and it happened as stated above. Has any1 here encountered similar problem?

 

I submitted my POP in the first week of February, and the status on the website showed validated the same day, but I got the validation email just last week. I was wondering whether the 4-6 week delivery period is from the date it got validated or from when I got the email. Anyway, any updates on shipping?

 

Hi! Today my status hanged to

Order Status: Order sent to Back office
Shipping Date: TBD. Check back in 2-3 weeks for more information
Carrier: Standard

Someone known what does it mean " Order sent to Back office"? I'm not English.

I just want to known when they sent to me the f%$%^d FREE CD that I pay extra $60 on HP Online Store for that!

Thanks for A!

 

hmm..that is a very interesting order status..i believe everyone will have the same status very soon...

 

Hello all new to this forum I stumbled across it when searching google for answers with my vista upgrade.. I must say this thread was helpful in finding out I’m not the only one that has had a long wait. As of march 7 though my vista shipped (or so they say) the down side is there saying it could take up to 3 weeks before I get it, seems that’s the standard time there saying.. I did note one oddity the carrier says "MEXP" and for the life of me I can't figure out who or what that is any ideas??

 

I definitely recommend sending your proof of purchase via email. I sent mine via paper mail over a week ago, but to try to speed up the process I re-submitted it via email this morning and about an hour ago I got the POP/COA validated message.

It may be coincidence... but I think not.

 

This is very true, I sent my POP by mail, and nothing for a month. I sent it in by email, the next day it was validated. Definitely send by EMAIL!

 

I checked my status a few minutes ago and it has know changed to "Order Sent to Back Office". I sent them an email asking what it means. If someone here knows I would appreciate it if they post it. I hope its something good.

 

You may read about this status on this forum:

Order sent to back office means there was an error during the validation process and your order needs to be restarted. Your coa has been reset so you may do so if you wish. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you.
Thank you for your interest in the Upgrade Redemption Program.

It appears that we have not received a copy of your Proof Of Purchase (POP); however, due to a large volume of orders, we are experiencing a backlog in processing proofs of purchase.

I have that status and do nothing, and next day my status was changed to:

Order Status: Order is approved
Shipping Date: TBD. Check back in 2-3 weeks for more information

Haha, I think my next status will be "Sorry, sh!t happens" or "COA validated". This is just lottery

It's look like I get Vista when 3D Realms release Dunke Nukem Fornever!

 

Actually, I did read that forum and saw that which made me a bit scared. Thanks for the answer, I now know I would not have to do the whole process. I also got this email from Moduslink:

"Dear Customer,

Thank you for submitting your order to upgrade your Microsoft®
Product.

Your order has been shipped. You should receive your order within 4 to
6 weeks. If you do not receive your order, please contact us via email
<[email protected]> or phone <800-817-5602>.

Regards,
The Upgrade Redemption Center"

Yes!

 

i got the "Order sent to Back office" aswell. this whole upgrade process is a farce.

 

Here is the definition of back office from wikipedia:

"A back office is a part of most corporations where tasks dedicated to running the company itself take place. Examples of back-office tasks include IT departments that keep the phones and computers running, accounting and human resources. In banking the back-office is the heavy weight IT processing systems handling position keeping, clearance and settlement."

I dont exactly see the "back office" as being a shipping department

 

Moduslink is updating their website yet again. Down again. Maybe they are updating databases and shipping orders. *Burst of excitement*. Well lets see what happens they said they will be down for 6 hours.

 

I wouldn't hold your breath

 

LOL! Considering the way things have gone with Moduslink, I wouldn't either.

 

Dear Customer,

It means your for reasons beyond our control, your order has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

If you still wish to receive a Vista upgrade product, please place a new order via one of the following sites:

Acer Customers:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/Acer

Fujitsu Customers:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/Fujitsu

Gateway or Emachines Customers:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/Gateway

HP or Compaq customers:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/HP

Toshiba Customers:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/Toshiba/TAIS

Toshiba Canada Customers:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/Toshiba/Canada

All others:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/default.aspx

Note that your order will be processed at approximately the same time as all other orders for your manufacturer received to date. This issue will not significantly impact the timeframe for delivery.

 

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your interest in the Upgrade Redemption Program.

Your order was sent to the back office to be processed for shipping.

Regards,
The Upgrade Redemption Center

 

Site back up, no updates. Oh well...

 

Site down for mantainance again. This time 3 hours. My hope has come back to me.

 

Nope still no update for me and still stuck on POP/COA validated. You'd think that since this is the 4th week it would have changed by now

 

Once again no change in status. They have been down for 9 hours in the past 24 and they don't seem to have done anything. Hmmm...

 

Mine also says "Order sent to Back office" but I noticed that there is a pending charge on my debit card today from Moduslink. We'll see if it goes through or if it's another pre-authorization.

 

Apparently, the "Order sent to Back office" status does mean that it has been sent to the shipping department.

 

"Order Status : Order received"

man, i just want it to say shipped