Why Does Everyone Hate Compaq?
Oct 15 '00
Now I have heard a lot of the rants about how Compaq does not make quality computers and has bad customer support. I heard these things to be true because almost all of my friends have had bad experiences with Compaq. Rather the hardware was unsatisfactory, or the customer support was not good. I bought a Compaq computer in May of last year. I have had no problems until last week.
The Problem
I have had no problems with my computer until last week. I thought that it was a virus because an illegal operation popped up from a diagnosis program. Once I closed it, it popped up again. I removed it on my control panel and I restarted my computer. The problem persisted. When I ignored it, I couldn’t load any web pages online. This was obviously a virus. Unfortunately, there was only one way for me to fix it. I had to use my restoration CD to fix the problem. This is a CD that comes with every computer that will restore you original Window files. All of the stuff that you have downloaded and installed will be gone. Even though I didn’t want to do this, I had to. Before I shut off, I took the un-opened CD case, I opened it, and I put the CD in. I then shut off my computer and turned it back on. A restoration screen came up. I chose the full restore option. The meter went by to about 72% and then a pop-up window came up. It said that it had an error while restoring. I restarted and tried again. Still no progress, that’s when I decided to call Compaq.
The Solution
I called the help line at 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. I was mad at first because the wait time was over 25 minutes. I waited, and I finally got a specialist. First off I must say that they were kind and courteous. Their first instructions were to unhook my scanner, and my printer. I did that, and when it tried to restore, it stopped at 72% again with the same error message popping up again. They said that most of the time that would be the problem when it wouldn’t restore. Than they told me to check the disk for any scratches. I looked at the CD and I noticed a scratch on the disk. They informed me that that’s why the restore process is stopping at one point all the time. It is because the disk had an error on that scratch. I couldn’t have made the scratch because this was the first time that I used it, and I just took it out of the case. They apologized for the inconvenience and they offered to send me a new CD by Fed Ex. They said that it would be mailed out the next day, which would be a Thursday. I received it yesterday (Saturday). I give Compaq a hand for sending a new CD in such a short period of time. I was so happy and I am now working on downloading and installing my old software from my old computer.
So I have a different opinion of Compaq than some other people. I was very satisfied with their computers and service. What is great is that they have a one-year onsite repair plan. They will go to your house to fix your computer within a year of when you purchased it. These people work hard for their customers and don’t give up until they have solved the problem.
So how does Compaq’s help, and computers stack up? Ratings are from one to five stars.
Here’s The Breakdown
Computers
****
Most people wouldn’t agree with me, but I love Compaq computers. They have in my opinion, great brand name hardware, and great reliability. My computer only suffered from one problem, as did all of my old ones. Most believe that they are made up of wishy-washy hardware that does not last. In fact, the case is opposite of that. These computers are affordable, and reliable.
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Customer Service
*****
Now I cant say that they went to my house so I cannot rate that part of their help, but they did help me greatly over the phone. Once they heard of my problem, they offered several solutions before giving up. They were kind and courteous. They knew exactly what I was talking about which made the problem go even smoother. Please do not rule out Compaq like a lot of people have until you actually see for yourself how helpful they really are.
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Overall
****
Compaq are affordable computers and in my opinion, the best buy for anyone that is looking for a new computer. Most of the time you can get $400 off the cost of the computer by signing up to MSN for three years. I know some people don’t like contracts, but MSN is a fast and reliable connection. Also, you have to get at least one ISP, so why not get MSN to get $400 off? These computers are fast, cheap and they will meet all of your computing needs. I am glad that I purchased this computer.
Bottom Line: If you want helpful assistant in case of a problem, and a great computer, than buy a Compaq.
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Epinions.com ID:
SParkfan77
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Member: Dan Schiller
Location: Long Island NY
Reviews written: 376
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