Microsoft vs Apple support
November 1st, 2007 Posted in Annoyances, TechnologyThis weekend, after upgrading my computer to OS 10.5, I was having an issue with iCal. I called Apple support. The woman on the phone walked me through a few of different strategies to correct my problem. After three attempts, she placed me on hold, spoke with a software engineer, returned from hold and offered a suggestion that corrected my problem. She walked me through an odd re-import (not the normal menu option) of my calendar because she and the software engineer determined the Missing Sync software added unnecessary data to my calendar events.
Around the same time, I started having problems with my Microsoft Windows Live account. I contacted technical support. After three days of being bounced around to different support staff, their response was to just delete my account and ask me to start over. 
Great. Not only did that sort of suck, but I am still getting messages from support people explaining that they can’t help me and transferring my messages to other folks. I explained that my issue was sort of resolved, but it hasn’t helped. Below are some transcripts from the emails. Funny stuff…
Initial response: Thank you for writing to Windows Live Spaces Technical Support. My name is *** and I understand that your MSN Profile is not linked to your Windows Live. I appreicate the time you spent in writing to us.
As much as we would like to immediately assist you, I would appreciate it if you could provide more information about your concern. I would like to clarify to what Windows Live service you are pertaining to and what Windows Live ID are you using. Please restate your message and provide us with specific details so that we can give you the assistance that you need or direct you to the proper department.
We appreciate your continued support as we strive to provide you with the highest quality service available. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for using Windows Live Spaces.
Recent Response: Thank you for writing to Windows Live ID Technical Support. This is Don and I am sorry to hear that you are unable to access your Windows Live Spaces account that associated with your me@anthonypapini.com Windows Live ID. You mentioned that you have already contacted that Windows Live Spaces Support Team. I know how important this is to you and I look forward to providing you with the necessary assistance.
I have checked your Windows Live ID and found it to be in working order.
As much as I would like to help you, I have determined that the support group of Windows Live Spaces can best address your issue.
In order to resolve this, I have forwarded your e-mail to Windows Live Hotmail Spaces Team for investigation and resolution. The Team will get in touch with you typically within 24 hours depending on the complexity of your concern.
I know how important it is to have your concern addressed immediately. Please accept my apologies for not being able to assist you fully.
