I got a laptop from Dell. Its not been opened. It has XP on it.
My university has its own copy of XP pro so I plan on installiing that along with linux.
I recall reading somewhere that we could get a refund of the OS if end user never used the preinstalled OS.
How much is the refund amount, and how would I go about getting that refund ?

This sounds like a questions better suited for Microsoft people.

I'd be surprised if you can get a refund. If you can, it'd be nice if you report back here so others will know. The first thing I do if I buy a pre-built computer is strip Windows off, throw it away, and install Linux. If someone will actually PAY me to do that ... great!

See here about a guy who tried to do this http://www.netcraft.com.au/geoffrey/toshiba.html

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

My university version of XP pro stops working(not genuime after I left University).

So keep in mind your copy of window pass the WGA after you left university.

Also I'm not sure if it's legal if you use it to do things other than your school porject.

It's good to hear that the little guy can win(r0b0 link). blackzone I don't know of any timeframe that the software is valid for could you post a link to this info thanks. As for doing other things other than a school project you can yes.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/academic/p...e/default.aspx

I was looking to buy a new Gateway notebook computer and I asked a sales rep about the refund, I even showed him the part of the XP Home edition EULA where it said I could return the XP CD for a refund and uninstall the system. He said that all the machines come preinstalled and that the refund only applies before the OS is installed. And most companies don't even issue the CD with the system anymore (it costs extra to get a CD due to anti-piracy protection).
It looks like HP does the same, and I haven't talked with anyone from Dell yet.
When I started looking for a computer I thought maybe I would go with a Mac and try to Dual boot, but I have been using a Mac at work lately and I don't like the OS, and after hearing about their DRM stuff with itunes I thought I wouldn't want to give them my money any more than MS. So I thought I would just get a blank PC and put gnu/linux on it. It seems like this won't work either. I am really getting frustrated with MS, Apple and the big media DRM people. I can't even watch a half hour of TV without seeing some ISP advertising that they help stop pop-ups and viruses, and I can't help but think "Why would I want to pay an ISP to do that for me when I already have linux?" I would much rather make a donation to a distro or to FSF.

Sorry about the tirade (I don't even know if it made sense) I am just getting fed up with MS and Apple...
All I want is a reputable company to buy an OS free laptop, but MS' grip is too tight. I mean, when my Grandma bought here new system a couple of months ago and didn't get a system install disc I was amazed that they are so concerned about pirating that you have to pay extra it. I don't get why anyone would want to steal a product like that.

If anyone knows a good company in the US to get an OS Free system please tell.

Curiously, this laptop issue is being investigated by the EU.
It all started with a Welsh guy in Brussels who was annoyed:
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=199627
And it's even been reported in the 'land of the free' (hahaha, by the way):
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/busine..._msfteu01.html

Sorry my reply is misleading. All I'm saying is my winXP license which I aquire legitly isn't legit anymore. (WGA don't work anymore)

There are some university which have their MSDNAA membership expire at the end of each semester. It depend from school to school.