Scan.co.uk - Problem with laptop and blackmail

Chimpofdoom

dan_l wrote: »

I've just read the thread and there are 2 issues here. One is the fact the laptop has pirated software on it, the other issue is that the hardware on the laptop is faulty.

Programs like memtest run independently of windows so regardless of what software is on the laptop it won't affect the results of memtest so if that is showing a fault then that means the laptop has a hardware fault and should be repaired/replaced.

If Scan want to pursue the fact that there is pirated software on there, then in my opinion that should be treated as a separate issue.

Also I don’t think the car analogy is too far off the mark, the mechanic could remove the tape from the tape player and still be left with a faulty car, just like scan could remove the hard drive from the laptop and they would still be left with a faulty laptop.

Indeed, I was trying to write a post with something similar to what you said.. but you've hit the nail on the head!

neilmcl

dan_l wrote: »

the other issue is that the hardware on the laptop is faulty.

There's no proof of that yet, and scan are unwilling to investigate the fault whilst there's pirated software on the laptop. So the two issues do go hand-in-hand. Scan may well be being unecessarily obstructive but the OP hasn't done himself any favours and I can't for the life of me see why he refuses to take it back, clear the software off and then see if it's faulty or not.

dan_l

neilmcl wrote: »

There's no proof of that yet, and scan are unwilling to investigate the fault whilst there's pirated software on the laptop. So the two issues do go hand-in-hand. Scan may well be being unecessarily obstructive but the OP hasn't done himself any favours and I can't for the live of me see why he refuses to take it back, clear the software off and then see if it's faulty or not.

From a technical point of view the 2 issues don't go hand in hand.

It looks like Scan though are using the fact that there is pirated software on the laptop as a way to get out of fixing the it.

OP do you know if Scan have terms and conditions stating something along the lines of "all warranty claims are void if there is illegal/pirated software on the laptop" because by not fixing the laptop and not even attempting to try and find out what the actual fault is it looks to me like this is what they are trying to say.

garth549

dan_l wrote: »

OP do you know if Scan have terms and conditions stating something along the lines of "all warranty claims are void if there is illegal/pirated software on the laptop" because by not fixing the laptop and not even attempting to try and find out what the actual fault is it looks to me like this is what they are trying to say.

Which IMO is justified. Just my opinion so don't slate me.

Im sorry but there is no justification in saying the software is too expensive/I wont use it much/just trying it out/everybody does it to all those condoning this. You would'nt apply those arguments to jusify stealing from a retailer.

Torby

garth549 wrote: »

Which IMO is justified. Just my opinion so don't slate me.

Im sorry but there is no justification in saying the software is too expensive/I wont use it much/just trying it out/everybody does it to all those condoning this. You would'nt apply those arguments to jusify stealing from a retailer.

surely as someone else has already posted, that is totally irrelevant as regards the hardware in the laptop being faulty...while I don't condone the use of pirate software, what makes me more angry are software houses and hardware sellers trying to get out of their standard obligations...the better sellers HELP their customers, it's not unheard of for software manufacturers to replace scratched games discs FOC...

personally, I woul try and take Scan for failure to repair/replace a faulty laptop and as regards their claim of reporting you...fair enough, thats when you can tell FACT or whoever they are that a bloke at a market stall installed all this for you to test the laptop...you didn't get his name....

as regards Scan, if they had any sense, they would report it and be done with it....and let the OP take his chances, while software piracy won't make the OP look very good....neither will not accepting a "faulty" laptop back....for every badmouthing customer you have you need at least a dozen to try and set the record straight...Scan are doing themselves no favours here.

dan_l

Agreed, it just looks to me like Scan are using this pirate software issue as a way to get out of fixing a faulty laptop.

wealdroam

dan_l wrote: »

Agreed, it just looks to me like Scan are using this pirate software issue as a way to get out of fixing a faulty laptop.

Indeed they are.

It has been suggested several times that it might be a good idea for the OP to remove any possible excuse that Scan may use to avoid their responsibilities.

Get it sorted OP. Get the thing back, restore software to how it was when purchased, then send it back to Scan.

If, as you say, Scan will not accept it back for repair then, then is the time to start reading about Small Claims Court.

drspa44

Thanks for your help everyone. I should hear from the bank soon, so depending on their decision, I'll try and get the laptop back, wipe it and start the process again.

Chimpofdoom

drspa44 wrote: »

Thanks for your help everyone. I should hear from the bank soon, so depending on their decision, I'll try and get the laptop back, wipe it and start the process again.

Similar sort of story posted on the register a while back, about a guy who returned a laptop to PC world and they refused to fix it because it had Linux on it..

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/09/13/pc_world_linux/

drspa44

Just in case anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation and wants to know what happened. My bank has applied a credit to the charge as Scan are in possession of the notebook and Scan have not as yet appealed the decision.