Getting a refund for unwanted MS licences

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it's not a laptop mate it's a EEE Box which is like a EeePC laptop but as a desktop.

 

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Well this has stirred up a nice little hornet's nest !

I've spoken to the licensing specialists for MS Partners on their "hotline".

Their reaction is the same as mine - there is no refund available.

The quote from Arroryn relates to the reseller rather than the end user as with pre-installed software the end user is not installing the product.

However, having said all of that they have anticipated that an end user could argue that they have not had an option to view any terms prior to the pre-installation of the software. In view of that they have escalated the issue within Microsoft for a further comment to me within 72 hours.

In practical terms, however, they did state that it would not be feasible for a reseller to remove the software complete with the COA and that the end user should have a system built with no o/s installed so that the problem does not arise.

Obviously this doesn't work when you are buying a branded solution as Scan will just be importing the unit from an ASUS distributor.

I will ask my old ASUS distributor if the EEE PC boxes are available as a "barebone" but I suspect not.

Given the plethora of micro-atx units available yor simplest solution may be to buy a barebone unit fully assembled and install your own s/w.

I'll keep you posted on the further update from MS.

 

ASUS EEE PC boxes are available to purchase as barebone units (so you would have no o/s and could install your own).

Stock is in short supply in the UK and you may have to browse around to find a reseller who has one he's willing to part with.

If you get really stuck, Landmarq (www.landmarq.co.uk ) are an ASUS Distributor for the UK but note that they DO NOT sell to the public (trade only). They may be able to tell you who has an online store or a shop in your area however. They can be contacted on 020 8768 9301

Trade price for the unit (ex o/s) is about £180 + vat but that excludes carriage and any reseller markup.

HTH

 

Okey dokey. Have now heard back from MS (pretty impressive seeing as they were quoting 72 hrs).

There is good and bad news.

You are entitled to a refund for the cost of the unused software that you won't accept the EULA for.

However, the procedure for this is long-winded and as to how quickly you get your money will depend on the reseller (Scan in this case). The procedure is that you will have to ask Scan to request an RMA in respect of the oem software from their distributor. The distributor will then sort this with Microsoft. Scan can ask you to return disks, paperwork and COA relating to the license and may ask for your written confirmation that you have not accepted the EULA.

It is up to Scan whether they refund you straight away or wait until they get their refund.

All in all, tbh, these things can really drag out as RMA's are not generally dealt with that quickly with distributors.

If it were me I'd :

1) ring Scan and see if they can provde the system as a barebone with no o/s (that will tell you if they are installing the s/w or they are being them in pre-installed)

2) look for another supplier who can supply the barebone o/s free

HTH and that all the info in this thread is of use/interest to people. Please also note if you're reading this that it applies in the UK - other areas may differ !

 

Cheers mate I appreciate you looking into this. I think a few people will be interested in the outcome.

 

From what I gather I think it's ASUS that you make the claim to. Every other case I've read about seems to be direct from the makers of the PC's and not the reseller. As far as I know the EEE Box comes with XP Home pre installed from ASUS and not Scan. I've emailed ASUS for clarification on this.

 

Nope.

ASUS supply the units as barebones to their UK distributors. The distributors then either supply barebones or systems (with o/s installed). Of course, Scan may not be buying from an ASUS Distributor, they could be buying from any number of people in between the main Distibutor and themselves. Your contract to purchase is with Scan so you deal with them. Scan will not be buting direct from ASUS (even if they tell you they are) as it's all done through Distribution.

If it wasn't for the fact my business is effectively closed down I'd supply you with a barebone myself with no o/s. Landmarq definitely do this to the trade and they are one of the four ASUS distributors in the UK.

 

Learn something new every day. I really thought ASUS supplied the licence as they set the RRP for the XP version and the Linux version (Which I would of bought but seems to of vanished into thin air).