Ok I know; I bought a PC from PC World, that was the first mistake. I'd just been accepted on the Windows Home Server beta, and I needed a box. Right then and there, you know how it is. So I went and bought a cheap box; put the WHS Beta DVD in and away I went.

Then it struck me. I could get a refund for the preinstalled copy of Vista. Heck, even if I end up putting Vista back on the machine I'd use my MSDN license for Vista Ultimate. So I emailed PC World; and a day later got this reply.

Dear Barry Dorrans,
Thank you for your email of 26 March 2007.
Unfortunately we are unable to give a part refund, the operating system comes as part of the package pre-loaded onto the machine. Therefore, I am unable to comply with your request for a refund.
Although this response may not be the outcome you were looking for, I hope this has clarified our company position.

I guess PC World have never read the Vista EULA which has the following clause;

By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft’s refund policies.

Bundling does not, of course, affect this. I admit this was probably a canned reply from a call centre person who doesn't understand the issues; we'll see how this plays.