Laptop - claim back Windows 8 cost?

uncle_rufus · 11 Apr 2014 at 22:38

Hey,

I've tried Googling this and the forum search but can't find a straight answer...

I seem to remember if you bought a laptop which came pre-installed with Windows you used to be able to opt not to install it and so long as you didn't activate it you could claim some money back from Microsoft...

Can you still do that these days with a Windows 8 laptop?

uncle_rufus · 14 Apr 2014 at 09:52

Anybody?

llamadal · 14 Apr 2014 at 10:12

wasn't that with vista?

£15 · 14 Apr 2014 at 10:21

I tried it a few years ago with Dell. After several weeks and countless emails debating the points they gave me two choices: Keep the laptop as-is (no partial refund), or return it for a full refund.

I gave up as although I thought they should have given me a refund as per the EULA, it was taking up too much of my time and Dell were being pig-headed.

MagicBoy · 14 Apr 2014 at 10:23

Anything Windows 95 upwards, we had people trying it when I worked in a shop in the late 90s.

The answer is to check the EULA on the MS website, then check with the manufacturer. IIRC it was a lot of faff for not a lot of money back as it's an OEM copy they buy at a discount.

MagicBoy · 14 Apr 2014 at 10:34

Forgot to mention this before :-

Keep in mind laptops from the big OEMs will have the Windows key/certificate in firmware.

IF ... (and it's a big IF) they agree to refund Windows, you'll likely have to pay to send the laptop in for service so they can re-flash the firmware, wiping out most of the saving.

uncle_rufus · 14 Apr 2014 at 11:23

Hmm okay sounds like it might be too much hassle to bother with...

Also about the firmware - how does that work? Does that mean the machine is locked to Windows? I just recently binned off the Win 7 install on an old Dell Inspiron laptop and stuck Debian on it and didn't encounter any problems

tom_e · 14 Apr 2014 at 11:26

uncle_rufus said:
Does that mean the machine is locked to Windows?

No, it just means when you come to install Windows you don't need to put the key in as it's automatically picked up from the BIOS.
This is certainly the case with Win 8 and UEFI anyway.

uncle_rufus · 14 Apr 2014 at 11:35

Ahhh okay re-reading the other post I can see what we're getting at - it may not be as straightforward to give a refund because they key is embedded in the laptop firmware

I suppose it could be an opportunity to have a quick look at Windows 8 before I re-install

Thanks guys