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HP has been criticised over plans to charge its customers for the ‘free’ upgrade to Windows 7.
Several customers have complained to the vendor, after being told that they will have to pay between £20 to £30 for handling and postage fees, reports The Register.
Microsoft announced the ‘free’ upgrade programme at the beginning of last month, but warned consumers that vendor partners may charge for upgrades due to handling and shipping costs.
Many of the complaints focus on HP’s failure to warn customers that they would have to pay a fee to receive their upgrade media and licence. However, HP has hit back, saying that at no point did it promise to deliver Windows 7 free to customers eligible for the upgrade programme.
"The UK communication regarding the Windows 7 upgrade from HP has never stated that this was available for free," a company spokeswoman told the website. She pointed towards the company’s Windows 7 press release, which states: "There is no cost for the Windows 7 Upgrade Kit from HP, however, there may be a charge to cover shipping, handling, and other fees".
