On Wed, 27 Aug 2003, Robert Brockway wrote:

On Wed, 27 Aug 2003, Ian Goldberg wrote:

...

The new Dell laptop just arrived by Purolator. I've got the Debian install CD at the ready, but before I do anything, does anyone have (local, or at least Canadian) experience with trying to get a Windows refund from a manufacturer?

Check this out...

http://www.netcraft.com.au/geoffrey/toshiba.html

(from netcraft.com.au:)

3. At the time of purchase did he notify the vendor that he did not want the standard MS operating system?

My vendor was aware before I purchased the computer that I did not want the standard MS operating system. My vendor had already informed me that it was not possible to have Windows removed from the computer before purchasing it.

5. Mr Bennett states that he "refrained from using the software, and .... completely removed it without creating any backup". How was this accomplished? When was the Operating System deleted?

I removed the operating system by connecting the floppy disk drive, inserting a Red Hat Linux boot floppy, turning on the computer, deleting all partitions on the hard disk, and installing Linux. I did this on the same day I received the computer. If there's anyone else wanting to do a similar thing, I think that the important things are: * Check the license agreement. Look for something like ``If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, PC Manufacturer and Microsoft are unwilling to license the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to you. In such event, you may not use or copy the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, and you should promptly contact PC Manufacturer for instructions on return of the unused products(s) for a refund.'' * As the first thing you do with the computer after you purchase it, boot from a floppy and delete the Windows partition. If you boot Windows even once, you will probably be considered to have accepted the agreement. To prevent any arguments later, it would be best to delete the partition while you are still in the store, with the salesperson watching. * Contact your manufacturer immediately, and say that you do not agree to the terms of the EULA and would like instructions on return of the unused Microsoft Software for a refund. -- The Toronto Linux Users Group. Meetings: http://tlug.ss.org TLUG requests: Linux topics, No HTML, wrap text below 80 columns How to UNSUBSCRIBE: http://tlug.ss.org/subscribe.shtml