Return OEM Vista that came with new laptop?

[mark58]

hi there,

so I bought a new Laptop and it came with a Windows Vista license. I have no use for Vista, since I will use WinXP. Is there anyway to return this to Microsoft and get some money off? I was under the impression that there was some ruling for this. I'm not sure if it was Dell or something, but somehow the guy got some money back, because he wanted to install Linux.

Any idea?

thanks

[-pops-]

A definitive answer can only come from Microsoft but I would expect their attitude to be that if you wanted a machine loaded with Windows XP, you should have bought one with that O/S and not Vista or made arrangements with the manufacturer to install XP before delivery. Windows XP is far from defunct and still widely available as the default operating on many currently available computers.

I recall in the Dell situation you refer to, customers inform Dell before purchase that they do not require an operating system installed and obtain the discount based on that.

[mark58]

I see. The thing is that I bought Windows XP back in the days and let's say new computers were actually still being sold with WinXP, I'd still wouldn't need it twice.

[-pops-]

If your Product Key and disk of XP is new and unused you could sell it on eBay or similar.

[Seshomaru Samma]

In theory you should be able to get your money back.

look here :

http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/useterms/default.aspx

(I selected Vista Home Premium in English but I imagine it's the same for all the other versions)

quote :

By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not

use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you

cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for

information about Microsoft’s refund policies. See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the

United States and Canada, call (800) MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm.

In practice I have not managed to google any case of anyone getting their money back for Vista , though are several documented cases of people getting money back for XP

here is an interesting cases

[-pops-]

Be aware that OEM versions of Windows operating systems (as supplied with new computers) are tied to the computer they were supplied with and are not transferable.

Very often, also, large manufacturers have their own "versions" of Windows designed such they will only function with that same manufacturer's machines.

[Panarchy]

^You can always change the computer name in the registry (I like doing that with VBasic script)

[mark58]

^You can always change the computer name in the registry (I like doing that with VBasic script)

to achieve what? Would that make Windows accept an OEM license that was bundled with another computer?

[-pops-]

Ignore that method suggested by Panarchy. It is unethical and illegal. Windows Forum is not here to promote such things.

Any more correspondence on that theme will be deleted.

[Panarchy]

^Is it illegal to change the computername?

(It definitely isn't immoral)

[-pops-]

What you are suggesting, Panarchy, is changing the computer name for deceitful purposes - to install a Windows operating system under circumstances which is not under the terms of EULA.

Under further consideration, anyway, your method would not work as there are much more fundamental things that identify a computer than what the user chooses to call it.

As I wrote in my first reply here, the only way to get a definitive answer to this question is to ask Microsoft themselves.

[EricGo]

I'm in the same spot -- buying a Compaq C700 for Linux, that I paid and do not want Vista with.

How about selling the HD with unactivated Vista, with all registration/licensing/paperwork/contract and whatever else MS attaches to their OS ? I suppose two questions need answering: one, is the OEM Vista generic enough to install on other notebooks; and two, is the OS on the HD *already* wed to the motherboard, even before use ?

[-pops-]

Most, if not all of the large manufacturers (Compaq/HP, Dell etc.) have their own versions of Windows modified to suit their own builds. In addition, the disk (if you are lucky enough to be provided with one) most likely contains the "added value" software which is only compatible with that particular brand of machine.

Activated or not, the O/S will be already "wed" to the motherboard as this is done during the initial loading of the software. You will be able to see that from the licence key sticker on the back of the machine.

[andsome]

Surely the answer is to avoid the big manufacturers who are on a kick back from software manufacturers, to load programs that you may not want. If you cannot build one yourself, then go to a small local builder and buy exactly what YOU YOURSELF want and NOTHING more. :D