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You've been burned before, so this time when you bought a new machine, you shelled out an extra $100 to $300 and extended your warranty for another two or three years. But when you call your trusty PC manufacturer for service, a clue-deprived support slave claims your system is out of warranty and you (insert sinister laughter here) are out of luck.

1. Who's really providing the service? Your PC manufacturer may use a different service provider for customers who've purchased an extended warranty--something a support minion in Maharashtra probably wouldn't know. That means you'll probably need to call a different phone number to get service. The alternate number can usually be found in the letter or e-mail the manufacturer sent you confirming your purchase.

2. Where did you buy the cursed thing? If you got it at a store such as Best Buy or Circuit City, you may have purchased a service plan from the retailer, not the manufacturer. That means you'll probably have to haul the thing into the store where you got it and drop it off at the service desk. Check your receipt (you did keep your receipt, didn't you?) or contact the store where you plunked down your plastic. To contact Best Buy directly, call 888/237-8289. Circuit City's CityAdvantage support line can be reached at 800/555-4615.

3. How did you buy the cursed thing? Certain credit cards (such as American Express and Visa Signature) automatically extend manufacturers' warranties for one year, but you'll have to go through the credit card company to get help. You can contact the American Express Buyers Assurance Plan at 800/225-3750. Visa's Warranty Manager Service can be reached at 800/882-8057.

An extended warranty can add one, two, or three years of support for trouble-prone PCs. Just make sure to read the fine print, so you know exactly what kind of help to expect.

4. What dark secrets are buried in your warranty? Better read the fine print: Some warranties are void if you merely pop the hood on your system, and most don't cover damage caused by accidents or user error--if a witch spills a bubbling caldron on your laptop's keyboard, you're out of pocket. Some notebook manufacturers sell warranties that cover accidental damage, but the premiums can be stiff. For example, HP's two-year extended warranty costs $180; one that also covers accidental damage is about $350. Yikes!