Microsoft Licence Reclaims ?

[Julian Stacey]

Many laptop manufacturers ship hardware with Microsoft Windows pre
installed without the option.  Some countries considered that
unacceptable & were proposing (couple of years back) to impose laws
to force hardware manufactures to unbundle, & maybe force either
Microsoft &/or retailer, or manufacturer dependent on legal
jurisdiction, to rebate the cost of that totaly un-necessary &
unwanted Microsoft software.

By now such laws should be passed I hope. Anyone know ?  Personally
I'd be interested ritish, German & American law, but of course this
is a world wide list :-).  Seems likely Toshiba etc & Microsoft
will play hard to get, but worth a try, especially if anyone knows
specific laws, & claims forms/departments &/or even URLS to more
info on cash back ?  No point M$ getting money for nothing ! No M$ for me !

Thanks.
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Julian Stacey       Freelance Systems Engineer, Unix & Net Consultant, Munich.