Check for Updates Error

[pop pop]

I searched this forum all the way back to 6/2003 for an answer. There was none so here's the background.

I have VB.NET 2003. When I click check for updates from the Help Menu, I get an error. The problem is a known bug and documented on Microsofts site under KB836454.

The error message I get and the one they describe exactly is :

Visual Studio .NET setup encountered errors while attempting to download required files. Check your Web Browser configuration settings and your connection hardware, and then try again.

The cause according to them is:

an error when the Vsupdate.dll file accesses the Urlmon.dll file. Subsequently, this can cause Visual Studio .NET to fail when downloading files from the Update location.

I follow those links and they want $99 for an email answer or phone answers start at something like $245. I only paid $89 for the program!

Does anyone know of any other solution? Whay should I pay them for a fix to their bug?

Their solution is:

To resolve this problem, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

[RobDog888]

Is there an email address that you could send a question to on this instead?
Usually they charge for phone support, but most places give free email tech support.

[pop pop]

I was directed here http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;836454 for the KB836454 bug. If you follow the Resolution/Get Assisted/US/VB .NET 2003 links, you'll see that email support is $99. There is no way further without giving them a credit card number and them tapping it "after submission".

Now, that MAY mean that subsequently you'll get credited back the $99 but I'm not willing to take the chance that they may not.

I won't get on a rant too long but this is just another example of what's wrong with Microsoft.

[RobDog888]

Not quite! Re-read the the paragraph and you will see that they GIVE you FOUR email support requests at NO CHARGE.

4 support requests submitted online or by a phone call are included at no charge.

All additional support requests are $99.00 US per request or use an existing contract. Some support issues may not be covered under the listed charge.

They have a 1 day turn around, so its not that bad.