As if these guys don't make enough money as it is!

I'm trying to find their number.  I think they are based in Reading. Don't know if that helps.

Thanks

What is the number you are trying to call? Microsoft is a big organisation with many numbers!

By entering:
0118 site:microsoft.com

into Google, lots of numbers come up, but most are for third parties. However, I did find:

Microsoft Recruitment Team: 0118 909 3555
Microsoft Support Options team: 0118 909 6992

Microsoft Authorised Refurbishers
Tel: 0870 60 10 100
Fax: 0118 909 6562

So it is probably a number starting 0118 909

Please let us know what you are looking for. Each extra penny we stop Microsoft getting their hands on is worth it!

Thanks for doing this.
Thats a good idea of typing 0118 and then the name and is of course only useful if you know the geography.

In this case, but not always, the number you showed for Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher is the one I want.
Apologies for not clarifying that.

Cheers
Robert

That 0870 is the switchboard. It's given as the main contact number for their offices in Reading and in London. So the alternative might not be 0118.

You could try dialling "memorable" numbers starting 0118 909. It's likely to be nearby the fax number.

They've been using that 0870 number since 1999, so using the internet archive is no use  :(

Ok..I'm working on it.
I've found out that 0118 909 3333 is the Security, but they said if you had a name, we'd put you through.
I've since found out its *** name removed ***...so I thought I'd plug that drain ;D

Will keep you posted. Maybe we can add the Security No to the database. I'll let the powers that be...decide that on this site.
Robert


[edit]Name removed by Dave[/edit]

... is near Reading I think

08706010100p3p2 for home users

sometimes for technical support you end up talking to someone Irish, so does anyone know a number there?

Apologies for being useless at this when I got here.

Now I've found this page which has a list of about 60-70 IT companies technical support numbers.

http://www.technoworld.com/support.asp

It may be out of date - it has 0541 and 0990 numbers and a date in the corner says (C) 2000, but only about 4 are non-geo numbers

Scope for some checking ...

Microsoft says 01189270000 - I'll try soon (not at 1 am)

Sorry, DEAD - I'll try some others

Help please! I need a non geographic number alternative to 0870 60 10 100.

Or any suggestions as to how I can get onto the help line without going the expensive 0870 route.

There's no entry in the 'verified' database but the below is in the 'unverified':

Microsoft Activation Line 0870 2411963 / 0800 0188354 - Activation number for Microsoft software products

I've noticed that for tech issues I've twice ended up speaking to someone Irish, so I suspect the call is sent over there.

Sure enough on the Careers page of Microsft Ireland, you can find -
Quote:

The Operations Centre is the hosting site established to manage the manufacturing, distribution, sales, and data centre for 41 European, African & Middle Eastern markets. The EOC provides key support for Microsoft’s sales & customer support activities across some 85 different countries, and transacts in 18 currencies.

Where are we? link gives -
Atrium Building Block B
Carmanhall Road
Sandyford Industrial Estate
Dublin 18

Tel: +353 1 295 3826
Fax: +353 1 706 4110

Contact us link on website gives +353 1 450 2113

I'm assuming that the top number is a switchboard. The lower one has similar call handling menu to UK no. I'd try that and see how you get on.

I'm assuming you can ring these for 1 or 2p per min - if not ask for more advice

Andy9

Thankyou - will give it a try.

Cleaner :)

I've made 2 10 minute calls to Microsoft using the 2nd number and submitted this to the database

+353 1 450 2113  options 3 then 2 at present

The alt number to 0870 6010100 is listed as +353 14502113, what does this mean, I tried all I could think of inc using the code for Reading (01180 as  prefix to parts on the number.
Many thanks Noel

nthomas wrote on May 4^th, 2006 at 11:47am:

The alt number to 0870 6010100 is listed as +353 14502113, what does this mean...

The + means it's an international call. The country code is 353, which is Ireland (44 is UK). Different countries use different prefixes to dial to other countries, so it is the accepted format to use +.

In the UK's case, replace + with 00.

For cheapest providers to Ireland see MoneySavingExpert.com's International Call Checker.  ;)

I must be thick because I've tried different combinations but I just can't figure out what to dial -  :-? What is the EXACT number to dial from a UK landline?

Thanks

bodger99 wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2006 at 3:00pm:

What is the EXACT number to dial from a UK landline?

00353 14502113

Don't use BT though, it's more expensive to call Ireland than it is to call the 0870 number!

Dave,

The problem is, that that number doesn't work with 1899 because cheap calls on 1899 only work with an 01 or 02 number after the '1899'!! Any other thoughts on how to get round the dreaded '0870'?

Thanks

Calls to Ireland using 1899 cost 1p/minute - less than 1/7 of the daytime cost of 0870. However, you need to be registered with 1899 to use their service.

From Money Saving Expert international call checker, the cheapest way to call Ireland is currently via one of the following access numbers:

08442007575
08442004545

They cost just 0.5p/min to use (that's half a penny!) and you don't need to sign up, register or pay any subscription charge.

To call Micro$oft, you just need to dial the following:

0844 200 7575   00353 14502113 #

The final hash is usually needed as is tells them you've finished dialling. It means they don't need a clever computer that knows the length of phone numbers in different countries.

jrawle wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2006 at 4:06pm:

Calls to Ireland using 1899 cost 1p/minute - less than 1/7 of the daytime cost of 0870. However, you need to be registered with 1899 to use their service. From Money Saving Expert international call checker, the cheapest way to call Ireland is currently via one of the following access numbers: 08442007575 08442004545 They cost just 0.5p/min to use (that's half a penny!) and you don't need to sign up, register or pay any subscription charge. To call Micro$oft, you just need to dial the following: 0844 200 7575   00353 14502113 # The final hash is usually needed as is tells them you've finished dialling. It means they don't need a clever computer that knows the length of phone numbers in different countries.

Call me stupid or tight... because I am... is there a geo alternitave to 08442007575 or 08442004545???

Thanks


Kev

trubster wrote on Oct 30^th, 2006 at 9:19pm:

Call me stupid or tight... because I am... is there a geo alternitave to 08442007575 or 08442004545???

It's unlikely that there are other numbers for these various callthrough providers, and rather unfair to hope so, as these are providing international calls for half a penny a minute

I thought it would cost more than 1/2ppm... its still a non geo number..... 0845 is up to 4p isnt it???

trubster wrote on Oct 30^th, 2006 at 9:19pm:

Call me stupid or tight... because I am... is there a geo alternitave to 08442007575 or 08442004545???

As mentioned by Andy9, they probably is alternatives but this is a legitimate use of such numbers as we benefit a lot from dial-through providers and this is immediate obviously with calls to spain, etc for 0.5p/min instead of 20p/min from some landline providers.

If we did manage to find alternative numbers for these dial-through providers then they wouldn't make any money and go out of business resulting in us having to pay higher prices to international destinations.


trubster wrote on Oct 31^st, 2006 at 1:23am:

I thought it would cost more than 1/2ppm... its still a non geo number..... 0845 is up to 4p isnt it???

Calls to 0845 from a BT landline is a maximum of 3p/min for most customers except those few on Light User Scheme.  Most other landline providers do charge more than 3p/min though.

trubster wrote on Oct 31^st, 2006 at 1:23am:

I thought it would cost more than 1/2ppm... its still a non geo number..... 0845 is up to 4p isnt it???

No, these are 0844, which have tariffs from 0.5 to 5p per minute from landlines (no variation with time of call)

You can't tell the tariff of 0844 and 0871 by looking at them - so use

http://www.magsys.co.uk/telecom/codelook.asp or
http://www.ukphoneinfo.com/section/tci/locator.shtml

This is the MSE Callchecker mentioned - providers rates change fairly often http://callchecker.moneysavingexpert.com/intcallchecker/

bodger99 wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2006 at 3:23pm:

Dave, The problem is, that that number doesn't work with 1899 because cheap calls on 1899 only work with an 01 or 02 number after the '1899'!! Any other thoughts on how to get round the dreaded '0870'? Thanks

1899 would work - it's a foreign number (note the double 00)

18990035314502113

trubster wrote on Oct 31^st, 2006 at 1:23am:

I thought it would cost more than 1/2ppm... its still a non geo number..... 0845 is up to 4p isnt it???

Have a look at this post that explains different prefixes. Don't confuse 0844 with 0845 and 0871 with 0870, they're not the same !  ;)

Number for "Technical helpdesk" has been entered into the database: 01480 433444

Please give it a try and let us know whether it works.  :)

Dave wrote on Dec 1^st, 2006 at 4:38pm:

Number for "Technical helpdesk" has been entered into the database: 01480 433444 Please give it a try and let us know whether it works.  :)

"The number you have dialled has not been recognised please check and try again"

I have dialled that number 4 times and get the same message, BT line TalkTalk call.

0870 60 10 100

This service is very new, so will probably not show up in any archive.

Well, I guess you didn't check the database  ::). That number is the main Microsoft number, and there are already several entries in the database for it.

Whoops.  Sorry. Was sure I had, but obviously didn't. Thanks for telling me.

Not a problem. Most of their numbers are in Ireland, so best to use a dial through number (be cheaper than dialling directly from the landline).

Microsoft, UK branch, state:

QUOTE
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 1 (SP1). This support for SP1 is valid until March 18, 2009.
...
No-charge: Unlimited support requests.
0870 60 10 100
UNQUOTE

Taken from: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11274&gprid=500921

I have a long, ongoing query at:
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/showpost.aspx?postid=4006787&siteid=17

It seems to me that Microsoft UK cannot use the (free) 0800 phone number service because the call (somehow or other) is dealt with (somehow or other) in India...
0800 phone numbers are available for the UK only at present.
0870 phone numbers are available for redirected international phone calls.

This is explained clearly at:
http://www.primex.co.uk/index.php?text=normal&display=0870

However, Microsoft customers in the US get free help...

annieuk wrote on Oct 20^th, 2008 at 10:55am:

Microsoft, UK branch, state: QUOTE Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 1 (SP1). This support for SP1 is valid until March 18, 2009. ... No-charge: Unlimited support requests. 0870 60 10 100 UNQUOTE

annieuk, I have joined your thread to the existing one. Have a look at what is posted and do a search of the database for microsoft.

There must be a time limit after which a topic deserves a new thread as the old one was such a long time ago ;)

This one goes back to January this year, but the previous time it was even worse as the last post was in 2006! This isn't the easiest forum to search for old threads either (possibly due to YaBB not being database-driven?)

Anyway, as for Microsoft, how can they get away with saying 0870 is free? Besides, after they've ripped you off when you fork out for a copy of Windows, the least they can do is help you for free without a covert premium rate number. Otherwise what else are you paying for? The software certainly isn't worth it!

Dave,

Thank you for your reply.

I found an 0800 number: 0800 281221.

This has a nightmare of options... and after several attempts to find someone who could help me with Vista SP1, and having been passed entirely around the world, I gave up.

This number is for something that sounds like... technet???

But it does show that Microsoft are aware of the 0800 prefix for a free number, and are prepared to transfer the caller around the world, to countries including Germany and India... Funny that, because I didn't think that that could happen with an 0800 number yet... clearly MS can manage anything if they want to...

I have contacted the UK Trading Standards people to see if they can help...

The number +353 1 4502113 is worth a try. It's a Republic of Ireland number, so use a provider like 18185 which costs 1p/min.

Dave,

I don't want to pay at all... MS say it's free, that means pay nothing. People in the US pay nothing.

annieuk wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 2:11pm:

Dave, I don't want to pay at all... MS say it's free, that means pay nothing. People in the US pay nothing.

The support is free, you have to pay for the call, (No-charge: Unlimited support requests.)

derrick wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 11:13am:

The support is free, you have to pay for the call, (No-charge: Unlimited support requests.)

Great, so we may as well shut down this website as it's now OK for companies to derive revenue from non-geographical numbers!

As annieuk says, in America they have a "toll-free" number. Why can't we have the same? Just another example of rip-off Britain, and of Microsoft taking foreign countries for a ride.

But if not a free number, all we ask for is a normal phone number so people pay their normal phone costs to call, rather than having to pay a premium over and above standrad costs, which goes to the company concerned in payment for a supposedly free service. That's what this website's been about from the start, so I'm surprised to see a long-standing member following the companies' line.

Microsoft do use some free 0800 numbers:
0800 281221
0800 587292.
However neither of these deal with Vista SP1, and appear to be membership-type helplines... technet???

So...
I will have to pay 10p per minute on an 0870 number, from which Microsoft will receive 2p per minute commission.
Look at:
http://www.primex.co.uk/index.php?text=normal&display=0871

I shall have to hang on through several option menus.
AND... rumour has it... they won't be able to help me anyway...

And let's get this into perspective...
SP1 is supposed to correct the Microsoft errors in Vista, the operating system that I have already paid for...

annieuk wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 6:08pm:

So... I will have to pay 10p per minute on an 0870 number, from which Microsoft will receive 2p per minute commission. Look at: http://www.primex.co.uk/index.php?text=normal&display=0871

You appear to be confusing 0870 and 0871 numbers.

Virgin and a number of other line/calls providers (e.g. Sky) do, indeed, charge 10p/minute to call 0870 numbers at times but, from a BT landline, they are never that costly and, for those with a 18185 account as well, they're often a lot less.

The cost of calling 0871 numbers from a BT landline varies, depending on the 5th, 6th and 7th digits, between 6p and 10p/minute.

Sorry...

QUOTE taken from: http://www.primex.co.uk/index.php?text=normal&display=0870

Do I earn money from an 0870 number?
Yes, you will earn 1.5p per minute for any incoming call to an 0870 number during business hours and 0.5p per minute during the cheap rate times. No rebates for weekend minutes. For the latest prices and details about other types of marketing numbers please view the Microsoft Word document containing latest prices

How much do callers pay to ring an 0870 number?
Callers will be charged around 6.9p/min to 8.9p/min depending on their service provider. Which is basically a national rated call. Many providers make a distiction between calling non-geographic and geographic numbers and therefore they have two rates for national calls (which is obviously confusing) - the 0870 numbers come under a non geographic national rate tarrif. We have no control on how much the callers phone company will charge them, every operator can be different.
UNQUOTE

Shame... Microsoft don't make as much money as I thought...

annieuk wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 6:41pm:

Do I earn money from an 0870 number? Yes, you will earn 1.5p per minute for any incoming call to an 0870 number during business hours and 0.5p per minute during the cheap rate times. No rebates for weekend minutes. For the latest prices and details about other types of marketing numbers please view the Microsoft Word document containing latest prices

The revenue the company receives depends on its supplier. It varies from provider to provider, and large company such as Microsoft may well have a deal that gives them a larger share than small businesses would receive.

As for Vista, I know it's a matter of principle that you want your free support, but have you tried posting to forums online for help? Not only doesn't it cost anything, but you'll find lots of knowledgeable people who are infinitely more help than the people on Microsoft's helpline, who often are just following a multiple-choice script.

annieuk wrote on Oct 20^th, 2008 at 10:55am:

Microsoft, UK branch, state: I have a long, ongoing query at: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/showpost.aspx?postid=4006787&siteid=17

Oh... just noticed that their address includes 'TechNet'... will go back to them and check out the relevant 0800 number...

jrawle wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 2:04pm:

derrick wrote on Oct 24th, 2008 at 11:13am: The support is free, you have to pay for the call, (No-charge: Unlimited support requests.) Great, so we may as well shut down this website as it's now OK for companies to derive revenue from non-geographical numbers! As annieuk says, in America they have a "toll-free" number. Why can't we have the same? Just another example of rip-off Britain, and of Microsoft taking foreign countries for a ride. But if not a free number, all we ask for is a normal phone number so people pay their normal phone costs to call, rather than having to pay a premium over and above standrad costs, which goes to the company concerned in payment for a supposedly free service. That's what this website's been about from the start, so I'm surprised to see a long-standing member following the companies' line.

I agree with what you are saying and I am not "following the companies' line." just pointing out that the support is free, as some companies will charge at 090 rates, so they are doing what they say, the "con" is the NGN phone call, and I would imagine that is how they will defend their position.

Re America's "toll-free" number. I agree, but we don't live in America! If you want that then move to America.

Yes we do live in rip off Britain and hopefully this site will/does go some way to addressing some of the phone charge issues.

Microsoft are not just taking us for a ride...

They are making money out of us, as we attempt to fix the problems in their software that they sold to us, and that we bought in good faith... Actually I didn't even want Vista... I had no choice!

No wonder Bill Gates left to spend 32 million pounds fighting malaria...........

Quote from Anthony Mann on the forum you linked:


Quote:

Microsoft does not charge for the support. This does not mean your phone company will not charge you, but that is outside Microsoft's control and is dependent on the telephone plan that you have. The only phone numbers are the ones that are listed on the support page.

Presumably he's from the US, where they don't have such ridiculous phone charging systems. Even many people in the UK don't uderstand the issue with 0870 numbers.

Can you explain to him that an 0870 number is not a number that's outside Microsoft's control and is not just dependent on your telephone plan? If they used a standard number you would be happy, you aren't asking for a free number. But the 0870 number is charged at a premium rate, under a system that makes it impossible for your phone company to offer a discount. And Microsoft probably reveive revenue from the calls. Feel free to post a link to saynoto0870.com

Hope this is the right place!
I've e-mailed this but maybe worth repeating here:
This morning I used the so far unverified 0800 032 4479 number for Microsoft Direct Services. Straight through to a very helpful customer services person. Great & with it being a 15 minute call, just a tad cheaper than the 0870 number!!!
Cheers

Mike

Thanks. What is the corresponding 0870 number?

Thanks Dave
The quoted number was 0870 6010100 or 0870 6010200
Looks change has been made.

Thanks for the feedback. The 0800 032 4479 number has now been verified as alternative for 0870 6010100/200.

Does anyone have a geographic number for Microsoft technical help in the UK?

There are several numbers listed in the database under Micosoft for support!

Do any of them work?

Hi and welcome to SAYNOTO0870.COM.

As reserved's post, please try the numbers in the database and give some more information, as suggested in the guide.

Hi bob_debell, I see you've been back to the forum. Please give some more information so we may help you.

Hi Bob_Debell are you refering to the following number?

0844 800 2400

Please let me know.

*edit*

they do have an OLD 0870 number - 0870 60 10 100 you could see if that goes to them still... If you with BT it MAYBE included in your calling plan... so it's better than nothing..

:)

Hi.  The number I have is indeed 0844 800 2400, I would like a geographic number rather than pay them to ask them to sort a problem they have created.  Cheers.  Bob Debell

Ok, well I have not been able to find a Geographic number for Microsoft Tech Support.. only the 0870 one I posted.

however on this link it does give you the option to E-mail them, so I would suggest doing that which is of course FREE

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/cu_sc_corpinfo_master?ws=support#tab3

;)

CJT-80 wrote on Feb 26^th, 2010 at 9:11pm:

Hi Bob_Debell are you refering to the following number? they do have an OLD 0870 number - 0870 60 10 100 you could see if that goes to them still... If you with BT it MAYBE included in your calling plan... so it's better than nothing.. :)

There are a number of alternatives for that 0870 number listed in this database under Microsoft

Have you tried any of them and did they work or do you expect us to make your calls for you!!!!!!!

There is only so much anyone on this forum can do, you can't expect us to come and hold your hand for you. :-/

bob_debell wrote on Feb 26^th, 2010 at 9:23pm:

Hi.  The number I have is indeed 0844 800 2400, I would like a geographic number rather than pay them to ask them to sort a problem they have created.  Cheers.  Bob Debell

See my 2 posts in this thread, I appear to have replied to CJT-80 in error, my reply was really directed to you  :-[

Reserved, no problems..

Bob, have you suceeded in calling MSoft on a Non 0844/45/70 number?

Hi There.  I have finally unearthed a freephone number for Microsoft.  It is 0800 0188 354 for the 'activavtion' service.  I hipe this helps someone.  Bob Debell

I have revised the entries for Microsoft. 0870 601 0100 has been replaced with 0844 800 2400 and the alternative is 01954 713950 which goes straight through to an agent (i.e. without IVR/menu).