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How to get a Refund on Your Unwanted Windows

Posted by Zonk on from the breaking-the-window-and-climbing-out dept.

lisah writes "Serge Wroclawski recently contacted Dell to request a refund on the unwanted copy of Windows XP that came pre-installed on his computer. Somewhat surprisingly, Dell complied. Wroclawski admits that the $52.50 refund was more of a victory in principal than anything else, but it was a success nonetheless. Using his tips and techniques readers can try their hand at getting a refund of their own. Wroclawski cautions that you should be prepared for a long haul: the process could take hours." Linux.com and Slashdot are both owned by OSTG.

4 of 409 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Dumbass by Akaihiryuu · · Score: 4, Informative

    With desktops this is a no-brainer...just build your own and don't buy Windows. At the current time however, there really isn't any way to build your own laptop...you have to buy a prebuilt one from a manufacturer, most of which are going to include Windows. TFA was about someone getting a Windows refund for a laptop.

  2. Re:Save some time and money by Penguinisto · · Score: 4, Informative
    Depends on what model and type you're talking about for Dell's wares. All Dell Servers and most business desktops usually have a "No OS" option (we've ordered most of ours that way), and the servers do have an option for RHEL pre-installed + RHEL subscription IIRC. They even have dedicated Linux guys at the help desk (which you always seem to have to go through even if you're just wanting to replace a bum hard drive... urgh).

    /P

    --
    Quo usque tandem abutere, Nimbus, patientia nostra?
  3. The sad thing is... by vhogemann · · Score: 4, Informative

    I bought my current notebook, an Acer Travelmate 2420, with Windows XP pre-installed...

    I really tried to find a notebook with Linux pre-instaled, or at least without Windows. And to my surprise, the cheaper ones are those shipping with Windows!

    Mind you that I live at Brazil, and import taxes and such may distort the prices a little... But the shocking truth is, at least here, if you want a notebook without Windows, you have to pay MORE for it.

    --
    ---- You know how some doctors have the Messiah complex - they need to save the world? You've got the "Rubik's" complex
  4. Check out HP by markdavis · · Score: 4, Informative

    You need to check out HP... suddenly EVERY SINGLE ONE of their business computers is available as a "Linux" model (actually a freeDOS install) and the amount saved is MUCH more than a measly $52. On a lower priced model, you can save 25% on the cost of the computer:

    For example...

    HP site: HP Compaq 2000 series (two models):

    dx2200 microtower base model, MS-Windows XP Pro $637
    dx2200 microtower base model, MS-Windows XP Home $557
    dx2200 microtower base model, "Alternate OS" $487

    Wow! $150 difference from XP Pro and $70 from XP Home! That is the *FIRST TIME* I have *EVER* seen a true, correct, and reasonable difference in the price. Could HP be doing something neat? I actually checked EVERY LINE of the quote to make sure that wasn't a mistake.

    So... in this case, you really can avoid an almost 24% tax!

    Certainly that is the only model. NO- they offer "configure Linux PC" on the entire 5000 line (4 more models) and get this- the difference is *$167* this time. And $160 on the entire 7000 line (three more models). In fact, every single small, medium, and large business line and even workstation line is available with "Alternate OS" (even business laptops!). You only lack the choice with their "Home" computers. Good going, HP!

    I am not saying that MS-Windows isn't *worth* the $160 to some people. But it is worth $0 to people that want to install something other than MS-Windows or already own an MS-Windows individual or site license.

    Now we need HP to do this with their home line too, and hopefully the other vendors will follow.