if we return a disk could they tell if we activated IT?

Answer 1

Activated or not, if you have opened the package - good luck getting a refund. I don't know of any store that will refund a disk which has been opened. They will replace a defective one with a new, identical, one.

That is basic retail company policy. Of course, it is because people would buy disks, copy them, then return them for a refund, thus getting free software or music or films.

Answer 2

Depends on the kind of "disk". If you're talking about a computer program, the answer depends on the kind of computer program.

Let's say you buy a computer game at Best Buy that requires online activation to play (say an MMO like World of Warcraft). Best Buy can't tell whether or not you activated it, but Blizzard Entertainment, the guys who MAKE World of Warcraft, can.

That's just an example. Let's say it's WIndows Vista. Again, Microsoft could tell, but Best Buy wouldn't have a clue.

Now on the other hand, if it's a computer program that doesn't have an online activation component - say it's a stand alone video game or something - then nobody can tell whether or not you installed and/or used the program. At most, all they can tell is that you opened the package (because the wrapping will be ripped up). They can then ASSUME you used it and you're taking it back to the store because it didn't work or you weren't satisfied with the product.

That's why most places that sell computer software have an "opened exchange only" policy - if you open the software, you're only allowed to exchange it, NOT to get a refund.

Answer 3

You do not activate the disk, you activate the program once it is installed on your computer. The disk is the same. Usually the disclaimer printed right on the package says you cannot return it after the seal is broken.

Answer 4

Depends on the disc. I know back in the Everquest days when I worked at EB that we had a number we could call to deactivate any serial key on a returned disc.

It wasn't Everquest we did it for, it was one of the other games like Ultima Online or something, I don't remember. Anyways, yeah, if they want to deactivate an account they likely can.

However the disc itself is not really marked in any physical way when you activate online. People like you are why they don't take back open games any more. Thanks for ruining it for the rest of us.

Answer 5

When the next person who buys it returns it saying it was activated, they might track down the person who returned it. So if they don't ask you for information or ID's when you return it, you should be fine.

Also, take note that most stores only let you exchange it for the same product, or give you store credits.

Answer 6

Depends what software it was.

Not buy looking at the disk or whats on it, but they could if they searched the serial number that was given to you then yes they could find out if it was activated.

Answer 7

The fact you have opened it's case or sleeve means you have accepted th EULA for the disk. They will NOT take it back. You should have read the licence first.

Answer 8

Matters what kind of computer you use. Usually a normal store wouldn't be able to tell. Something like the FBI or CIA can because they have the technology to.

Answer 9

If you return the product because the product sucks, it is acceptable, because you don't plan on using it anyway, right? If you are returning it because you think you can get away with it, don't.

Answer 10

Most places is if its open they will not take the software back.
I know with my computer shop if I sell a customer some software and they bring it back and its been opened I do not take it back .