Salut Mapleleaf,

As an ex-HP employee working in support for a few years, I can tell you that there is always a way to get things done faster and better; the first option given by support is often the easiest one for them to perform.

The email carpet bomb may be a good avenue. Note that 99% of HP employees' email format is [email protected].

Did you try escalatng this issue via the regular avenue? For example, you call the usual # (which will likely forward you to an India or Costa Rica response center). But then, start asking to "escalate" your case. This term is widely used at HP (and in many other companies). For each support team, there is a dedicated Escalation Manager. The first EM you will talk to will likely be useless. If you state your case politely and remain calm, it is possible to ask him/her to escalate the call further. Note that often there are at least 3 levels of support within HP. Once you get to the top level (may take a day or two - callbacks, etc.), your chances of getting what you want are much higher.

HTH.