I recently bought a used computer from a flea market vendor, The vendor said the computer had windows Xp, which it does...only problem is that i think its a pirated version because it will not pass the windows validation test. I paid for a computer that was said to have windows xp, since the computer apparently has an illegal or unverifiable version of XP, is there a legal way i can get my money back or make the vendor put a valid version of windows XP on my computer without me having to pay extra for it? I'm thinking that this kind of falls under false advertisement a bit....anyone know anything i can do?
2007-06-24 06:28:03 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Its a permanent vendor at the flea market, and the computer cost $225 used, If i go tell them the problem and they refuse to give my money back or fix the problem, or will put the real windows xp on my comp at an additional price, will i be able to take them to small claims court and most likely win? I have a feeeling if i go they won't give me my money back and will only put the genuine windows on for the price it would cost them to buy it..which is BS...
2007-06-24 06:49:35 · update #1
well since you bought it at a flea market, you probably have no idea who the guy is and will never see him again. but if you do, yes, you can nail him. tell him you want it put right or you will report him to microsoft or take him to small claims court.
2007-06-24 06:38:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact Micro$oft and let them know you bought a computer from this flea market vendor and that it came with XP that will not verify validation. And they will usually give you a copy of Windows XP cheaper and give you a key with it for turning in this vendor.
And usually when you get a computer your suppoed to get a setup disk for it. Unless you build it yourself and opted that option.
Or you can try linux if everything else fails. Which is for free.
Or just sell the pc to someone without the o/s to get your money back..
2007-06-24 06:36:31 · answer #2 · answered by James S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you could sue, but the lawsuit would cost you more than purchasing a brand new computer. The reason is the Warranty of Merchantability, which is implied in all purchases. But, where I am, the cost of just filing the complaint with the court is $140. Then you have to pay your attorney (about $250-$350/hr), and pay for service of process, which is from $25 to $50 ($40 where I am). Quite frankly, you are better off buying a new computer.
2007-06-24 07:13:14 · answer #3 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you buy a computer you are supposed to get the Cd's off all included software. No Cd's usually means piracy. A flea market is not the best place to ask for a reputable vendor.
But in this case to "think" is not to "know". If you are not sure then there is nothing to do. There are many reasons to fail a validation test (virus, and conflicting programs) so you have not much of proof.
If the computer's price was good , forget about it. If you wanted a brand new computer then you were at the wrong place.
2007-06-24 06:43:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋