You're welcome. If they say 'no' then just get them to send you one, then use a service like: PDFescape - Free PDF Editor & PDF Form Filler - Your Free Online PDF Reader, Editor, Form Filler, Form Designer, Solution, you just upload the file. Fill in the details, save them then send it to them obviously. Alternatively, you could use: PDF Xchange PDF Viewer - Software To Open A PDF File - PDF Editing Software this one allows you to draw 'boxes' and then click on the text tool to fill the box in with the required text, it doesn't 'save' the work, but whilst it's all on the screen you get a basic 'editing' facility. Pretty much, though to be precise the ability to use the software as without the code you can't agree to the license agreement. You could technically have a 'trial' of the software, just to confuse you further but after that you would still need the code for continued use. That is correct, there should be no need to return the laptop as their requirements should all be met. That was GraceCourts suggestion and it would seem so yes. You've got the wrong end of the stick on that, the time limit is for you to bring the claim after purchase of your intent to reject the Operating System. Not for them to complete, though there would be a belief that all parties would wish to settle the issue at hand in a reasonable time. So you're 'safe'. I am certain GraceCourt would agree here too, you've advised them of your intent to trade your License Key\Product Key for agreed renumeration, if there's any limit it's on them Acer. Not so much you. Though I should imagine that there's a belief that all parties will be expected to behave in a reasonable manner and progress things in a reasonable time, however, it's not like if you don't complete within 30 days they can rescind the offer fwiw they can't do that, it's just to guide everyone in a direction within a suitable time period so they can't then say oops you're out of time we don't have to honour this as you failed to send us document xxxx in time the impetus will be on them to act reasonably and for each party to meet the others expectation and apply the correct amount of emphasis to the transaction in a bid to complete, but if the 30 day limit passes you can still persue the claim, nothing will have changed in that regard. HTH

From my corner, you're more than welcome. Seems I now owe GraceCourt an appology, as you did indeed record you meeting and refusing the EULA. Yes, that's pretty much it. Acer in their infinite wisdom haven't included a physical copy of the OS in the box. So you can't send that back, so you can only give what you have which is the proof and the license\product key sticker. If you're going to remove it, 1st seek permission from Acer and if they say to do so, then film yourself removing it. I suggest this as Microsoft put in various anti-piracy measures which means the sticker is designed to breakdown\apart as soon as you try to remove it, so be sure to get a good couple of images of the sticker intact to prove what you're removing. You could also use this example: Or heat it up using a Heat Gun or Hair Dryer, then try removing it with a razor blade. Tell them Acer Belgium has a procedure in place and you can send them a copy of this: exhibitL - Fullscreen to prove it. So it follows that they must have the same procedure, if they're the same organisation. Yes inform them what's' important is the license sticker and not the physical contact with the laptop, then tell them about all your recordings. HTH

You could have saved yourself a disk, the 'value' of the OS isn't in the copy you have on your harddrive. It's in the little sticker that's on the bottom of the unit, or on the Manual that accompanied the laptop with a small Bar Code on it. As long as you have a Windows disk, you can install the OS, then when asked to enter the license key\ Product Code, as seen here: http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/downarchive2/member2/26-Windows-XP-Genuine-License-Keys.jpg you see the characters and digits under 'Product Key'? That's the license number you would input when prompted, it would then invoke whatever version of windows the license key was for. Yes you read that correctly, this was because the early Vista disks have all operating systems on them, the 'choice' was made when you put the appropriate code in. If it was a XP key, you got XP if it was Vista you got vista etc. So obviously, don't lose the manual or the sticker, or let anyone copy the code off the sticker for that matter as it IS the license to windows. That's what Microsoft say, its even what they put in their eula. But they adhere to US Law, in the UK we have a slightly different law, as long as the License hasn't been used, it does have some value you can even sell it to realise that value, though Microsoft argue you can't. So let them, just don't tell them the code\license number you're selling and they can't cancel it Fact is it has a value which can be realised at sale. Microsoft and their vendors want it all ways, they don't want to give you the OS but they want you to use it. They don't want to lose out on the sale, but if it's not installed on their hardware then the original vendor will spend money arguing with Microsoft that they should be allowed their money, well let them. It saves them arguing with you doesn't it If you find an outlet, feel free to sell it. Providing it's not got a 'name' on the license, then you could get upto £40 for it. Be aware however, that unless you have official media then some websites that allow sales will not let you sell it, as MS says the license must accompany official media. Microsoft argues that unless you purchase directly from them, then you will not get any official support. But lets face it, who calls microsoft unless you've not got any friends or a tech support department? If you do you're only allowed so many calls anyway, I think it's something stupid like 5 and then they want you to take out another contract for more 'tech support', have they never heard of the internet? Incidentally, when Vista first came out, 2nd hand copies of XP rocketed in price, you couldn't get a license for under £200 unless it was an official product, a couple of weeks later the price stabilised at around £70 however with the release of Windows 7 some versions of that come with a copy of XP built in, I know the ones I purchased all will, plus the ones for the media center. So you should see alot of people selling their old licenses pretty soon. Then you'll see for yourself how much value these items have and how seriously people take microsofts thoughts HTH

I have to say Thanks to 'GraceCourt' for your patience in explaining all of that. It saved me a lot of typing, that's for sure For the benefit of the other two, Microsoft hold that you purchase a LICENSE to USE the operating system. You do NOT purchase the Operating System (their distinction, don't believe me call MS UK well technically Amsterdam and they'll take the time to explain it to you!) Also, the EULA is the part in which you agree or disagree with the License, if you disagree you press 'Disagree' and it tells you that it will cease the installation, are you sure... Yes = blank screen'. You can see it here: during install, when it shows 'the license agreement' say NO. Obviously the youtube thing shows XP but Vista isn't that different. It's my understanding however that as the OP has removed the windows partition, then they will not be able to boot windows and therefore reacquire the EULA. Unless they've got a virtualbox with eula displayed, but as Acer didn't include the install discs, he'll have to find one elsewhere. All of that said, to the OP the exhibitL - Fullscreen at the end of page 1, and the top page 2 it shows that Acer Belgium has a procedure in place to deal with this whole thing. As a consequence I'm advised that as it's legally binding in a court in Europe, then it has standing in other courts within Europe, of which we are a part apparently. If you wanted to clarify that then you could email the EU variations of trading standards: EUROPA - Consumer Affairs - Consumer Organisations Failing that, I'm sure GraceCourt' will have some ideas on how to achieve your aim. HTH

Personally I would write them back, point out the disproportionate costs involved in having to send the WHOLE LAPTOP to them. I would go as far as advising them that when dealing with any REGULAR Customer Focused company, you normally just have to return to them the still sealed disks, plus the license key. However, this being Acer they don't supply the Operating System on a hard medium, instead they deem the OS disk to be a 'Repair Disk' and therefore some kind of specialised disk that you can't aquire without you have some kind of technical knowledge. I would also mention the cost not only in monetary terms, but also the fact that you have to jeopardise the safety of your laptop just so that they can shuffle a few papers. Also, if the laptop gets damaged then imagine the costs, you'll chase the courier, then the courier may feel obliged to chase Acer! And so begins the 'blame game', also mention that in these enlightened times we're supposed to be as Carbon Neutral as possible, surely the returning of the whole laptop just to satisfy someone's curiosity isn't really justified. If they want proof that the OS hasn't been used, in light of the fact that they REFUSED to include a copy of the disks in the box like EVERY OTHER RETAILER! Then common sense must come into play, if the person reading doesn't feel suitably qualified to apply such 'common sense', then request that he 'put the letter BACK in the Envelope - Carefully! So as to avoid paper cuts!!' Then go and find someone more suited to their position within the company! Maybe there's a manager that can be trusted with the blunt shape of the envelope and enough intelligence to make a decision unaided! Maybe for instance, they could arrange for a courier to come and collect the laptop at their expense! Afterall, you didn't request that they put windows on the thing, you wanted the laptop WITHOUT windows. Or see if there might be a means of achieving what they want without sending the whole laptop back, maybe like just returning the hard drive. However, again this shouldn't really be necessary, how about they CALL Microsoft themselves to determine IF the license code you give them has been used to download updates with yet? (It maybe a good idea to call Microsoft and confirm this first though, as Microsoft have a terrible reputation regarding their license numbers, you never know someone may have hit upon a license key that works and that one now belongs to you!). Or you could even ask them if they had seen this news report: French court says non to pre-loaded Windows on Acer laptop ? Channel Register Ask them that if they require suitable guidance as to what that suggests? You could even advise them that you suspect you know, but should guidance be required you can get it from Trading Standards or : Consumer Direct or if THEY would prefer maybe they would prefer to find the answers to such questions, a little closer to home: EUROPA - Consumer Affairs - Consumer Organisations but you could remind them that we've come a lot way in the UK too, yes we too have courts that deal with consumer issues, so if you're charged the money you will be seeking damages from them at a later date. And whilst you're considering all of that, then you may like to take a look at this, towards the middle exhibitL - Fullscreen HTH

He's not going too though is he, I'm merely suggesting that instead of returning the machine to Acer Head Quaters for them to reboot it a few times and determine whether the machine is hiding a copy of windows with the license key that's present on the base of the machine. So he doesn't have to return it, he merely agrees a time to let them connect to the machine and then do whatever it is the want to do. The advantages are plain to see, the OP doesn't have to send the machine therefore saving postage, insurance or carbon miles. I'm sure the OP will then advise them into which folders they can look in or not, and if they deviate from the agreed path, then he can simply grab the mouse and stop them going anywhere further. Realistically however, all they're going to have to do is connect, then run a linux software similar too Everest or Belarc Advisor (OProfiler) and the jobs done. Unless he's Gary Glitter or unless he's got information for his eyes only, there's not a lot the people from Acer will be able to gleam from his file names or whatever. So therefore alot of messing around saved and all it will take is them to inform whoever at Acer\Microsoft the OS isn't being used and that's that. I also suggested a couple of Linux versions of programs not just gotomypc etc I prefer TeamViewer myself however HTH

Yeah sure, it's just I belong to a couple of forums and I've seen a variety of problems come up associated with Acer. You could reduce such stress for the princely sum of £30-£40 so I consider it a good purchase. This is especially so when you've seen the number of complaints that people have had after the Acer Tech Support have gotten through with their 'repair', you can see proof of such things here: My Windows Refund Horror Story (Acer) - Ubuntu Forums . At least if you've got a extra warranty it simplifies things for three years. My fingers are duly crossed Exactly, you shouldn't. There is a register.co.uk report of how it took some guy 4 months worth of emailing before Acer eventually gave up and just refunded him his copy of windows. It didn't say which one it was unfortunately. I suppose you can understand their position to some degree, afterall they get what the retailer paid for the laptop, plus the price that the windows license will bring them just as soon as it's authorised by windows update. The fly in the ointment comes when they find out that it's not getting activated and worst, you're aware of the eula and want your money back. Still, business is tough, and them's the breaks! *I've just had a couple of thoughts. If you find that they refuse to relent and must have the system returned to them. Ensure you take plenty of photographs to show the current state of the laptop. So that if it comes back to you in a worse state, you can prove the state it left you in. *Also, you could use a webcam on another computer and then reboot the laptop, then at least they shouldn't have any complaints about not seeing the computer boot up. As one of their issues maybe that you've got it dual booting. You may also like to email Microsoft UK and point out you want a refund from Acer. Then ask them how you go about removing the license key from the bottom of the laptop. Acer may just accept that you're not using the key and be done with it, or they might wish to remove or replace the bottom of the system so that there's no license key on it etc. Good idea. I'm sure you'll get your refund you'll just have to go up the company profile until you get to someone capable of making a decision. If it all goes badly, you could drop a line to register.co.uk or inquirer.net mentioning how Acer seem to have forgotten the agreement and just how disappointed you are, and to think you put your trust in Acer as it says all over the internet that they will honour the windows refund scheme Thank you.

Well that's good news then, at least you're happy with your purchase. Whilst not wishing to upset you however, you did purchase the 'extended warranty' didn't you? Cheap Laptops, Hard Drives, LCD Monitors, TVs, Televisions, Hard Drive and more at Ebuyer.com If not, you can purchase it aftermarket, I think the limit is something like 180 days after purchase it can be applied to your laptop. But of course don't quote me entirely on that, as it maybe upto a year, I just can't remember that clearly, but I suspect it's around 180 days. If not, I suggest purchasing it. Well that's understandable. Exactly, I mean with tools like teamviewer available for windows boxes and equivalents such as: Ammyy Admin is a free TeamViewer alternative for remote support or: TeamViewer alternatives for Linux - AlternativeTo.net there's no reason to have to send the machine back when they can undertake the same tests as if they were sat at the machine, all be it remotely from their office. Well they did say they were a 'volume supplier' and as such they were able to bulk purchase their copies of windows and then they said something about it not being fair to refund me 'retail' when they were only purchasing them on a 'volume license'. I wasn't going to complain, and had an old copy of XP anyway so it was no loss. I take it you've had time now, so you've approached them and they've said?.... probably 'send the machine back to us and we'll confirm you didn't install windows'. Fwiw there is some Acer specific information on google and a few successes, I've not got time to go through them all but they are here: Google I do, what's more if you read through the google links you'll see we're not alone in this choice either. Heck, even Microsoft include it in their eula, if they didn't want you to make use of it, then they wouldn't include it would they. Good luck.

Computer Supplies and PC Components from Novatech will sell you a laptop *without* an operating system, just click on 'customise' and then 'no operating system'. Likewise, if you purchase from Dell.co.uk and inform them at the time of purchase that you do not wish to use the Microsoft software\os etc then they will ask you to return the disks\licenses to them still sealed and they will reimburse you an interesting £7 or so, yes you did read that correctly, I did put £7 it's actually something like £5 plus vat, insurance and postage that they're charged per installation. As for proving that the OS isn't installed, there should be no reason to send it away. Just ask one of their 'tech' people to connect via vpn and then they'll be able to 'see' that you're not using the installed OS wouldn't they? We live in a technological age, there should be no reason to be sending laptops here and there to prove you don't want a particular OS, that's just ridiculous surely they must be able to identify the system via some means other than physically seeing it. HTH

You could always mention 'Godfrey v Demon Internet' could you not? I only mention it as it relates to defamation online, so may help. HTH

Hello, I'm just browsing throughout the site and came across your subject and whilst I don't wish to tread on Coniffs toes, he's been here longer than I. But I feel I should warn you that just cancelling a direct debit comes with it's own little problems, such things as the company in question may let it go for a couple of months, then check it's records and find out that as you agreed to a 12 month contract say, that they have the right to resurrect the direct debit and collect the money anyway. Yes, you read that correctly, I did say the company could 'resurrect' the direct debit you cancelled and take the money regardless. You have to be careful with direct debits, and agreements. That is unless you've not signed an agreement in which case they shouldn't be able to resurrect it, but they may try regardless. I would take the other guys advice, and find out about what your contract says about cancelling and then use that to get out of your contract. This is especially the case as you're dealing with a company that may let you go, then reread that contract agreement and find that they can collect the renaming 12 months for however many family members signed up to the gym. You can see such an occurrence in the following two posts: http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/debt-collection-industry/128064-virgin-active-arc-please.html Obviously, I would follow this thread through, as there's lots of useful information in it. or another here: Virgin Active Complaints - Gym Membership Cancellation and there's LOTS of glowing warnings here: Virgin Active Health Clubs Review in Gyms at Review Centre HTH

Hello, As it transpired, I never did get my SAR request sent. I did however get both of the sums of money from the SLC that they had mistakenly taken from me back into my account. The problem however is a week after getting the money back into the account, the SLC phones me up and demmands the money back. What's more, I'm now receiving lots of calls from the Thesis who of course have one of my loans, and now an 'old friend' has come back 'Scott & Co' has been resurrected, I've been told to 'phone back urgently, it is important', if they're calling, it will hardly be for my benefit, or is it? Anyone have any ideas as to why they're calling?

Have you not got a social worker you can turn too for assistance? Or maybe a Care Worker of some sort? If so it might be time to bring them on board and see if they can communicate on your behalf with the OU. All of that said, the OU seem to be used to dealing with people with various health issues, why can't you just pick up the phone and talk to them? Afterall, you've said it yourself 'if they knew you' they might understand, but seeing as the only communication they've had from you has been at a distance they don't really know you. But if you don't feel comfortable doing that, then I would get your social worker involved, see what they can do. HTH

Fwiw I was one of many who some years ago purchased from Dell, who when things went wrong with their computers, denied they were bound by UK laws when things went wrong. You'll be glad to hear that if they do business in the UK, have offices in the UK then they cannot escape their responsibilities to UK consumers in law. If you need too, you can complain to the USA's United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings Better Business Bureau. HTH

In all fairness, it has to be said they did make it pretty plain that if you wanted 'free one day delivery' it was going to be through or using a new service called Amazon Prime. There was a large white, blue and red banner across the top of the page and around the 'cart' on the page at the time. What's more it even had a check box on the page that would have said 1) regular FREE delivery 2) 2 day delivery Next Business Day 3) Amazon Prime - 1 day delivery TRIAL (details to follow) kind of like that, but better designed lol You would have made your purchase, ticked the 'Amazon Prime' box and it would have said 'congratulations, you've chosen to take part in Amazon Prime a whole new shopping experience' in the Red\White and Blue colour scheme. It would then have completed your order, you would have received 2 emails 1) Confirmation of Order 2) Confirmation of Prime Participation. It would have further told you 'You've signed up for 1 MONTHS FREE Trial of Amazon Prime and at the bottom it would have said: I only know this of course, as I too signed up for it. Unfortunately, this year at least everytime I've tried to purchase something from Amazon, it's either been out of stock or available cheaper elsewhere. Now had this of been last year, everything was in stock and there was postal charges galore lol. HTH

Hi, My parents live in a village with only one telecoms provider supplying it: BT. Two weeks ago the lines deteriorated so much so that they can't make calls out, or accept calls longer than 30 seconds IN. Numerous phone calls followed not only from myself on behalf of my parents, but also from then when they can actually get a line out to BT long enough to complete the call. BT report when I call that they've sent numerous 'engineers' out to test the line and can't really find the fault, they accept there is one but just can't find it to eliminate it. They seem content to dawdle along untill they do however, but with no emphasis on speed. Unfortunately my parents NEED the phone line what with my Father just being diagnosed with Pancreatis, Gallstones etc BT don't seem too bothered only promising to get to the end of the problem sometime in the future. Is there anyway to get BT to pull their finger out? My parents have 1 Business Line, 1 Household line (as designated by BT) along with one ADSL line assigned to Pipex. All deliver periodic downtime, but nothing but problems for the last 2 weeks other than what sounds like a buzzing sound and 'your call has been connected' only for it to then disconnect again and again and well you get it... BT assure us that we're waiting for the DACS guy to figure out if there's a DACS on the line. But that's been it for the last 2 days. Is there anything we can do? Thanks.

Thanks again Noomill.

Hi, Regarding the initial SAR letter, I've found the template and my question relates to this point; 'I enclose a cheque for the statutory maximum fee of £10 ', so is this £10 for ALL loan account information, including that now held by the 'Thesis' organisation, or do I have to send Thesis the same letter now they have taken possession of the 2nd account? Thanks.

You can pretty much read about this all here: nthellworld.co.uk - user community or Upgrade from 2 - 10 meg - Cable Forum This is the *Official* VirginMedia support forums: nthellworld.co.uk - user community it's worth pointing out however that those that HELP are doing so OUT OF HOURS and Voluntarily, they will help, but are under no obligation to do so. So don't go in their demanding help, just ask someone will hopefully come to you. I can also understand Gyzmo's concerns, as I too have read that there are a few people who have lost their old deals after virgin went and added to their packages, this possibly stems from the fact that virgin has removed their 'customer loyalty' program, which essentially meant we got a reasonable deal providing we wouldn't change supplier. Trouble is that some people were getting everything for 99p so VM were making a loss so they've removed those deals from the system and those people are renegotiating. You can pretty much read all about this at the afforementioned forum as I had too. At least you'll never be suprised when Virginmedia make a change on contracts again! No more 'I never heard they were doing free upgrades', you'll know be in the rumour mill along with the rest of us.

Ok, thanks. Will do.

Hi, You're running XP, you really shouldn't be having any problems with websites unless you've got something grabbing resources on your computer, or you've got too little memory. Chances are you've got something like your AntiVirus grabbing too much memory, or perhaps you've got too many programs in your system tray not doing anything. As a work around you could try the following ideas: Download and Install Opera Browser, this is another option rather than choosing say Internet Explorer or Firefox, all have their benefits - like Opera, has the ability to click on View then Images, then only see images you've managed to download, or all images that you've got stored on your computer. Obviously, if you've managed to download a webpage, then it will display quicker next time you frequent it, but if you don't need the imagery, then you could make do with just that. Or there is: View\Style - Accessibility, or Fixed Width, the options are many and varied in Opera browser, I'm advised that such options were available on the AtariST, Amiga back in the day, you can essentially remove the 'guff' and get back to basics which is what you want seemingly. For the younger ones, they think of the above in FireFox and would get the same results, and it has to be said some better using: Greasemonkey or they could kill individual elements using something like this: Lifehacker - RIP Permanently Removes Elements from a Web Site - Annoyances There used to be a way to remove website content so that Internet Explorer would only use a 'default' stylesheet or web site view that was customised for the individual concerned. Unfortunately, I've had broadband so long I've forgotten where those settings are. Perhaps there's a possibility you could upgrade your connection to broadband in the future? It would certainly help with the graphic downloads. It's true once you try it you won't wish to go back, though you maybe forced too if you live in the countryside. I hope the above is of some assistance.

Truth be told I don't know, they've taken off me so far around 1200ukp though the first lot of that was the 600ukp due to them 'losing touch' with me, my refusing to pay the arrears and additional charges owing to me actually telling them I had moved, if it hadn't been for my honesty they wouldn't have known, then there's the repeated problems with ME (they blame me, rather than their refusal to MOVE my deferment date either back or forwards) and my inability to submit their forums on time (they fail to mention that xmas keeps getting in the way due to their refusal to move the deferment due date). If I get this SAR then I will know for sure won't I? I'm looking forward to that at least, will they also provide me with a copy of my original loan document at the sametime, so they will prove that I owe them this money as part of the SAR? If possible, I want my money back... speaking of which, can I claim for the charges that the bank charged me for their arranging the 'emergency loan', amongst everything else? Speaking of which, I then had to pay those charges back at a rate of 10ukp per month over some years... truth be told they got me so confused and I had health problems to focus on, lots of hospital time that I just ended up paying them the 10ukps, though they got interrupted by the deferments at the end of every year which lead to more charges.... so am I correct in thinking I could get this money back too? Afterall, if the charges are illegal and shouldn't have been there then by my reckoning I was put in a position to my detriment by their poor management. I should have been contributing towards my loan payments, but instead I ended up paying back their ridiculous charges they imposed on me. Am I right in thinking that I am in possession of a 'demand from Smith Lawson & Company, I realise it's a part of SLC as their email address is smith_lawson@slc.co.uk, so at least they're not hiding anymore unlike when they were Scott & Co - pretending they were a 'debt agency'. Anyway, I can send them a copy of the letter back with 'in dispute!' written on it? Or would I be better paying it, then getting the SAR? As the whole issue is about to happen all over again... I can just feel it.

Good evening Conniff, thanks for taking the time to reply. Do you happen to know whether if I submit a 'SAR' will it be divided by loan account numbers, or will it all be dumped in the same file so to speak? I only ask as I've got two loan numbers you see, so don't know whether it would be better to submit one at a time or whether it's better (assuming they can organise the paperwork correctly - which I seriously doubt) to get both together. My loans are for years 96\97. Also, do you know if it's possible to purchase say a 'Postal Order' online? I've gone through the royalmail website several times and I've still no clue. Just it's going to be difficult sending them payment as I'm literally housebound. Thank you for your previous reply and any subsequent.

Hello, As taken from here:http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/students/184229-jayney71-student-loans-company-2.html#post2211645 With a little more details, back in 2000 I was caught as I made the mistake of calling the SLC and telling them I had moved. They in their infinite wisdom decided to 'investigate' whether I had moved or not, they did this by sending a 'to the Present Owner\Occupier - of OLD Address letter. Of course I received it, I was having my mail redirected to my new address of course. I phoned them up said 'I got your letter, yes it's me... as I told you previously, I've moved'. Then a lesson in 'do you know intercepting someone's mail is an offence.... blah blah blah etc... Yes, but that only applies when that person has a name, not 'Owner\Occupier' of which I am there followed an explanation of having my mail delivered to my new address etc... I won't bore you. Fast forward a couple of months, I get a 'you didn't inform us you've moved' letter. I of course thought it was a joke, I called, the lady confirmed it was a joke and that the 'computer thought we had lost touch and automatically printed\sent it - just ignore it!'... after ignoring it, they took money from my bank account and so the problems began. I get lots of charges for letters finding me, then I have problems with deferments, in my own case I NEVER get my deferment letters until the END OF DECEMBER! The last week before xmas to be precise, so I have to metaphorically 'run' around calling people trying to get them to fill in the details and then return them to the SLC. The SLC return from Xmas and promptly raid my bank account, then set about activating my deferment. They then refund the money they've taken, then I receive a 'you've got some of our money, give it back!' Threats follow, usually with me being the lose, they then inform me they're sending in the debt collectors, they then add their charges and a couple of weeks later it goes into deferment. I get told to 'just ignore the charges' and everything will be ok, but of course the charges stick and in the end they just get added to my overall amount of loan. They did this one year to me, they raided my bank account and left me destitute. So much so that I had NO money, all my direct debits were due and I got several lectures from my banks 'loan' service about 'money management' as I had to get an emergency loan to cover me for everything leaving my account. Then there was the time that I was undergoing treatment at home, a nurse was seeing to me. I got a call told them I would call them back later, they rang straight back, I told them I was with my nurse and would call them later, the phone rang straight back. Short conversation: we don't believe you. At that point my nurse stabbed the burst vein in my foot and I screamed!! Obviously it 'xxxxxx hurt'! Only to be met with what sounded like an office full of people laughing, seems I was on speaker phone. I put the phone down, they called straight back - I had to tell them that once was forgiveable, twice was acceptable - but THREE OR MORE TIMES IS HARASSMENT AND A CRIMINAL OFFENCE - STOP CALLING OR I'LL CALL THE POLICE. Needless to say, it stopped for sometime before starting up again, I think it was a whole 24 hours or so. As you can probably see, I've had a few experiences with the SLC - I'm registered 'disabled' after having to give up my Uni course due to this condition, I've been on benefits ever since and they've hassled me every way possible. Even during the time I agreed to make payments, they continued their harassment. Trouble is, it's going to happen again this year I've got a 'Do Not Ignore This Letter' from 'Smith Lawyson & Company' over this years illicit charge, they took money from me, then gave it back on BOTH loans but the one that SLC holds they've charged me for the return of the money they took! So I'm sick of it, I wasn't them off my back. My loans are dated 96 & 97 if it makes any difference. Both were with the SLC untill one of them got moved to 'Thesis', they also took the money this year and once again they gave it back after Xmas. So my questions: 1)Incidentally, would there be any benefit to submitting a request for the Original loan documents, or is this already taken care of in the 'Subject to Action' portion of the claim, will they return to me a copy of the original loan document\s? 2) Thesis as I said now have one of my loans. Do I persue Thesis AND SLC, or purely SLC as they held my loans during the period when they took all the money. 3) Assuming purely SLC in answer to Q2, do the provide an easy to read\use Index of correspondence, ie: One Package for EACH loan, or just a bundle of documents relating to BOTH. 4) So it's a (a) Subject to Action Request, (b) Then what? Thank you all for your time.

Hello Jayney71 and Noomill. Just about to enter into this affray myself. I too have been caught up in this whole penalty charge, backdating of my deferment process. They caught me around 2000, no matter how many times I argued with them that the charges weren't legit they still insisted they were, hell they even emptied my my bank account twice, leaving me destitute, the 2nd time they took a full £700 which meant that everything stopped, I had to receive an emergency loan from the bank which then cost me a further £100 or so, then just to add further insult to injury they wrote that I'm a bad payer on my credit record. Yep, sick of them too. Seriously angry every time I think about this..... I'm looking at a 'Do Not Ignore This Letter' from 'Smith Lawyson & Company' over this years illicit charge, they took money from me, then gave it back on BOTH loans but the one that SLC holds they've charged me for the return of the money they took! Incidentally, would there be any benefit to submitting a http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/other-institutions/10900-loan-company-cannot-supply.html or is this already taken care of in the 'Subject to Action' portion of the claim, will they return to me a copy of the original loan document\s? Also, a Subject Action Request - Jayney71 did you ask for ALL your loans information and did they 'muddle' it all up, or were there SEPARATE bundles for EACH loan you requested information about? Thanks for answering my questions both of you.