Avast voids Windows/HP warranty?

[stevenwalsh21]

Hello everyone,

I'm posting here to ask does installing the free version of avast void any type of warranty from Windows 8 or HP. I ask this as I went to buy a new computer for my girlfriend and after I decided on one was berated with the general "do you need office and virus protection blah blah". When I mentioned I was going to use avast, as I've used for years, the sales clerk told me that installing the free version of Avast on Windows 8/8.1 will void the warranty for Windows/HP(can't remember which one exactly he just kept saying warranty). Now my girlfriend was looking quite worried as she had saved up for months to get a new laptop for college and didn't want to pay another 100 for either "proper" anti-virus or the in store warranty. Now I have a bachelors degree in computer science and software engineering so I jumped right in saying that he's making this up and I've never heard of anything like this. He just stayed adamant that this was the fact and I was wrong without being able to give a solid reason, even saying that Avast sends virus' to your computer. I searched on my smartphone in front of him and couldn't find any mention of it but still nothing. When I got home I searched more but still couldn't find anything about avast voiding a warranty for anything!

I was hoping the people here could shed more light on it as if he is definitely wrong I will be filing a formal complaint on trying to tack on another 100+ on our price.

[avast@@dvantage77.com]

That statement is absolute bull$6!+.  I am HP Authorized, a Microsoft System builder, and the only avast! Distributor and Platinum Reseller in the USA.  I guarantee that there is no such voiding! 

Sincerely,
 
J.R. "AutoSandbox Guy" Guthrie

"At this point in time, the Internet should be regarded as an Enemy Weapons System!"

[essexboy]

In the words of the immoral bard he is talking through his bottom..  I have an HP and Avast and nowhere does installing software on a computer void the warranty .. Computers are designed to run lots of different software on purpose.  Methinks a mega scam in the offing  

[stevenwalsh21]

Thanks that's exactly what I needed! It makes me sick the way clerks try to force extras on you.

[CraigB]

It's very obvious that the sales guy was trying to scare you into paying them for Antivirus software, you should contact their head management and complain about that sale assistants tactics.

[Asyn]

It's very obvious that the sales guy was trying to scare you into paying them for Antivirus software, you should contact their head management and complain about that sale assistants tactics.

+1

[Pondus]

When I mentioned I was going to use avast, as I've used for years, the sales clerk told me that installing the free version of Avast on Windows 8/8.1 will void the warranty for Windows/HP(can't remember which one exactly he just kept saying warranty).

ask him for written proof of that...

[stevenwalsh21]

Ohh I will be making a complaint! I just wanted to ask here to make absolutely sure of myself. Thanks everyone

[bob3160]

Unless they offer the lowest price, I would run to another store and buy the computer from there.
If they lie to you before you've even bought the product, what can you expect from them after the purchase

[stevenwalsh21]

Ohh don't worry I left the store without buying anything and I won't be going back.

[schmidthouse]

Boy, the whole "Tech scare" tactic really upsets me. So many people end up getting a really bad taste and mistrust for Computer Technicians precisely because of this Amateur/Deceitful approach.
Personally, I don't trust anyone who offers up the "Tech Scare" tactic. 

[avast@@dvantage77.com]

95% of people in tech sales are negligent, and the grocery store is the worst (Worst Buy, Short Circuit City, Awful Depot, ...)

They are more like used car salesman. They will sell you a computer, and a 10,000 volt chair mat, in the same breath!



Sincerely,
 
J.R. "AutoSandbox Guy" Guthrie

"At this point in time, the Internet should be regarded as an Enemy Weapons System!"

[mchain]

In the words of the immoral bard he is talking through his bottom..  I have an HP and Avast and nowhere does installing software on a computer void the warranty .. Computers are designed to run lots of different software on purpose.  Methinks a mega scam in the offing

Well put!

Taking it a little farther, if one were to install any antivirus program other than the one the salesclerk wanted to sell you, then that would be a violation of their warranty.  If you get it in writing, such might actually be there in the fine print, so... 

Name of the retail outlet is?

[DavidR]

<snip quote>
Taking it a little farther, if one were to install any antivirus program other than the one the salesclerk wanted to sell you, then that would be a violation of their warranty.  If you get it in writing, such might actually be there in the fine print, so... 

<i>Name of the retail outlet is?</i>

I don't think that is necessary, I suspect this isn't limited to a single retailer, staff are pushed to sell additions since the margins aren't so great in the system sale and may also get a bonus.