How to get your $$ back from MS for CFS3

[jplacy]

I'm officially giving up... the patch didn't do squat for my situation (graphic "stutters.")  I've tried all the tweaks in this forum and elsewhere, still no luck.

Too bad, because I bet CFS is really cool on some systems.  Not mine!

Read on if you're interested in how you can get you money back from Microsoft for CFS3....  the following is from correspondence I had directly with microsoft support.

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If the issue persists and you still wish to refund, the option is always open and if there is any difficulty in getting the refund from point of purchase you can get a refund directly from us. After all we want our customers happy. Here at Microsoft we would surely like to have a satisfied customer . Even if you are not able to use a product, we would like you to be satisfied with the service. If a product is of no use to you or you are not happy with the performance, we surely have the refund option open for you.

In case you have difficulty in getting a refund from your point of purchase, following is the process for getting a replacement:
- Provide a copy of Proof of Purchase (receipt, credit card statement or cancelled check).
- Provide a complete street address (No PO Boxes) and telephone number.
- Uninstall the software product from your computer and any storage devices, delete any
   backup copies.
- Include all related media and manuals.
- Supply the name and location of the retailer where the product was purchased.
- Please include a brief statement as to why you wish to return the product for a refund.
- Send product, the original product packaging and all related materials via traceable
   means (i.e., FedEx, UPS, Airborne, certified and insured US mail).

All validated returns will be processed within 2-4 weeks once the product is received by the Return Center. Failure to include all the information required could result in the refund being delayed or denied.

You may also contact our Order Entry Department at the following phone number: 1-888-673-8624 to get additional information.

Shipping address for all returns in the United States is:
Microsoft Product Returns Program
2992 Alvarado Street Suite N
San Leandro, CA 94577

Shipping address for all returns in the Canada is:
Microsoft Product Returns Program
6200 Dixie Road Unit # 17
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada L5T2E1

[torquestripe]

I'm with you on this. I sent M$ an email requesting they send me stats on their sales to return ratio for CFS3 and they politely declined. Must have been embarassing info.
I really hate to complain but if I could write my own code for a flight sim I would. Soooo I have to give up $40.00+ bucks a pop for a program that is buggier than any other software I've ever seen.
I put a post out (and then removed it) complaining about CFS3. I really hope no one except Bill Gates took offense to it.
On the up side I'm sure that all of the talent available from everyone in the forums will make this a somewhat playable sim until something better shows up on the store shelves. Hopefully soon. :-/
My apologies to all for my previous post.  

[Zero_Bubble]

I got my refund back from M$ for the CFS3 I returned.  After reading all the pros and cons regarding the game from various sources in the forum, I ended up more confused. However, I believe I made the right decision. Hopefully, the next flight sim game will not be too complicated.

Zero Bubble

[BFMF]

I really hate to complain but if I could write my own code for a flight sim I would.

Do you realize how much work goes into designing a flight simulator as complicated as FS2002, CFS3, etc ?

it takes a hell of a lot more work then you think.

[Iroquois]

Do you realize how much work goes into designing a flight simulator as complicated as FS2002, CFS3, etc ?

it takes a hell of a lot more work then you think.

I agree, you people don't seem to realize the vast undertaking a computer games is. I think the reason why CFS3 doesn't work is because nobody reads the box.
I challenge you guys to post your system specs in which the game does not work, I mean everything. Also please post specs where the game does work for people to get an idea of what exactly is a good PC combo. I think you'll be surprised that you don't need a high end system.
Here's my specs where CFS3 works well.
ECS K7S5A no-integrated main board
AMD Duron 950Mhz
Jaton 3DForce 2 MX-400 64mb video card
512MB PC-133 SDRam.
Sound Blaster Live! Platinum 5.1
7200 RPM 30GB Hard Drive.
I didn't list anything else because I use the no-cd patch. I have CFS3 version 1.0. I did not Installed part of the patch but this was before 1.1 No-Cd came out and I don't want to install CFS3 again.  

[jplacy]

Interesting.  Why are so many people complaining about CFS3 then?  :)

I have an "average" system with many of the typical components you get from the major vendors.  A Dell Dimension 8200 in my case.

P4-1.8Ghz
256MB PC800 RDRAM
Soundblaster Live! 1024
NVidia GeForce3 Ti200 - 64MB
80GB Ultra ATA/100 7200 RPM
Windows XP

Here's what the MS site says for system requirements:

Microsoft

[Iroquois]

I see you have the mysterious Rambus Ram jplacy. Is that any good or is it as crap as they say it is?

A lot of people with problems in CFS3 seem to be running Windows 98. I run XP Home with DirectX 9. I think Win 98 may be a bit outdated and it might be worth it to jump up to a new OS for some people. Then again CFS3 is just a game so unless you benefit from XP for other things, like I do, then it's not worth forking out $150 for a new OS.
I found with a simple upgrade from 320MB to 512MB of Ram, all my sutters disappeared. I already had a 256 chip and put in another 256 for about $74 Canadian. I only use PC-133 ram so thoes with DDR might find upgrades more expensive.  

[Jaffa]

My specs are:

P3 500mhz
GeForce 2 MX400 64mb
256mb RAM
12.5 gb HD
Windows 98

Absolutrly NO problems whatsoever with CFS3.  With all settings on 3 excpet clouds, I get 10+ FPS.  

[GunnerMan]

Yeah it has bugs but when I get in that game I am having SO much fun I dont knowtice. I have all sets on 3 but clouds< just to make shure everythng goes good. The pach messed my game but got over that mess quick. This Im sorry all but I gotta hand it to the M$ boys. Truly the greatist sim ive flown and gl;ad they ventured where no one else dared going.  :o  :P