Are computers assumed to have operating systems?

[mr-friendly]

The listing said almost nothing about the computer, but merely provided a link to the manufacturer's website. This website clearly states that all computers of the same model come with Windows 7. I didn't think to ask and understood the link to be an accurate description, and now I have recieved a laptop with no operating system. Is this my mistake for not asking first, or is a link to specs part of the item description? On eBay, is a computer labelled as "Everything works fine" expected to have a functional operating system installed?

[1966co_1]

File a INAD and return it because it wasn't listed as not having an OS

[couldabeenworse · Accepted solution]

Yes, I think everyone would assume that a computer that "works" includes a working operating system unless it says otherwise.  However, when selecting a return reason, I would choose "doesn't work", rather than "missing parts".  I would want a bot to decide the case, not a CS rep.

I noticed one of your recent feedbacks came from a seller who does sell computers with NO OS in the title, so I would doublecheck your listing just to make sure you didn't miss something.

Good luck...

[agent006140]

pardon Moi,how can a computer works just fine without an operating system?

[bretsin0]

It powers on and loads bios

[dougsue123b]

I would think it should have been listed as "for parts, not working"

[mikeystoyz]

Nope, lots of sellers sell computers with no os.  People want to put their own on or want to put on Linux.  In acutality, a lot of manufacturers do not put an OS on their systems unless they say so or are asked.

[flyerfandan999]

Assume nothing.

For any more advice, we would have to see the listing.

[dabunk2000]

If a computer passes bios test it is fully functional, an OS is not required. If it has its sticker Windows COA  on the bottom you can load a new version of that OS for free takes 15 minutes

[nowthatsjustducky]

Now, how long before buyers start deciding that a computer that ships with anything but Windows (aka Ubuntu Linux or even FreeDOS) is not as described, because they can't do everything with it that a system preloaded with Windows (something you do not do if you are building "white box", aka roll your own computer systems) can do?

On that note, just as a CYA measure, if I were to sell such a system, I would include a Live Ubuntu or Debian disk with it, so no one could claim I did not include an operating system.

[mikeystoyz]

Always a good thing to live by.  When I have sold computers in the past if they didnt have an OS I always did mention it and did send a copy of linux.

[airsheep]

If a seller says NO OS INSTALLED, that's one thing, and if I were planning to install my own OS that might be what I would look for.  OTOH, many people are not planning to build their own machine, they just want to replace their laptop that ate itself.  Wouldn't installing an OS void the MBG automatically, regardless of if you needed it to make sure the computer actually works for your purposes?

[mikeystoyz]

First question is the OS transferable.  Is it locked to the item.  If not than you cant really just put on an os willy nilly.

[nowthatsjustducky]

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@airsheep wrote:

If a seller says NO OS INSTALLED, that's one thing, and if I were planning to install my own OS that might be what I would look for.  OTOH, many people are not planning to build their own machine, they just want to replace their laptop that ate itself.  Wouldn't installing an OS void the MBG automatically, regardless of if you needed it to make sure the computer actually works for your purposes?

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There is absolutely no reason why installing an OS or any other software would void the MBG.  Installing software will not have any effect on the hardware, and will not alter it other than the magnetic pattern on the hard drive.

Voiding the MBG on a computer just because you installed an operating system on it would be the equivalent of voiding the MBG on an electronic device because you installed batteries, or on a vehicle just because you put fuel in the tank.