Linux Format forums

heiowge · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 2:50 pm Post subject: Windows refund

Can anyone tell me exactly who is responsible for issuing a windows refund - the OEM or the retailer?

Basically, if I buy an eeepc, who should I pressure - PC World etc or ASUS?
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AMD PHENOM II X6, 14 GB DDR3, 500 GB hd, 1GB nVidia card, running Linux Mint 14 KDE / Win 7. Damn thing keeps breaking.

eeepc 1015PX, 1.66 Ghz Intel atom processor, 2 GB DDR3, 320 GB hd running Mint 14 MATE. Running great.

towy71 · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:18 pm Post subject:

I would imagine it is the retailer Wink

Good luck with that though Rolling Eyes

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still looking for that door into summer

chris0161 · Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2008 12:28 pm Posts: 6

Microsoft EULA basically states that if you buy a computer with Windows installed and you do not want to use Windows you have to return the whole system for a full manufactures refund. This is despite this being a violation of consumer law in many countries.

See the wiki for more info :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_refund

The best way to avoid the Windows tax is to build your own system or find one of the small number of vendors who provide a bare metal system or pre-install a Linux Distro like Linux Emporium:

http://www.linuxemporium.co.uk/

heiowge · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:03 pm Post subject:

Thanks. I have to ask though... do they sell eeepcs for less than PC world do?

I like shops that sell linux PCs, but I have yet to find one that sells laptops at a lower or equal price to the main stores. My desktop is a custom build, bought as a tower only without OS. I've not been so lucky with my netbooks.
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AMD PHENOM II X6, 14 GB DDR3, 500 GB hd, 1GB nVidia card, running Linux Mint 14 KDE / Win 7. Damn thing keeps breaking.

eeepc 1015PX, 1.66 Ghz Intel atom processor, 2 GB DDR3, 320 GB hd running Mint 14 MATE. Running great.

TheLiquidator · Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:31 pm Posts: 81

You might find this interesting

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2144392/lenovo-loses-french-lawsuit-windows-bundles

heiowge · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:28 pm Post subject:

That is interesting. I wish I could get the same support here. All I've managed to find is that the EULA means I have to return my laptop for a full refund or accept it as is. Sad

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AMD PHENOM II X6, 14 GB DDR3, 500 GB hd, 1GB nVidia card, running Linux Mint 14 KDE / Win 7. Damn thing keeps breaking.

eeepc 1015PX, 1.66 Ghz Intel atom processor, 2 GB DDR3, 320 GB hd running Mint 14 MATE. Running great.

TheLiquidator · Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:31 pm Posts: 81

Acer does appear to have a policy - a £20 refund

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_refund

Whether it's worth the hassle for such a small sum is debatable.

Amazon do have a Ubuntu netbook here

http://www.amazon.co.uk/meenee-MNW737-Laptop-1-8GHz-Bluetooth/dp/B004GGB7UQ/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1328657433&sr=8-20

Seems fairly well regarded although I have no personal knowledge.

FWIW my next laptop may well be from novatech.co.uk who sell laptops without an OS - just watch the prices fly up when you select windows!

heiowge · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 8:20 am Post subject:

Thanks. Please note the specs in my signature. The second machine listed is the one I actually bought. Asus claims to have no policy regarding windows since it "isn't their product" and I was advised to persue the matter with Microsoft! Rolling Eyes

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AMD PHENOM II X6, 14 GB DDR3, 500 GB hd, 1GB nVidia card, running Linux Mint 14 KDE / Win 7. Damn thing keeps breaking.

eeepc 1015PX, 1.66 Ghz Intel atom processor, 2 GB DDR3, 320 GB hd running Mint 14 MATE. Running great.

TheLiquidator · Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:31 pm Posts: 81

Ooops! Sorry for the mistake - it was late last night Very Happy