I purchased a Sony PCV-RS100 computer February. At the time, it offered the best value for money with what was installed on the computer. During that time, I started upgrading the system with new memory, an additional DVD burner, a better video and sound card. One of the things I wished to do was to replace the hard drive as it was not adequate for my needs. With hard drives being inexpensive, a 120 GB or 250 GB drive would be a nice addition for a primary drive.
I originally emailed Sony Computer Consumer Support and was told that they do not support the copying of the Windows XP Home OEM and Sony software because the system was still under warranty and that it would negate my warranty on the system. I let this go and decide not to take it up until the warranty was no longer vailid. (Sony does not provide copies of either the OS or Sony Software. It presides on a unreachable partition of the primary drive).
Well, I have tried to obtain this information once again. The computer is out of warranty and I still desire to replace the primary hard drive with a drive that is larger in capacity. I first email support and I received the standard form response on the subject. I decided to call support and I was then informed that it is not possible. They blamed Microsoft for not allowing Sony to ship a copy the Microsoft Windows XP Home OEM to its consumers. Plus, there is no way to back up the software sitting on the hidden partition of the system.
Before I get to the crux of the discussion, I need to expose the first lie by support.
Microsoft has decided to stop allowing PC manufacturers to ship copies of Micosoft Operating System disks with new machines. This is to try and stop the unbundling of disks and selling of copies of their programs on the grey market separate from the hardware they were licensed with.
Microsoft allows manufactures to choose either of the following:
They can choose to ship recovery disks that are locked so that they only run on that model of machine.
They can include a "restore partition" on the hard drive that contains all the operating system software.
I stated to the invidual that when I purchased their computer system, turned it on, and activated my copy of Windows XP, the software belonged to me. I was then told that when I purchased the computer that I agreed to not be able to backup software I owned and that the only method of reinstalling Windows is using the their Recovery Wizard. I do not recall any information or any agreement stating these terms when I purchased the product.
I requested a copy of the Windows XP and I was told that Sony does not provide that software for their consumers. I was told the only way I would be able to get a copy of the software is to purchase a copy of Windows XP. I find this unacceptable.
Why should I purchase something I already own and is unique to my computer via the authentication key?
Why do computer companies not tell consumers upfront about these policies?
I know this is not just a Sony problem. There are many computer companies that preinstall software bundles without offering CDRoms as a backup. Has anyone had any luck in gettting Sony to provide the software?
I have written a letter to Sony (I doubt they will respond) and to the Pennsylvania Attorney General (I doubt they will do anything to help remedy the situation. If they can't not enforce Verizon to live up to their agreements regarding fiber connectivity in the state and the 6 billion dollars the state gave them to do it, I doubt my Attorney General will help resolve this).
Any suggestions or am I wasting my time?
I will never buy a Sony Vaio or a computer from any manufacturer that operates in this manner. I do not trust Sony to do anything that helps a consumer.
Richard
Swoyersville, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
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