Solved WARNING: Purchasing problems bigger than they seem

pricetech

Member
Member
Messages
69
Location
Tennessee USA
Wanted to post this as a warning to those attempting to purchase the online upgrade;

This past Saturday I attempted to purchase the upgrade online, going through all the steps. At the point where I click the buy button it dwells for a few seconds and tells me my payment information is incorrect. I double and triple checked to make sure it was all correct, but still received the same message.
I contacted support by phone and after some back and forth, they finally admitted the system was having issues, but assured me that no charges had been submitted on my card. I tried again the next day with the same outcome. I contacted support again and was again assured that nothing had been charged to my card. However, my card was declined due to insufficient funds this morning, even though I have plenty in the bank. When I called my bank I was advised that a total for four holds had been placed on my account for $39.99 each, freezing the $160.00 I have.

I haven't called Microsoft yet, so I don't know what they'll do to correct this, but I do think folks need to be warned lest they end up with their money frozen by a failure in Microsoft's system.

To add insult to injury, by the way, they insist they can't sell you the upgrade over the phone unless you're willing to pay an extra $30.00 for a DVD, though nobody can explain why.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
UPDATE;
Called Microsoft and after 30 plus minutes of runaround, during which I was told the issue would be addressed in 5 to 7 business days, (I won't repeat my immediate response) followed by an escalation during which I was told I would be contacted in 24 to 48 hours, I have concluded that my only option is to "hot card" my bank card, which will be kind of tricky since I have transactions in process involving reputable vendors who I don't want to inconvenience in any way.

Bottom line is; I recommend against purchasing the upgrade online from Microsoft. Stick with someone you can count on like Amazon or NewEgg, even though it costs more.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
I can understand your anger, but I think you're being unfair. Every vendor I've ever used has had issues at one time or another, these things happen. And Microsoft has no control over whether your bank holds your funds or not. There is nothing they can do to release those holds, only time will do that.. and there's nothing MS can do to "fix" it.

These are bank policies. You should be angry with your bank that they won't release the funds for an obvious error.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
Hi there
I've been using Online Payment systems from ALL AROUND THIS PLANET ever since "Pontius was a Pilot" -- and I've worked in some "Dodgy" locations too where the Local State Banks make The Mafia seem like a Bunch of Sunday School Teachers. !!.

Never EVER had a problem - especially with corporations like MS.

I'd suggest problem is YOUR BANK not MS.

Any time I try and make an online Bank payment I get an extra Popup screen asking for some sort of security info before the transaction can proceed -- questions are usually random based on what you did when you set up the account. -- These come from the BANK - not the online vendor so I can't understand how you had 3 amounts held against your account for one transaction.

IMO most Banks are totally stupid -- but not usually THAT stupid that they charge 3 times for a single transaction - or don't Banks in your country have any sort of online security protection when you buy something over the Internet.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
It's not my bank. Microsoft, or its billing entity, placed the holds on the account. My bank did not place them and therefore can't remove them. The representative I spoke to did however say he would monitor the account closely and call me as soon as anything happens with either the holds or the current in process transactions.

I've been with this bank too long to think they are at fault. I blame Microsoft, plain and simple.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
It's not my bank. Microsoft, or its billing entity, placed the holds on the account. My bank did not place them and therefore can't remove them. The representative I spoke to did however say he would monitor the account closely and call me as soon as anything happens with either the holds or the current in process transactions.

I've been with this bank too long to think they are at fault. I blame Microsoft, plain and simple.

No. That's not the way it works. The Bank places holds on the account, at the request of the credit card company. The bank is ultimately responsible for the funds, not Microsoft.

Your bank can, if they wanted to, release those funds. It's completely within their power to do so. If they won't, when it's an obvious error, then they are sticking it to you, hoping you will incur overdrafts.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
it's not like that, Microsoft make 4 authorizations . ( this is not yet charge but it lower the available credit the charge come only 2 to 5 days after, so you have to wait for see if it will be charge 4 times, if MS send only 1 charge the rest of your available credit will be available 5 days after the authorization.


pricetech no worry, when I renew my Technet online something happen, I call the next day and the girl proceed my CC again, 2 days after I see 2 charge on my Credit card, I call them, guess what they refund me both ( after 3 or 5 days).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
LOL.

Botch up by whoever is handling this for MS.

I suppose you could say MS is ultimately responsible - I wouldn't worry about it, it may be a bit annoying, but it will be sorted out.


It's not my bank. Microsoft, or its billing entity, placed the holds on the account. My bank did not place them and therefore can't remove them. The representative I spoke to did however say he would monitor the account closely and call me as soon as anything happens with either the holds or the current in process transactions.

I've been with this bank too long to think they are at fault. I blame Microsoft, plain and simple.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Now I get how Balmer come to 4 millions, they make peoples purchase it 4 times....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
I did my upgrade online and the check out went fine.

Sounds like there was a problem with the web site. Every time you clicked on BUY, it charged your account even though you got an error message. Far as the bank see's it you purchased it 4 times so I don't think the bank would do much unless you put in a fraud report.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-990FX
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 980
Solved, thanks to my bank.
Called them again yesterday since I got nothing but runaround and frustration from MS. Bank representative contacted MS on my behalf and stood her ground in spite of the runaround they tried to give her. Holds have been removed by Microsoft.

By the way; Holds are put in place by the vendor, not by the bank. This is the only way a vendor can have a reasonable expectation of getting paid. If the bank could arbitrarily remove the holds, that assurance would disappear and credit cards would become virtually useless.
Also, the bank never refused me access to my funds. The holds on the card froze the funds via the card. However if I had written a check for the funds (for example) and MS decided to process the transactions anyway, that would have put me in overdraft. That's why I opted not to do that.

Ultimate it was my BANK that got the problem solved. You may hate your bank, and it's okay with me if you do, but don't throw off on mine. They've kept me as a customer for all these years by being on my side and at my service.

Joe
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
LOL.

We can't rely on figures MS release - there are many different ways they can arrive at them .

However, I expect they did shift quite a lot the first few days - because for many it was $14 - much less in some parts of the world. Not surprising people bought the thing almost without considering it as a purchase.


There was a wonderful Monty Python sketch. An old dear bought a spitfire engine - she was dragging it up the road on a trolley.

When asked:

Why did you buy that?

she answered:

It was cheap.


Now I get how Balmer come to 4 millions, they make peoples purchase it 4 times....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
This is one reason I only buy from Newegg and my local PC store where I can pay cash. Never had a problem there - and I bought a lot of stuff from Newegg.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
Pricetech, Glad your bank came through for you.
I am assuming this is a Debit card and tied to your checking account. Not the best way to make payments as it is a PIA to get straight as you found out. A Credit card works a little different and the Bank could then suspend the transactions while they investigate the charges with the vendor.

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
Pricetech, Glad your bank came through for you.
I am assuming this is a Debit card and tied to your checking account. Not the best way to make payments as it is a PIA to get straight as you found out. A Credit card works a little different and the Bank could then suspend the transactions while they investigate the charges with the vendor.

Jim
Works both ways actually. Never EVER had a problem with anyone else, local or online.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
This is one reason I only buy from Newegg and my local PC store where I can pay cash. Never had a problem there - and I bought a lot of stuff from Newegg.
I too am a big fan of NewEgg. I'll probably buy Windows 8 from them, or maybe Amazon if they're cheaper at the time.
Right now I'm too mad at Microsoft to buy anything. I'll probably settle down over the next 90 days while I'm running the Enterprise Demo.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
Back
Top