How to get upgrade to 2010 version of OEM McAfee Security Center?

Hello:

Please indulge my stupid question & lengthy post, but I am caught in a vortex between McAfee and Dell.

My system was purchased in Dec 2008 runs an OEM McAfee Security Center. (This is similar to, but not quite identical to the retail/boxed version of McAfee Internet Security 2009.)

I recently renewed my subscription through April 2011.

I've learned out on the McAfee forums over the past few weeks that retail customers with current subscribers are being upgraded to the new, 2010 version of their McAfee products automatically, as part of the updating process.

I have not yet received these updates to 2010 versions.

A McAfee forum moderator advised that *my* updates to 2010 version would come from Dell, bc my software was OEM.

A Dell live-chat agent advised that I would have to PURCHASE a retail version of any new software myself, and that I would have to make this purchase from Dell, in order to maintain my service contract/warranty. (Or, I could buy my software upgrade directly from McAfee, but that would void Dell's support for the product, since it would not be purchased from Dell.)

So, which is it?

Did I just waste $40 to renew, with McAfee, even though McAfee won't be providing me the new software?

But will it REALLY come from Dell?

All I really want to know is:

1) WHERE do I get the current (2010) version of my *OEM* McAfee?

2) Will it be automatic, or will I have to purchase it separately?

3) WHEN will this happen?

3) Will I have to pay again, even though I have a current subscription?

4) If I don't purchase it from Dell, what effect will that have on my support contract?

 

I'd sure appreciate any help and clarification!

Thanks!

 

RM