New OS warranty invalid?

ssmacc · 26 Sep 2009 at 11:38

Not sure where to post this, but as it’s a fault I’ve gone for general hardware.

My sister bought a laptop last Xmas from a well know high street retailer (the fool!), The keyboard has just developed a fault – one of the keys is stuck ‘on’ rendering the laptop useless.

I have installed Windows 7 (7100 beta) on the Laptop and due to this the retailer is claiming the warranty is invalid? Surly this can’t be true?

Any advice other than don’t buy from the high street...

Cheers

hyperst · 26 Sep 2009 at 11:40

does it have a backup of original os you could put back on

ssmacc · 26 Sep 2009 at 11:44

I could but the store already has the Laptop, seems a bit daft getting it of them re-installing Vista and giving it back to them (although the store will re-install Vista for a mere £49!) Originally the store told my sister the Laptop didn’t work due to it been incompatible with Windows 7, although it took the Laptop 3 months to realise it didn’t like Windows7

ZXSpectrum · 26 Sep 2009 at 13:08

Just put the original os back on and take it back. They actually dont warrant the software anyway and it will show that its a hardware issue that is covered.

james.miller · 26 Sep 2009 at 13:17

it doesnt need any software on it to show a stuck keyboard - a boot disc will do. they're fobbing you off. go back and complain.

PhillyDee · 26 Sep 2009 at 14:16

Just claim that the desk they are putting it on is also not compatible with the laptop.

SiD the Turtle · 26 Sep 2009 at 14:35

Short answer: they're messing you around and are probably trying to get an OS upgrade out of you to fix a duff keyboard. Go complain.

Long answer: we get this all the time with hardware vendors when hardware breaks. The trick is to prove that the hardware is at fault, not the driver, OS etc.

If it is a key you can use in the BIOS, show them. If it's a letter, the bios password entry screen is a good idea (just don't lock yourself out). If not, download a bootable Linux ISO or even go as far as making a bootable Vista image (if such things exist, I've never tried it) to prove the that problem persists regardless of software.