PC refund for rejecting Windows 7

Dell customer Graeme Cobbett purchased a Studio 1555 notebook with Windows Vista already loaded and complete with a free upgrade to Windows 7, but instead of downloading Windows 7 Graeme decided to install the Ubuntu-based Linux Mint.

His reason for doing this was based on his experience with Windows in the past, and also he quoted "Have you ever actually read the Microsoft Windows End User License Agreement? It's pretty scary what you commit yourself to. If you buy Dell, then as soon as you start Windows then you agree to a second set of scary software terms. So reject them."

But by not starting windows, Graeme didn't have to accept the terms of Microsoft's EULA, this in turn meant he had to refund the computer due to this clause; "By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund policies."

The End User Licensing Agreement can be rejected by anybody. Apparently the refund was the hardest part of the process as it took, 2 months, 14 email exchanges and even a missed call by the computer manufacturer, before Graeme got his money.