computer security

Two weeks ago my computer crashed, I had to purchase a new one. I found out later that my security system caused the problem but I already distoyed my old computer after I had it checked but a computer person. I did not have a way to contact [the security system manufacturer] since I didn't have their phone number i always contacted by computer. I did contact [them] when I did get my new computer and found out that they did have a problem, the answer I got from them follows.  

Solution For Home or Home Office Consumers Affected By Faulty Update to Security Software

If you are currently running Windows XP we recommend checking to ensure you have the latest security update.

If you are one of a small percentage of consumer customers who has an inoperable or severely impaired PC as a result of the faulty file released earlier this week, we want to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Our immediate priority is to get you back up and running.

Here are the steps you can take.

Step 1 – Locate a local toll free support number for your country. A qualified technician is standing by to diagnose your computer’s current status and determine the fastest way to get you up and running again.

Step 2 – If the technician can’t get your system up and running over the phone, we’ll get you the software to get your system up and running again. We can get you the software in one of two methods. You can either download the software fix from a working PC, or we will express deliver a CD to you.

For impacted home or home office customers who have incurred costs to repair PCs as a result of the security update issue, [we] will reimburse reasonable expenses, such as a visit to a local tech support specialist. Details of this program, including steps to submit a reimbursement request, will be posted on the Web site within a few days, so please check back. Additionally, because we value our loyal customers, home or home office users whose PCs were rendered inoperable or severely impaired as a result of the security update will receive a free two-year extension of their current subscription product at no charge.

We’re committed to getting this issue resolved for all our customers worldwide as quickly as possible.

All I asked for is my subscription money but since it was over 60 days they refused, now I did want much but now I,m mad about this and I had to contact Lawyers.com to see if theres anything I can do. thank you for any help  

There was a fairly well known problem with this software where it was accidentally deleting a needed windows file that would cause the computer not to boot.

You are missing something here though.  You did NOT need to buy an entirely new computer to solve this problem.  The problem was with software, not with hardware.

While it is possible for a software problem to create a hardware problem, it's not something that's very common.  If you were to overclock your computer for example, or extend your monitor beyond it's hardware ability via software, then sure,  you might create a hardware problem.  However, generally speaking, software is not going to destroy your hardware.

please understand, and am not a lawyer, but I have written software now for more than 20 years.  There is almost always an end user license that you have to agree to in order to use most any software.  If you read that license agreement, you will likely find the vendor is responsible for pretty much nothing regarding your losses.

moslof:

All I asked for is my subscription money but since it was over 60 days they refused, now I did want much but now I,m mad about this and I had to contact Lawyers.com to see if theres anything I can do. thank you for any help

They refused because you had a remedy and didn't avail yourself of it.

"I didn't know" doesn't count.

You can certainly sue in small claims court if you want to. If the company goes the distance you won't win but it might decide to pay you something in order to avoid the cost and inconvenience of even small claims litigation. No guarantees, of course.