If you decide to pay; I'd go for Microsoft as you have an issue with a
Microsoft product. In contrast, I wouldn't call Microsoft if I had issues
with a Dell ;-)

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Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.howto-outlook.com/
Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more
http://www.msoutlook.info/
Real World Questions, Real World Answers
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> who provides the best support? should i go through Dell or directly to
> Microsoft? or is there a better option?