Way to refund cost of Windows License for new comp purchase?

[snowpine]

Since Dell computers with Ubuntu preinstalled cost more than the comparable Dell computer with Windows preinstalled, I'd say you owe Dell the difference if you choose to uninstall Windows and install Ubuntu in its place.

That being said, I have read some success stories (mostly from Europe) of users getting some cash back in this situation. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[PIE09gbLmgG6]

That's crazy...lol...windows needs to at least take a look around and see what is cool and try to do something new...that works...win 8 isnt it...

ego-

[DuckHook]

Try looking at it from the bright side, you get a "free" Windows license

Wish it were so, but it ain't. Since most licenses are OEM, they aren't valid except on exactly the MB/CPU/HDD combo on which it was initially installed. MS is trying to turn their SW into HW, as it were, and to bind the OS to the box using licensing provisions in such a way that they are inseparable. So, if you want to use the license on another machine, this is illegal. If you want to install Linux and use the license as a VM inside the original box, this is illegal. Dual boot probably qualifies, but the OP, like almost everyone who runs Ubuntu beyond a basic level, expressly said they don't want Windows on their bare metal, so allowing dual boot is a non-solution.

For most, there is no real option. Just pay the MS tax, wipe the thing off the HDD and replace it.

[sunsnoel]

The cost of Windows for Dell is virtually nothing i suspect. Get the comp you want & install the OS you prefer.

[Duncan J Murray]

There are plenty of people who have successfully had the windows license refunded to them after purchasing the laptop. It involves refusing to agree to the contract that comes up when you boot for the first time into Windows. But I wonder if they've changed the EULA recently to combat this.

http://www.zdnet.com/linux-users-get...ay-4010015089/

http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=1073

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundlin...rosoft_Windows

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/12/02...-microsoft-tax

Don't buy a laptop expecting to get the money back, and don't expect much more than $30 - but maybe you should at least try for the principle! Good luck.

[glln0v]

What is it that you need in a machine that you cannot get from System 76 or ZaReason or the other sites?

First, the above vendors don't sell matte screens. System76 has a matte screen but only on 15.6". I need something smaller.

Second, System76 and ZaReason do not sell laptops with middle-mouse-buttons. The Dell Latitude/Zostros and Lenovo ThinkPads all have middle-mouse-buttons (a must have item for me). Also, I like to have the track-ball/upper-row mouse-buttons that the Latitudes/Thinkpads have.

Third, I always try to buy IPS screen. Sometimes I can get IPS screen from Dell/Lenovo, but never from System76 or ZaReason.

Fourth, I like having screens that can bend back about 180 degrees. Thinkpads can do this.

Fifth, I love the quality of the ThinkPad laptop keyboards. I love the 2011 layout (with big huge Esc & Delete keys), design, and typing experience better than any other laptop I've tried. And I've tried keyboards from System76.

For these reasons, I rarely buy laptops from any vendors other than Dell/Lenovo (Lenovo being top).

I would love to buy from ZaReason/System76, and I have contacted them and expressed my desire for these features on their computers. Hopefully eventually they will develop models that have them.

[mJayk]

The cost of Windows for Dell is virtually nothing i suspect. Get the comp you want & install the OS you prefer.

It doesn't matter what the "cost" of Windows is for Dell, you are paying for it.You can get your money back, it is the reason you have to accept the EULA first boot. Call Microsoft and tell them you purchased a product and you want to return it you have xx days (dependent on country) the software has not been activated because you have not accepted the EULA. There are some legal things you can "say" to help you along in fact there are some transcripts to follow on the web. They do give you the run around and it can take a while. Its was only £60 quid or so (i think) when I did it, but it wasn't about the money it was the principle. IMO people paying the fees and not questioning it are the people responsible for M$ manopoly ignorance is not an excuse! GL

[s3a]

Thanks for the input, guys.

I just wanted to say that I found this link ( http://www.techulator.com/resources/...Windows-8.aspx ) which suggests that I should contact the manufacturer of my laptop (Acer) instead of Microsoft so, would you guys recommend that I actually do that? I'm kind of tired right now and I'm going to be busy again tomorrow so, I still have time to learn more about this before I consider calling.

Also, I think someone here said that you cannot transfer the Windows license to another computer but, the "Can I transfer the software to another computer or user?" section ( http://download.microsoft.com/Docume...6e0e0260a6.pdf ) says you can. (Just saying if anybody cares.)

[DMGrier]

Yeah I do not think you could get a refund, if you have netflix watch a movie called "revolution OS" which is about Linux. One of the things they talk about is how according to Microsoft you are suppose to get a refund on unused Windows but very few people could pull it off.

[s3a]

Thanks for the reply but, could you please tell me around where/when in the video that is stated because I skimmed through a lot of the video and couldn't find it?