What is eBay's policy on laptops that have a BIOS password or Computrace enabled?

[cyber_akuma]

Some of the listings mention if they are locked or not locked so it's on the buyer I suppose if they buy one that warns about this, but most of them do not since it seems like a lot of the sellers don't have details about the system (Such as claiming there is No OS just because it has no HDD/SDD despite a photo showing it booted in to it's BIOS clearly shows an embedded Windows key) and don't even realize if it can be locked by a BIOS or have Computrace enabled or not. 

Is there any official policy on this? Would I be able to return the laptop if there is a password on it or Computrace is enabled?

[lakefor94]

If your item comes Not As Described,  you can return it, regardless of the seller's return policy.

eBay does not have any stipulations concerning how a seller describes the OS, etc.

[dogchow747]

This is complicated.

Does the seller offer returns? Have you contacted them?

Most sellers (For good reason) would prefer not to offer any warranty on software related issues.

I do not know if they have any ground to stand on with the eBay Money Back Guarantee, but there are some exclusions on digital items. (looking about software)

I understand the BIOS issue, but I assume since it is a used computer, you may have to reinstall the OS.

If I bought a used Iphone here, I would not be happy if it had restrictions due to a carrier lock/hold.

It seems a legit reason for return, but looking.

[cyber_akuma]

I haven't bought one yet, just wanted to make sure while I am looking at listings.

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@dogchow747 wrote:

I understand the BIOS issue, but I assume since it is a used computer, you may have to reinstall the OS.

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Those are separate things though, just because you can access the OS does not mean you can access the BIOS, and depending on the type of BIOS lock you might not even be able to install or boot any OS. To say nothing of Computrace being enabled which basically means whoever previously owned the machine can basically remotely brick it at anytime.

[dogchow747]

I understand what you are saying on the Bios lock.

Ebay is very generous on it's guarantee, but some of these technical issues are complicated.

They tend to side with buyers, and I am glad it has not happened yet.

If I buy a new Lenovo laptop with a warranty and start jacking with "non user" settings... adding hard drives etc.. then file a warranty claim to Lenovo, they may not cover the repairs. A seller could argue you caused the computer/motherboard to fail by making changes.

In my own way, just trying to say - proceed with caution.. ask questions and hopefully you will not have any issues. Used computers and computer parts are notorious.

I think you are covered under your scenario.

[kathiec]

In a nutshell, here's your coverage under eBay's Money Back Guarantee and some caveats:

1) You're covered if the item received is defective or not as described in the listing. 

2) Pay attention to the condition category on the listing, because each comes with specific guidelines that must be met. Be particularly wary if the category is 'for parts or not working, as that will limit your ability to make a claim based on the functionality of the item.

3) Digitally delivered goods aren't covered by the MBG.

4) When you return an item claimed as not as described it must be in the same condition it was received. So any attempts at repair or alterations made in diagnosing a problem may void your coverage.

5) You can only open a not as described return with eBay for 30 days after receipt of the item. Anything discovered after that time may be able to be disputed with Paypal (for 180 days) or your credit card (timeframe varies by issuer but at least two billing cycles).

So what it boils down to is determining if what you receive matches what was described and if it functions as it should. If you look at the condition categories (except the for parts category), each specifies that the item is fully operational and functions as intended. If the item isn't as described and/or doesn't function as intended, the MBG will cover you.  And yes, the MBG is very much slanted toward buyers.