Software What are your rights

jocar6562

hi
Purchased software MSN Office 365 It came with a card after removing the 25 character key code lost some code.
Took item back to the shop and was told nothing to do with them as it was my responsibility damaging the goods. Phoned MSN customer service who told me nothing to do with them until I activate the code and then they could help me with the software if needed.
I paid a lot of money for a product I do not have What are my rights ?
Have I lost my money ?

Techhead_2

If you've damaged the activation code paperwork before using it then you are relying on the goodwill of Microsoft. Suggest you take photos of the damage, send them a nice begging letter and hope for some goodwill.

bris

The code is the product, the rest anybody can just download. The problem you have is they have no idea what the rest of the code may be, so you may have already used it and are looking for another. You will struggle with this one.

paddyrg

Microsoft activations are actually pretty decent, and will know these things can sometimes happen - I'd send copious photos of the receipt, the panel, the box, etc and ask them for help. If you say you're very happy to send it to them for authentication/veracity I'm sure they'll want to replace it and get you up and running asap.

Fosterdog

When you say "lost" some of the code what do you mean? If you've just rubbed the black colouring off then you should still be able to work out what was underneath as it's usually on an indentation. Either angle it in the light to see it or try putting a piece of paper over it and rubbing a pencil over and see if it shows up.

Unless they have stopped using the indentation or you have gouged the section all is not lost

CoolHotCold

IF it's not been activated (aka registered against a live account) then it depends on how smart the shops systems are. If it's PcWorld/Currys their systems are tied in with Microsofts and processing a refund/exchange on the card will flag it up on the screen if it's already been activated/used. If it hasn't been activated it will allow the exchange/refund without problems and the faulty one will be disposed of at branch (the cards are worth 1pence until activated, refunding/exchanging will cancel the cards status (IF the code hasn't been registered against a Microsoft account) and they are just chucked.