new computer problems

[giveup]

I purchased a new computer from Dell in early June which was delivered around the 16th june.It started out as just a computer but I was also sold a printer which I needed and was also sold Microsoft Office, which was O.K for about a month,I had in the meantime kept getting messages from Microsoft saying I was on a months free trial and to sign up, so I contacted the named person at Dell and he told me to ignore that particular message. Then suddenly I could not email and when my daughter looked they had sold me the wrong Microsoft Package.Yet we had specifically told the saleman that email was the main reason I needed Microsoft. What a difference after that.Every time since when we have tried to speak to Dell they have all said talk to the person who sold it to me. He always says I will ring back in ten minutes but never does.If I leave a message I get no reply and now if I ring I get cut off all; the time. I feel I have been defrauded by this particular saleman but Dell are being singularly unhelpful.Nobody is doing anything, and if I want a different microsoft office I will have to pay all over again, but they knew exactly what I wanted and I feel I have been very badly treated. Can anyone suggest what I can do next. Its no good phoning as they just dont care.

[hc4361]

Does your receipt clearly state Microsoft Office?
Or is there any evidence that you ordered and paid for Office?

If so, photocopy the evidence and send the copy with a letter to Dell's head office.
Make it clear that if you do not get a satisfactory within 14 days you will start a Small Claim's Procedure in the County Court as Dell is in breach of the Sales of Goods Act.

[ChuckFickens]

Dell tends to supply computers with the trial version of office installed and the full version (if you bought it and paid for it on top of the computer) in a separate package in the box.

Check that you've not got the office box before doing anything, and if you have then use the CD to install the full version.

[Buenchico]

It would help if you told us which Microsoft package you've actually got. (Perhaps its Microsoft Works?).

Chuck has a good point. Your PC would almost certainly have had the trial version of Microsoft Office (or Works) pre-installed but you might have been left to install the full version (which you've paid for) yourself.

As Hc4361 suggests you should write to Dell (preferably using recorded delivery) threatening legal action. Here's the address:
Dell House, The Boulevard, Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1LF

If you're forced into legal action you can use Her Majesty's Courts Service's online claim system:
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome
or you can follow the instructions here:
http://www.hmcourts-s...bout/claims/index.htm

From a technical point of view, forget about Microsoft Office and get OpenOffice instead. It's free and will do just about everything which Microsoft Office can do. (Many local authorities now use OpenOffice, rather than paying licensing fees to Microsoft):
http://www.hmcourts-s...bout/claims/index.htm

For a free email client (broadly similar to Outlook) use Thunderbird:
http://www.mozillames...om/en-GB/thunderbird/

Chris

[giveup]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I feel I have been conned by the actual salesman because I specifically told him I particularly wanted email.(I had a witness when ordering on the Phone) If what he has sold me is incorrect why did'nt he tell me.What I have is English Microsoft Office 2010 Home and student. I know there are other ways to get email but I ordered all this in good faith. I,m not brilliant with computers (yet) Operating system English Genuine Windows 7 home premium. Do you think I have been conned

[giveup]

If I have been conned what can I do

[MarkRae]

> What I have is English Microsoft Office 2010 Home and student.

Well, that most certainly does not come with Outlook:
http://www.microsoft....b/OfficeProducts.aspx

So, you've got several options:

1) Use Windows Live Mail, which is (sort of) part of Windows 7 but still needs to be downloaded and installed...

2) Use another email system altogether e.g. Thunderbird:
http://www.mozillames...om/en-GB/thunderbird/

3) Purchase Outlook as a stand-alone product. When you install it, it will integrate itself into the rest of the Office package.

4) Try to get your money back from Dell. However, I'd say you have next to no chance of that...

[Buenchico]

Ah, your post starts to make more sense now.

I've just referred to the 'Comparison' chart, here:
http://en.wikipedia.o...Microsoft_Office_2010
It clearly shows that Outlook (which is what you require) is NOT included within the 'Home and Student' edition of Microsoft Office. You should have been offered the 'Home and Business' (or higher) edition.

You've been sold a product which was not 'fit for purpose' so, under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended by later legislation), you're entitled to a full refund of your money. Write to Dell, as above, stating exactly that.

Alternatively (or as well), the journalists at 'Computer Active' magazine have a good track record of getting action out of Dell (who probably tend to take more notice of the possibility of poor publicity more than they do of threats of legal action). Try an email to [email protected] (However you should not that their response, if any, will be via the magazine, rather than directly to you. It's worth a try though; I once managed to fix a really tricky computer problem with the help of a leading computer publication's staff).

Chris

[giveup]

Thank you all for your help. Will follow your suggestions