But it is important to note that with Windows 7 Microsoft has changed the wording of the EULA so that you have to return the entire machine and the manufacturer is not obliged to refund just the software part. It sucks, but Microsoft are desperately clinging on to their old and tired business model.

It’s quite sad in a way.

I wouldn’t call Ubuntu or any desktop Linux a proper operating system though.

So, the current situation: Asus’ customer rep has said that he has contacted the relevant department and he will get back to me when he hears from them. The retailer has been very helpful, contacting ASUS themselves, telling me that they were advised to contact Microsoft, and therefore advising me to do that. This is dragging on and I’m kinda getting a bit fed up with the whole shenanigans – I’m pretty much only following this through out of interest to see what’ll happen now!
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March 19, 2010 at 13:15

Just sent another message to the Asus customer rep, as I have not heard from him in 10 days since the aforementioned email. I have also contacted MS in the meantime, who have assured me that the retailer is the party I should be contacting about this (which directly contradicts what the retailer was told when they contacted Asus). I still haven’t turned on my PC (am waiting to see what will happen, as if I end up paying for the Windows I might as well dual boot and use it). Right now I’d much rather have a straight “no” than all this fobbing off to the next party and messing around. Get some balls, Asus!