A man who installed Linux on his Vista notebook computer, and took it back to PC World to have a hardware problem fixed, has been told that he had voided the warranty by installing Linux.

According to TGDaily, the man was having a problem with the screen’s left hinge. It was broken internally and a small crack has formed in the case.

Knowing the problem could only worsen, he took his laptop back to PC World.

But after the PC World technicians looked at his laptop and agreed the hinge was broken and needed a repair, they told him it couldn’t be repaired because of software issues.

In his post on Slashdot website, the man claimed “PC World said that installing Linux had voided my warranty and there is nothing they will do for me. I spoke to a manager, who said that he has been told to refuse any repairs if the operating system has been changed.”

However, according to ZDnet, PC World has denied reports that it considers the warranties on its computers void if customers install Linux. The man was simply a victim of “misunderstanding,” the company told PC Pro.

But here is the catch. While PC World denied it will consider its warranties void if customers install Linux, it requires a restoration of the original manufacturer’s settings.

A spokesperson for PC World told ZDNet that the store’s policy was that “as long as we are still able to get the computer/laptop back to its original manufacturer’s settings, the customer is free to install other operating systems like Linux”

“In cases where customer wants to install Linux, it is vital that they make a Windows recovery disc first, unless this comes with the computer,” the spokesperson added.

It appears that PC World can no longer restore the laptop back to its original manufacturer’s setting that leads to the denial of man’s repair request.

According to TGDaily, the man is currently exploring his legal options and has contacted a local CAB (citizen’s advice bureau) to verify if the conduct of PC World is proper.

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Entry was posted on Thursday, September 13th, 2007 at 8:59 pm under Linux, Technology.

Read more entries by Ruben Francia.
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