UK retailer PC World is pushing Windows XP by offering to load it on your machine for free. It may then, at an outside guess, discover you need more memory and other upgrades, to really jack up your bill.

The deal, a "Free Installation and Healthcheck worth £39.99", includes a complete diagnostic and virus check, as well as installation of Windows XP.

But wait, if you call now, not only will you get all of this, you'll also get a "Full Valet".

PC World really values its £39.99 PC Healthchecks. They're a great sales opportunity, but the company reckons it builds customer love. The Reg reported on another promotion earlier this year where it would screen your PC for viruses, "The quick and easy way to make sure you are virus free." It had this valuable service selling for the sum of £40.

The company could pick up a few tips on customer service from Canada 's FutureShop chain, which has providing an WinXP "upgrade analysis service" for just CN$19.95. The results of the analysis will either be 'Yes, you can run XP, so buy it' or 'No you can't run it so upgrade your machine and then buy it'. Heads I win, tails you lose. ®

Related Link

PC World's Windows XP Offer