[nzlug] OT: Returning a copy of XP

[Michael Adams]

On Sun, 08 Oct 2006 16:01:14 +1200
Andrew Errington wrote:

> On Sun, 08 Oct 2006 16:34, you wrote:
> > On Sun, 8 Oct 2006, Andrew Errington wrote:
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Is it possible in New Zealand to return the copy of Windows XP
> > > that is supplied with a new laptop?
> > >
> > > I have just bought one, and of course it is not possible to buy a
> > > laptop *without* XP pre-installed.  The box is still sealed.
> > >
> > > If it's possible, what is the procedure, and has anyone done it
> > > and succeeded?  How much money is refunded to you, the customer?
> >
> > YOU AGREE TO BE
> >
> > BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS EULA BY
> >
> > INSTALLING, COPYING, OR OTHERWISE USING THE
> >
> > PRODUCT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT INSTALL
> >
> > OR USE THE PRODUCT; YOU MAY RETURN IT TO YOUR
> >
> > PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND.
> >
> >
> > Seems pretty straightforward to me.
> 
> Well, the laptop is still in the box, it has not been turned on, and
> the box is still sealed.  I expect XP is installed, but is is
> certainly not used.  As I said, anyone actually done this?  How much
> money should I expect for a full refund?
> 
> Since this is a New Zealand-wide Linux mailing list it would surprise
> me that if it were possible *nobody* had actually done it.  Maybe I'll
> hear something tomorrow.  It's a quiet day today.
> 

You will have to take it up with the company you purchased it from. They
will be very reluctant to give you a full refund, although you are
entitled to it, as it is conceivably telling the competition their OEM
purchase deal details. Consequently around the world considerable grief
has been the result of doing this.

Think of it as your own personal crusade and you may win in two or three
months time. If you have a linux savvy dealer, or a linux savvy IT guy
in the dealership (DSE comes to mind), you may get something achieved
sooner if they are prepared to crusade on your behalf.

You have to decide if it is worth it. OEM copies are cheap even compared
to upgrade prices.

-- 
Michael
 Those that can, do; those that can't, teach.