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Thread ID: 51103 2004-11-11 17:50:00 How do you get a refund on preinstalled Windows? rmcb (164) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
290730 2004-11-11 17:50:00 How do you get a refund on preinstalled windows?
If I buy a computer/laptop with preinstalled Windows and don´t want it, how do you get a refund?
rmcb (164)
290731 2004-11-11 17:59:00 If you bought the PC/laptop bundled with the OS I don't think you can get a refund as it is classed as an OEM PC/laptop.

If the price of the OS does not show up as a separate charge on your invoice then you cannot get a refund for it. If however it has been billed separately on the invoice then you should be able to take it back and have the money refunded (that is if the retailer permits refunds) or exchange it for whatever OS you desire.

Why do you not want the Windows OS?

cheers

chiefnz
chiefnz (545)
290732 2004-11-11 19:30:00 The computer will run Linux only, so I see no reason to give to the M$ fund......
Thanks for your reply.
rmcb (164)
290733 2004-11-11 19:59:00 Part of the Windows EULA states that if you do not agree to the terms and conditions, you may not use the software and should return it to the manufacturer.

snippet of the XP EULA:
By installing, copying, downloading, accessing or otherwise using
the SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA.
If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, you may not use or
copy the SOFTWARE, and you should promptly contact Manufacturer
for instructions on return of the unused product(s) in accordance
with Manufacturer's return policies..

Trouble is, your chances of getting a refund of the OS is next to none. As the OS was bundled with the computer, the manufacturer could decide the whole package (computer as well) would have to be returned if that is part of their return policies.

You can buy some laptops without any OS preinstalled if you look around, or have a desktop computer built for you, as it is your choice whether to have an OS installed on it in this case.
Jen C (20)
290734 2004-11-11 20:58:00 Unfortunately, it appears that MS will only refund the actual value of the OS, not the cost. Since the OS without a computer is not worth a lot, you can expect to get zilch. Your benefit only lies in avoiding the grief that is thrown in free with the CD.
That is a slightly biased opinion, of course
;)
R2x1 (4628)
290735 2004-11-11 21:45:00 You don't seem to like Microsoft/Windows much, do you R2? :p :D Susan B (19)
290736 2004-11-11 21:59:00 I don't know about that Susan, since SP2, it has sat on it's CD in the drawer, no hassles, no security leaks, and no interminable updates. In the right place, it is a good system. On a hard drive is not a good place. :) R2x1 (4628)
290737 2004-11-11 22:00:00 Sorry, that is a wooden drawer, the electric cup holder is not the right sort of drawer at all. R2x1 (4628)
290738 2004-11-11 22:07:00 I don't think you're going to be able to get a refund for the OS. It's a bit like buying a car and deciding that you don't want the radio, while they'll be happy to put another one in you'd still have to pay for the factory fitted one.

If you're unable to get a refund, and assuming it is legal to do so, I could be interested in buying it off you. Send me an email if you're interested.
POTUS (5276)
290739 2004-11-11 23:47:00 There was a link posted around here one day years ago, but the guy had a big email session with Toshiba and managed to get them to refund the cost of the OS, or he might have gotten a new laptop instead a few months later after all his moaning. alphazulusixeightniner (185)
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