The first computer I got was a desktop PC by HP in the year 2003. It was running Windows XP and introduced me into the world of computers.
I was just 10 years old, and I had a fantastic time diving into various games and tinkering with computer-specific settings. Many people liked Win XP. I even know people who work with clients that continue to run their businesses on machines equipped with this age-old software. Luckily not connected to the internet!
However, Win XP is not Win XP when it doesn’t present you its iconic blue screen of death at least once.
So, there I was staring at a blue screen without any internet access and no one to ask for help.
Luckily, there was a support phone number printed in the instructions or on the installation CD’s packaging.
After getting my mom’s permission, I dialed the number and had the following exchange:
‘Microsoft support, hello.’
‘Hello, I am Dennis, my PC is showing me a blue screen.’
‘Oh, so you need to reinstall Windows. Just put in the CD.’
‘Is there any way to fix it without reinstalling?’
‘No.’ Sound of the phone hanging up.
It was helpful, but also a little bit funny. I remembered this situation recently, because I read on Reddit some posts which complain about the phone support of their ISP.
Nowadays no average consumer would call the Microsoft support for Windows problems. We’ve got a better internet coverage and helpful communities where you can ask follow-up questions.
… and you might even get a polite goodbye message when you’re done.