I'm going to do my best to keep this page updated "as it happens"...

(Updated 5/22/04)
I have a store full of machines.  For the first time I'm actually thinking of hiring some help.
Out of 12 machines in the store it breaks down this way...
3 Gateways
3 Compaqs
3 E-machines
2 HPs
1 Custom built
And I just found out...
If you own an HP or Compaq machine running Windows 98, your recovery disk is gold.  Treat it as such.  It is irreplaceable.
HP says, "We no longer offer support for Windows 98, therefore we no longer sell replacement recovery disks."  When asked what a customer was supposed to do, I was told that HP "offers a wonderful line of new machines".

A clarification to the 12/10/03 post...
Apparently the OEM copies of Windows that we (Gateway and I) sell are tied directly to the machine purchased.  You are NOT allowed to use your copy of Windows on any other machine than the one purchased.  Even if the one purchased is dead.  The license becomes "dead" at that point.  Now, if you are upgrading your machine, at what point does the license "die"?  When you change the motherboard.  Theoretically.

(Updated 1/21/04)
Customer brings in a Compaq.  Like the below machine, all I need to do is reinstall Windows and the software that came with the computer by using a recovery CD.  The second disc is scratched.  Called HP.  They'll talk to me, at least.  Much to my amazement, however, the also said "I'm sorry.  We no longer make that disc".  The good news is, at least this customer has a valid serial number.  I can use ANY Windows disc (that corresponds with the Microsoft serial number) to reinstall the OS.  He loses all the software that came with the machine, otherwise, but at least it works.

(updated 12/10/03)
Customer brings in a Gateway.  One of those "all in one" units. Like an IMac. Just didn't sell nearly as many as Apple did.
Problem? The Operating System is messed up.  The very simple solution is to re-install the OS.
The recovery disc (which ahs the OS imbedded in it) is scratched beyond belief.  No problem. Call Gateway and order another one.
Except (here's comes the best part) Gateway won't talk to me at all.  Period.  They actually hang up on me.  Why?  Gateway will only talk with the "original registered owner".
My customer calls her daughter (the original purchaser). The daughter calls Gateway. Gateway says "We no longer offer that disk. Would you like to buy a new computer?" Yes, they did, but not form Gateway.....
I think the part that bothers me the most about this....how can Gateway claim they are selling you a legal copy of Windows when a) you don't get a Windows disc (you get a "Recovery CD"), and b) you don't get a valid serial number? A legal copy of Windows can be installed on more than one machine (but only one at a time!!!!). This version won't do anything on any machine but theirs.
Folks, take this a friendly warning....
Gateway not only has built bad machines (the whole idea of foisting Pentium Pro processors (back in the day) on non business users was scandalous), but the concept of not supporting ANYONE other than original purchaser is a joke.

From www.spyware.com comes this....
If you or a family member receive a Dell PC as a gift this Christmas (2003), you may be in for a surprise, if it becomes infected with spyware.  Dell has instituted what has to be the most misguided tech support policy I have ever seen. Not only will Dell refuse to tell you how to remove the spyware, they won't even refer you to web sites that can help.
Why does Dell do this? Dell cites the possibility that removing spyware might violate user agreements between the user and some other company.
This is bull. Doesn't Dell realize that the majority of spyware and other parasites now are classified as viruses? Does Dell really care more about the writers of spyware and viruses than they do about their own paying customers?

Recently a customer called with a video problem.  It was a Hewlett Packard machine with all built-in components.  We contacted HP about disabling the video so we could install a new video card.  We were informed by HP that the unit was out of warrantee and we needed to contact the motherboard manufacturer directly.  We never heard from them.  Here's a customer with what should be a $75 problem, buying an entire new machine because of bad tech support from the manufacturer.

A customer brings in a Sony VAIO desktop.  The CD-Rom (an old 8X model) is broken.  I offer to put a beige 52X CD-Rom in for $40 (including parts and installation), in the machine but the customer wants the purple part that makes her machine pretty.  I called Sony.  For an old 8X drive with the pretty purple piece, they want $149.95 plus shipping and handling.  If I charge $20 for installation...yeah you get the idea.  Her machine now has a pretty beige CD-Rom drive.