Very disappointing. I received an email on Nov 28, that they shipped the disc and I will received in 5-7 days. After waiting for more than 10 days, I called DHL and they said that the tracking number I am giving them doesn't exist, and it could be fraud. I phoned Arvato and after 30 min waiting the rep told me that I will receive my disk before Dec 15th. I know that's a fat lie, and ask to speak to manager. Well, the manager said the same. What should I do now? Contact HP? I want my upgrade. I hate dealing with scammers. No more HP, no more Windows.

I bought a new notebook PC from HP. It doesn't matter how much it cost, but it did cost more than an average consumer's laptop. The Windows 7 upgrade was guaranteed.

I was surprised when I found out that it wasn't HP that did the Windows 7 upgrade order, but it was some company called "Arvato Digital Services". Sadly, I ran into problems from the start. There were (and still are) several issues that I was (am) having with this company.

Issue Number 1:

When I ordered my HP notebook, it came with 2GB of RAM. At the same time, I ordered an extra 2GB stick of RAM (which came with my computer). HP was nice enough to include the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions of the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system) and the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions of the Vista Business operating system; as well as the 32-bit and 64-bit drivers to go along with the operating systems.

However, the operating system detection applications that Arvato Digital Services provides showed my operating system as a 32-bit OS, as that was the one that was factory installed; never mind the fact that at the time of ordering the Windows 7 upgrade I had a 64-bit Vista Business installed.

This caused the online ordering system to only allow me to order Windows 7 32-bit, not 64-bit. However, this would not be ideal, as that would mean that some of the RAM I purchased would go unused. So, I decided to call Arvato Digital Services on the phone number that they provide on their "Contact Us" page.

I called, talked to a representative and asked if she could put in an order for a 64-bit Windows 7 (I explained my situation). She said she will try. After about 5 minutes of me giving her the relevant information she came back with an answer that I can only order the 32-bit version of Windows 7. It is then that I realized that she is just using the same online system that I can use from home.

There is no difference between ordering online or over the phone!

Issue Number 2:

I sent an e-mail explaining my situation and asking for a solution. An e-mail came back asking for all the information. It seemed promising. I sent all the information that was asked for only to receive another e-mail telling me that they cannot place an order as it requires me to pay for shipping and for that I need a credit card. The e-mail went on to advise that I should order Windows 7 upgrade online.

I replied to that e-mail explaining my situation, again. I also explained why I cannot order online. The reply I got said that if I am having problems ordering my Windows 7 upgrade I should call. They provided the same phone number that is on the "Contact Us" page.

They just threw me back into the vicious circle!

Issue Number 3:

It takes about 20 tries over several days to talk to someone from that company as the phones are always busy.

Issue Number 4:

So, after stressing over this I said to myself that it's better to have a 32-bit Windows 7 than none (since it costs over a hundred dollars and I have the option to get it for free). I bite my lip and go ahead and order it online. I fill everything out and upload a proof of purchase.

I waited. And, I waited. Then, I waited some more. It said on the website that the proof of purchase gets reviewed within seven days. I got no response.

So, I call them again and ask what is going on. The phone representative pulls up my order and makes the proof of purchase status "Accepted". I get an e-mail that tells me my proof of purchase has been approved and that my order will be shipped.

On their website it says that it takes about three to five days for them to ship the order after it has been approved. No e-mail saying that. The order was approved on November 10th. Today is November 23rd.

Issue Number 5:

Today, November 23rd, I got an e-mail from them saying my order has been canceled!

Direct quote from the e-mail:

"Your Windows ® 7 Upgrade from HP order has been cancelled per your request. If you would still like to receive your order, please contact us at Contact Us ."

I have not requested anything like that!

Of course, I went straight to the phone and tried calling them. Six attempts in forty minutes - busy tone.

I sent an e-mail and I am now waiting for the reply.

This is an incompetent company! I cannot believe that HP (or anyone else for that matter) would choose them to facilitate the ordering and shipping of Windows 7 upgrade kits.