So I bought Windows 7, installed it, now I don't want it

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of returning an opened copy of Windows 7, particularly in the context of compatibility issues experienced on a Mac using Boot Camp. Participants share their experiences and seek advice on the return process, as well as alternatives for running Windows on a Mac.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration about being unable to return opened software, citing store policies and uncertainty about Microsoft's return process.
  • Another mentions having switched back to Windows XP due to video driver issues with Windows 7.
  • Some participants discuss the necessity of a full install from disc for Macs, complicating the upgrade process.
  • There are mentions of educational programs that provide free or discounted Microsoft software for students, contingent on school participation.
  • One participant suggests that Microsoft may refund the purchase price and shipping costs, referencing a legal case that impacts return policies for opened software.
  • Several participants note the compatibility issues with running Windows on a Mac and suggest alternatives like virtualization software, including VirtualBox and VMware.
  • Concerns are raised about the refund policy, with one participant stating that refunds are typically only granted if the software fails to work or causes data loss.
  • Another participant humorously points out that using Windows on a Mac might be the root of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the likelihood of obtaining a refund from Microsoft. While some believe it is possible, others express skepticism about the return policy for opened software.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various policies and legal precedents regarding software returns, indicating a lack of clarity and consistency in consumer rights related to opened software. The discussion also highlights the technical challenges of using Windows on a Mac.

Saladsamurai
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Am I screwed? I made an inquiry at the store where I bought it figuring they would not take it back since it was opened; I was right. They said that Microsoft would take it back for me and refund my money. I thought "yeah...sure they will."

Anyone have any luck taking back open MS products? I don't even know where I would start. I am going to poke around their site now.

And for anyone who is curious as to why I am returning it: It is not that I don't like it. I installed on my Mac and I am running into some compatibility issues with Boot Camp. It has been rumored that support for Win7 with Boot Camp is coming out by the year's end...but I am impatient.


Edit: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx" looks kind of promising.
 
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Well, it is a Macintosh so it is not that easy. It is not a simple upgrade or download. You need a 'full install from disc.' But I like the link anyway rootX. I am going to take a closer look at it now. Can any student take advantage? Or does your actual school have to take part in it?
 
Saladsamurai said:
Well, it is a Macintosh so it is not that easy. It is not a simple upgrade or download. You need a 'full install from disc.' But I like the link anyway rootX. I am going to take a closer look at it now. Can any student take advantage? Or does your actual school have to take part in it?

Schools have to take part in it and then students get most of the MS softwares for free. Second one is dreamspark:
https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx
 
rootX said:
Schools have to take part in it and then students get most of the MS softwares for free. Second one is dreamspark:
https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx

Yeah. Just read the rules. I don't think my school os part of it as it looks like we have our own software subsidization program. :( Ours isn't so bad though. But I don't think we are given perpetual licenses.
 
Saladsamurai said:
Am I screwed? I made an inquiry at the store where I bought it figuring they would not take it back since it was opened; I was right. They said that Microsoft would take it back for me and refund my money. I thought "yeah...sure they will."

Anyone have any luck taking back open MS products? I don't even know where I would start. I am going to poke around their site now.

And for anyone who is curious as to why I am returning it: It is not that I don't like it. I installed on my Mac and I am running into some compatibility issues with Boot Camp. It has been rumored that support for Win7 with Boot Camp is coming out by the year's end...but I am impatient.


Edit: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx" looks kind of promising.
i have windows 7 don't really know the difference between it and xp, besides the fact you can shake your windows and minimize them...
 
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Saladsamurai said:
I made an inquiry at the store where I bought it figuring they would not take it back since it was opened; I was right. They said that Microsoft would take it back for me and refund my money. I thought "yeah...sure they will."
Microsoft will probably take it back, refunding you purchase price and the shipping costs as well, depending on where you live.

In most states in the USA, consumer laws regarding refunds don't make exceptions for opened software. These opened software policies are done at the behest of the software makers, and technically violate the consumer laws of many states in the USA. Technically, the store where you bought it from is responsible for the refund, but in court case settled a few years ago in California, 'Baker v Microsoft', the settlement stated that if the software companies would refund the money the purchase price and the cost to return the software (shipping costs), then the stores would be off the hook. In this particular case the issue was a disagreement over the EULA, but the cited consumer laws aren't specific to EULA's, and it's my understanding that it's a general policy.

In the case of 'defective' software being returned, I don't know what the time period is, but typically it's 30 days. In some cases with complex software it may be longer than that, but usually such complex software involves written contracts.

The full text of this settlement is available via an archive.org way back machine link:

http://web.archive.org/web/20070801015845/http://www.techfirm.com/Baker-Final.pdf
 
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I know I'm being unhelpful with this but:

Saladsamurai said:
I installed on my Mac...

That's your problem right there.


As others have stated, your best bet is MS. May as well try, the worst they can say is no.
 
xxChrisxx said:
I know I'm being unhelpful with this but:



That's your problem right there.


As others have stated, your best bet is MS. May as well try, the worst they can say is no.

Why I oughta' ...

Yeah. It seems like I have a 45 day trial period. Then I can send it to MS if necessary. I might try some virtualization software like VM Ware. Students get it for cheap :)

And I like PC as much as Mac. That's why I own both. Just trying to consolidate here.
 
  • #10
Saladsamurai said:
Why I oughta' ...

Yeah. It seems like I have a 45 day trial period. Then I can send it to MS if necessary. I might try some virtualization software like VM Ware. Students get it for cheap :)

And I like PC as much as Mac. That's why I own both. Just trying to consolidate here.

If you want to run Windows on top of your Mac OS, after booting to your Mac, I recommend Virtual Box. See http://www.virtualbox.org/ and http://blogs.sun.com/fatbloke/entry/windows_7_on_virtualbox. It's free, it's easy, and it works.

is supposedly a walk-through, but I didn't watch :-p.
 
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  • #11
Linux *KOFF KOFF*
+ I would consider dual booting if you like them both.
If you have to use virtualization, i would use virtual box.
 
  • #12
Saladsamurai said:
Am I screwed? I made an inquiry at the store where I bought it figuring they would not take it back since it was opened; I was right. They said that Microsoft would take it back for me and refund my money. I thought "yeah...sure they will."

Anyone have any luck taking back open MS products? I don't even know where I would start. I am going to poke around their site now.

And for anyone who is curious as to why I am returning it: It is not that I don't like it. I installed on my Mac and I am running into some compatibility issues with Boot Camp. It has been rumored that support for Win7 with Boot Camp is coming out by the year's end...but I am impatient.


Edit: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx" looks kind of promising.

Check out Windows 7 terms and conditions, they only refund if the OS fails to work or it has resulted in data loss directly caused by the software.

I don't think you will get a refund.

Linux is more compatible with MAC..there's a guide on how to do it with Ubuntu and Ubuntu's for free.
 
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  • #13
Saladsamurai said:
Am I screwed?

...


Edit: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx" looks kind of promising.

No, you're not screwed, as they do offer a 45-day refund. Just cross your t's and dot your i's on all requirements of their policy!
 
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