[SATLUG] Winblows refund / MICROSOFT THEFT!!!

[John Pappas]

I feel your pain.

Here is a Linux Journal story on this topic:
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7040. 

The other option is to buy from an OEM that does not have an MS
agreement:
	http://www.emperorlinux.com/

Or see Bob's email pointing to http://mcelrath.org/laptops.html.

John


On Tue, 2005-07-12 at 11:39 -0500, Chuck wrote:
> Hey guys,
> 
> I've been in the market for a new laptop for a while now.  My current
> one just takes too long to boot up and since I do start X most of the
> time (for Evolution & multiple command windows) -- I'm tired of waiting
> on it.  Its been a great machine, but a P2-333 is just too slow.
> 
> I've been looking at the machines available and their features.  And I
> pretty much settled on a HP machine I thought has the features I
> wanted.  I was not very concerned that HP doesn't have much information
> on running Linux on their laptops -- that's kinda the norm with most
> companies.  But I have run into something of a brick wall on one topic
> -- paying them and Micro$shit for software I don't want and will never
> use.
> 
> I've spoken to HP all the way up to the corporate office in California. 
> One guy at their "Small Business" customer desk told me "HP has an
> agreement with MS that we will not sell a computer without an OS on it" 
> and "since we only sell the Windows OS -- that kinda locks you into
> Winblows".  He also told me that they will NOT refund the Windows
> software, even though the customer doesn't agree to the MS EULA and
> wipes the drive without ever booting to the installed OS.
> 
> I've spoken to the corporate office and a guy there named Steve was very
> understanding when I explained the situation.  He also thought it odd
> that they would not refund the OS to me if I don't want it and will
> never use it.  He agreed last week to look into it further and get back
> to me.  I spoke to him again a few minutes ago and its not looking
> good.  He seems to be running into the same brick wall.
> 
> I was wondering if anyone else had tried this recently or run into this
> same problem.  I ***WILL NOT*** pay some company money to pass to MS for
> an operating system I'll never use.  And even if I did want to install a
> Winblows version under VMWare (very likely) -- I own more MS licenses
> than most computer repair shops.  So, why should I give my hard earned
> money to Bill for another?
> 
> Lets get this subject started and brought out in the light!  Its a RIP
> OFF!  
> 
> I'm also trying to reload a friend's Compaq machine right now.  Since it
> was Win98, HP/Compaq won't sell me a replacement "RESTORE CD" -- they
> tell me to buy a newer version of Winblows.  I tell them there is no
> need -- this guy still has the original registration paperwork and the
> MS COA sticker is still on the machine.  But they want him to fork out
> for a new copy of Winblows even though this one is perfectly good. 
> UNBELIEVABLE!  What a racket!!!
> 
> So, I guess the end question is -- has anyone ever been able to get a
> refund for their unused Winblows software?  If so, what company?  I'll
> gladly take my $$$ and very publicly support that company with my
> business.  Or has anyone successfully talked a company into selling them
> a machine without an OS?  Hell -- I just build my own computers, but you
> can't do that with a laptop!!!
> 
> Thanks guys & gals.
> 
> </RANT>
> 
> 
> Chuck
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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