Hewlett Packard
Paid $75 Warranty Fee for Printer Problem Caused by Required Download

My Pavilion a250n just turned 14 mo. old, in January I paired it with an hp psc 2510 photosmart printer. Though the a250n is far from an impressive unit it did the job ok with the printer. On 7/15/04 I started to print some photos and to my surprise my computer told me I had no printer after 7 mo. Without a hitch. Now, I have until this point "blindly" installed all "required" HP downloads. After only min. of fooling with this shocking surprise up pops a "required" communication update for my EXACT printer problem, Great! But when this thing starts installing it NEVER stops, I can't do a thing with my computer, can't get online, can't print, It just keeps installing over & over for days.

I work for a living so it was not until 7/20/04 I was finally able to contact HP with my problem, after explaining it I was told that it sounded like a software problem, Ok, Help! Only a tech could help me, but Surprise I was out of warrenty, I tried to explain it was a "required" hp download that had triggered the problem, I had two choices $40 bucks for a one time fix maybe, or $75 bucks for a one year, call anytime fix them all warranty extension which is the one I chose. I was then transfered to the tech line, I have NEVER spoken to a HP tech. While I waited 30 min. on the phone to speak to anyone I started to work with my computer, and just like nothing had ever happened I was able to get online, The only thing that was different was when I received from HP my *CONFIRMATION OF SERVICE AGREEMENT PAYMENT* receipt, the good bug was back. The truth was I didn't need a Tech, HP just needed a check. They got my gold and I got the shaft!

Company: Hewlett Packard
Country: USA
State: California
City: Palo Alto
Address: 3000 Hanover Street
Phone: 6508571501

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