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Old 02-26-2005, 04:59 PM   #1
apachedude
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Microsoft EULA - Refund Trick?


As many of us already know, Windows is unfortunately bundled with many computers, particularly laptops. Some suggest that you buy from a vendor that includes Linux, but that's not always the cheapest option.

I stumbled across a fairly old site that says that if you don't agree to Microsoft's End User License Agreement, you must return the product to the vendor for a refund.

Now, this gets tricky, as most vendors would hesitate to refund you the cost of Windows because the profit margin on the hardware itself is usually low. Nonetheless, by the EULA, you are legally bound to return the software for a refund.

So I have a question for those of you who tried this:
1) Who was your vendor?
2) Did they provide you a refund? If so, did you have to pester them to get the refund?
3) How much did they provide? Would you consider it a reasonable refund for the OEM version of Windows?

I'm considering buying from Dell, IBM, etc. An extra $50-100 would certainly weigh in my consideration.
 
Old 02-26-2005, 05:03 PM   #2
homey
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Never tried it myself as I build my own boxes. Why don't you ask for a discount up front as you don't want the OS installed?
 
Old 02-27-2005, 12:04 AM   #3
apachedude
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Quote:
Originally posted by homey
Never tried it myself as I build my own boxes. Why don't you ask for a discount up front as you don't want the OS installed?
I built the desktop I'm using right now. As far as I'm aware, however, you can't build your own laptop.

If you tried asking for a discount up front, you'd get flat out rejected. The trick is, however, if you get the OS bundled, and you disagree to the EULA, you are legally bound to return the software to the vendor. I'm not sure what the agreement between Microsoft and, say, Dell is, but there must be some provision for this EULA. Otherwise, Microsoft is probably breaking some law. (Although I don't really know much about law.)
 
Old 02-27-2005, 05:57 AM   #4
XavierP
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Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

And I think you are better off going to a big company to get a refund than a small shop.
 
Old 02-27-2005, 12:47 PM   #5
cereal83
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You can build your own laptop in a way. Search around for a barebone Laptop site. Some of those sites will accually build it to what you want and you can customize to leave Windows out.
 
Old 02-27-2005, 08:34 PM   #6
rksprst
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Oh wow, this is awesome

I should have done this with all my PCs

thanks for sharing!
 
  


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