[Gloucs] Questions to Windows License

[Andrew Oakley]

Christian Trapp wrote:
> I bought a new Desktop with Vista and a used Laptop with XP. So I own
> two MS Licenses.

If the MS-Windows OSes came bundled with the hardware (ie. they were 
installed in the factory), then they are most likely OEM (original 
equipment manufacturer) licences and cannot be transferred except if you 
transfer the hardware with them (ie. you have to sell the whole thing, 
hardware and OS, as a unit). This is both a legal limitation and a 
technical limitation (they will lock up if attempted to install on 
significantly different hardware using the same licence key).

The only way to get cash back on an unused OEM MS-Windows OS is to have 
never used it AT ALL. This means booting from an alternative OS the very 
first time you use it (for instance, booting from a Linux install CD the 
very first time you switched the laptop on), and then deleting the 
MS-Windows OS (eg. reformat the drive). Then and only then can you apply 
to the manufacturer (eg. Dell or whoever built your machine) for a refund.

If you have ever used them, even once, then you cannot get a refund.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6144782.stm

I think Dell have reduced the refund down to about twenty quid now.

-- 
Andrew Oakley