What's the creditor and the problems you're trying to have removed (and how long ago)? Some are easier than others, and some creditors (ahem, Wells Fargo, ahem) are darn near impossible.
Best advice I've gathered is keep persistent, answer and adress personally (so it's not a form letter), and if at all possible show how the negative item is very out of the norm for your profile. One 30 day late 3 years ago with an otherwise spotless record across 20 accounts, probably not the norm and will get more traction than 11 late payments up to 90 days and a chargeoff settled but paid less than agreed, no matter what the reason. True story (the second one not the first).
And remember it's a request not a right, you're humbly asking for a favor that they are not obligated to give you. But post your progress, it'll help others with similar rebuilding quests. Good luck!
