Got the wrong version of Vista...

Well, I received my new HP laptop today and just turned it on and started all the necessary processes before I can start actually using the computer. I noticed that this laptop has Windows Vista Business on it instead of Windows Vista Home Premium like I ordered.

There are a few options I have, and would like to get some opinions. I could keep Business, even though I am a college student and don't really need any business programs that might be on it. I'm not really sure of the differences between the versions, and after looking online, I'm still unclear. My second option would be to try to deal with HP customer support and get them to somehow get me a disc to install Home Premium, which they might not even do.

Or, as a final option, would it just be better for me to upgrade to Ultimate? I thought there was an upgrade option that would save me a lot of money if I did that, but I'm not sure.

Anyways, thanks a lot in advance for your help!

 

Check with your college computer people. You should have access to Ultimate at student prices. You can also try such sites as the www.acedemicsuperstore.com

 

The difference between Business and Home premium is outlined here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx

The most important thing to do if you decide to return windows is to not open the CD and Contact HP ASAP! I am not sure of HP's exact policies, but most vendors do not accept opened software for return, and usually will not even except unopened software after 24 hours. Vista ultimate will give you all the features of each version, and the price is a little higher. If you have the money and are undecided on which version you need, then you might be able to justify it.

edit:
I also forgot to add this: DO NOT ACTIVATE!!!! I am almost positive that you will not be able to return the disc if you activate your copy.

 

That's good advice, but actually, after looking at the System hardware, it looks like I got the wrong laptop altogether. The processor is wrong, Vista is wrong, and the graphics card is wrong too.... I'll post the specs of what I ordered and what I got in a little bit, but I'm pretty sure I got a worse laptop than I ordered.

 

You got the wrong system then for sure...

 

Better give HP a friendly call. Hope you ge tthings straightened out.

 

Yeah, so here's what it looks like... I'm about to call HP up.. looks like I got screwed on this order .

This is what I ordered:
* Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
* Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
* 17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
* 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 50% OFF 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS!!
* FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
* Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
* 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
* No TV Tuner w/remote control
* High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* Microsoft(R) Works 9.0

And to the best of my ability, I made this laptop that looks like what I got.. the only thing I'm unsure about is the graphics card (it says "NVIDIA MCP67M" in Device Manage so I'm guessing it's the NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M:
*Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
*AMD Turion(TM) 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-60 (2.0 GHz, 512KB+512KB L2 Cache )
*17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
*3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
*NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M
*Personalization FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint *Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
*Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
*240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
*FREE Upgrade to LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support!!
*8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
*Microsoft(R) Works 9.0

 

Probably just a mix-up, where you got someone else's computer and they got yours.

 

wow... you didn't even get the right model
dv9700t vs 9700z

 

Yeah contact HP and get this straitened out. And ask them to throw in some freebies for there mistakes.

 

Well I'm 40 minutes into my call with customer service and they still don't understand the problem. This is fun! ... ... ... ...

 

lol, ouch! Speaking with supervisors?

 

Ok honestly, they just tried getting me to keep this laptop... they said the only difference was that instead of a 9700t I got a 9700z, and everything inside was the same.

I already checked what's inside and they are clearly not the same. They're trying to get me to keep a $1000 laptop at best when I paid for a $1500 one.

 

You better tell them to transfer you to a case manager. You could also just call the sales section can't you? If not, make them transfer you to a case manager today, not tomorrow or within 72 hours. They will tell you that a case manager will call within that time frame. But don't fall for it. Sometimes it takes a case manager longer. Be firm with them and don't take no for an answer. Tell them that you will call your credit card company to reject the payment or whatever.

 

I freakin' hate HP's stupid service. I feel like they're ripping customers off with outsourcing support somewhere else.

 

Well worst case you can simply send it back to them for a full refund. Wow this is just amazing assuming everything you said is true and accurate (it is the internet after all, sorry for doubting ya). How HP could screw up like this just amazes me. Can their employees at the factory not tell the difference between a T and a Z? LOL, big difference in hardware imho.

I know its frustrating, try and remain polite and insist on speaking with somebody that does not read from a script and can make decisions. Also let us know how it works out.

Good Luck,

-Reby

 

Alright, so that Reby doesn't think I was making all this up, I'll post where I'm at right now, lol.

After about 2 hours with HP customer service I got absolutely nowhere. They said a couple times that they were FILLING OUT THE FORM for a return, and then put me on hold. Each time they came back (this happened 3 times) on they said that "Oh, well sir, the only difference between the 9700t and the 9700z is the different type of processor. You got the right laptop sir, just with a different brand name."

Even if that WAS the case, that doesn't explain why all the hardware inside was different... after trying to explain this three times to 2 underlings and a supervisor, I gave up. Each person tried to tell me the laptop I got was the same as the one I ordered, and each time I told them I'm not stupid, I know what I'm talking about when I say it's different.

Next step was to talk to the credit card company (as I now see sendmarksmail suggested!) just to find out if it was possible for them to deny payment to HP since they offered no return, refund, or exchange. The guy said I definitely had a case, so I thanked him and went for round 2 of HP customer service.

Well, as I was dialing the number I saw that there were 2 packing stickers on the box I got... one was for me in NH and the other was for a guy in ID. The packing list showed all the hardware that I posted on the first page of this thread (looks like I got it all right, lol). Somehow our packages were given 2 packing stickers each, and for some reason they chose to send me this one and the other guy my laptop.

Longer story short, I called FedEx once, no help. Called them back again and all of a sudden they knew what my problem was (amazing how customer service changes between phone calls!). At the moment they are trying to locate my laptop, arrange a pickup, and send it to me. When I get it, I'll send this laptop back to the guy who bought it.

Now the predicament: My laptop (the one I ordered but did not receive) is better than the one the other guy ordered, paid for, but did not receive. Therefore he paid less money for a better laptop, and now the ball is in his court. I dunno if there is any legal obligation for him to send my laptop back with FedEx, I'm just hoping he does the right thing.

Anyways, all that to show Reby that I was not making this up (or if I am I just went through a very elaborate post to keep up this amazing ruse!).

I'm still very disappointed in HP (and this shipping mixup may in fact be their mistake)... they wouldn't admit their mistake and allow for a refund or anything.

 

Wow! What a mess. Funny thing is that I just ordered a new dv9700t and I live in ID! LOL! I hope it all works out for you. And I hope mine doesn't go to the wrong address when it gets shipped.

 

Complete27 my apologies, I did not mean to imply you are a liar its just that on the internet (and life in general) you often only get one side to three sided story. I'm sure you understand what I mean. I know you are upset and I fully understand where you're coming from so please accept my apology if I offended you, it was not my intent.

...But boy oh boy what a cluster *you know what*! I hope it works out for the best in the fastest time possible. We're all rooting for ya!

-Reby

 

Haha Reby, I was being sarcastic when I said I was directing my post to you. I just had to have some place to vent and what better place than a Notebook forum?

Alienfog, I hope you get lucky with your shipping! I talked to the FedEx place near where I live and they say that HP is notorious for messing up shipping... not that I want to make you worry. I'm sure you'll be fine! (although if you do happen to get MY laptop I'd like to get it back.. )

Anyways, due to horrible HP customer service I think I'm going to get them to refund my purchase, send back this wrong laptop, and get something else... I'm looking at the new Gateway laptop that everyone seems to be talking about. I'm sure their customer service is terrible too, but at least they haven't lied to me constantly like HP did today.

Thanks for all your support guys! I've been reading these forums for a couple months now as I've been searching for a laptop and finally registered today, so I knew this was the best place to go!