How to get a Refund on a Legal copy of XP

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:08 pm

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7040

This guy lives in California, but most of the steps would be pretty much the same...
Bear in mind, this is if you Bought a computer that came bundled with XP and you dont want it.

THE JEW (RaVeN) · Post by **THE JEW (RaVeN)** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 7:49 pm

The responses to the article are rather interesteing. I remember reading about the windowsrefund guy. For example, the method they listed on /. seems far easier:

1. Buy/setup computer; read license.
2. Decline license; have auto-installation program wipe your drive. Install Linux.
3. Take all Windows software media, documentation, and other materials and box them up. Take pictures of the package, and include a packing list of what you're returning. Include a letter explaining that you do not agree to the license, and that you're returning the product for a refund, per the license instructions.
4. Send the package via certified mail to the vendor (Dell, etc.); make sure someone has to sign for it.
5. Once you know it's been received (and you have a signature), call up your credit card company (you DID pay by credit--not a check card--right?), and request a $199 hold on the payment to the vendor, explaining that you're following the license regarding returning the product.
6. The credit card rep will ask you a bunch of questions; I can't remember exactly what they are, but they are very specific yes/no questions; be careful how you answer them (they reps are reading a standard scripted list of questions that is used to determine whether or not you qualify for a refund under credit card consumer protection laws).
7. The credit card company will put the $199 on hold while they investigate. They may require you to send a letter explaining your request; you may have to use some of the 'responses' listed in this article as justifications for why your claim makes sense, particularly regarding the actual value of the software.
8. Sit back and watch the mega-corps fight it out. You have your "refund," and all you had to do was follow the license terms. No fuss, no muss, no court, no court costs.

Tempus · Post by **Tempus** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:29 pm

i wonder if this works for second hand computers:
i.e. i buy a computer off my room mate who bought it from future shop. Can i not agree to the end liscence agreement and still get the refund?

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:07 pm

Doubtful since he is violating the EULA by selling Windows to you which is illegal if he agrees to the liscence...

If you bought the computer used from a vendor who bundled a new copy of windows with it that would be fine.

Samurai · Post by **Samurai** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:12 pm

I believe the warranty would also come into play (at least in the arguments against the refund). You would have to have bought the computer within 30 days (or whenever) of your room mate buying it.

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:18 pm

No, according the Windows EULA you are not allowed to resell any copy of windows under any conditions.. THe hardware is another matter, but you cannot get a refund on a computer you bought used from someone who bought it at futureshop.