Trading standards

I bought two games that wont install

[Essex_boy]

As you may know Im in teh Uk and I bought to games today from a well known chain of PC stores.

Both of which run under teh spec of my machine, however neither will work.

One crashes when you try to install it and the other installs and wont run.

I imagine that when I take these back the staff are going to refuse a refund, can someone tell me what my rights are?

thanks.

[collymellon]

you will defo get a refund if you hold reciept.

One crashes when you try to install it and the other installs and wont run

How's it crash? do you get an error msg?

I'm guessing your running XP - is it SP2?

[supermanjnk]

typically you can't return opened software, at least in the US I don't know in the UK, it could be drivers issues, try updating your drivers (video)

[iamlost]

Generally "opened" software is non-returnable to retail outlets. Note: re-shrinkwrapping CDs for return is a booming Teen business in Canada. Because of that some stores have a no-return at all policy.

Options:
* Confirm have updated drivers.
* If you can get at the games' readme.txt or equivalent it might help.
* Check game manufacturers' websites for faq or bug reports.
* Use SEs to look for game-name bugs or similar.
* Check your video and sound card manufactuers' site' for possible conflict reports.
* Contact game manufacturers directly with point-by-point bug report and request assistance and/or replacement.

If I am on the games Hell Desk when you call I will deny that there is any possibility of a defect in the CD medium, in the game code, in the installer, or anything else from my-company and suggest that the problem is you or your computer: get yourself either a new computer or a new you. :-)

[shigamoto]

I rarely buy new games but I bought one just yesterday actaully. The thing wouldn't start eventhough my machine was a lot stronger than the specs needed. Anyway it turned out to be the graphics card, changed it to a bite newer one that I have and now it works like a charm.

[Fribble]

I'm not in the UK, but I am an avid gamer. I find that every now and then I will purchase a game that has compatability problems with some of my hardware, or was just poorly produced/rushed to production. When this happens I will try and pinpoint the cause exactly (What is causing the crash/error) and if I can't work around it when I return the game I argue that it is defective, pointing to the system requiremnets on the box and then clearly explaining the problem. Usually the workers are not very technical and if you explain the logic of the failure so they can understand they will work a little harder to at least get you an exchange.

My machine meets the minimum requirements listed 'here'

The game fails because of this specific reason

This is contrary to what the packaging says

give me a refund or exchange

[sem4u]

You should be able to get a refund. Just say that your machine is up to spec and the games didn't work.

[Essex_boy]

Thanks, I didnt expect so many replys.

Spoke to their technical dept sggested the obvious - driver updates etc he really wasnt to sure what the problem was.

One of the games just locks up when you try to install it, I had a sneaky feeling that was a common problem on this game as he didnt pay to much attention to it and told to just return it (admitting it may be faulty software), then suggetsed I returned both of them.

Really annoying as I dont buy many games, I feel they can be overly complex toplay and to time consuming to learn properly.

Im now forced to mix with people as I now dont have an excuse not to go out!

[iamlost]

Im now forced to mix with people as I now dont have an excuse not to go out!

But you have us :-)

[vincevincevince]

You will get a refund, don't worry. Time you've mentioned the trade descriptions act and the consumer protection act, complained that it's unfit for the purpose marked and that it contains faulty materials or workmanship they will almost certainly make a call to head office, followed by a full refund.

That even works when you've not bought 'damage insurance', as I understand it it's law that they have to refund anything which is broken or breaks within a reasonable period of time, but I'm not a lawyer

[steve]

Buy a games console, they're very cheap these days and you don't have to worry whether or not your hardware/drivers/os are compatible!

I've saved hours not having work what settings the latest game I loaded changed.

Plus I can now play games while I work, not that I would ever do that!