Are laptops with Windows installed worth more?

Does having Windows on a laptop make it much more valuable compared to one without OS installed or with something like Ubuntu Linux installed? Up until now my SOP has been to wipe the drive thoroughly then install Ubuntu 32- or 64-bit on the machine and sell. If Windows is much better, how much would I need to pay for some sort of volume/OEM license (not sure what the right term is) to be able to install the OS on many machines? Thx

What I would do, download a non cracked/hacked or what ever word you want to use, and use the product key that is on the laptop. This is legal as your not stealing the program since your using the product key that is on the unit it self. The program was paid for and you downloaded a backup to reinstall the program with said product key.

Now windows vs Ubuntu. A windows laptop will sell faster than Ubuntu due to the fact that just about everyone knows how to use windows and they "trust" it more than ubuntu, but I would give the client either option of the OS.

When you get a laptop/desktop you should always reformat it and burn a new OS on it even if its windows again.

First of all here is the website you need to do exactly what your wantiong to do to install windows on a machine at a cheaper price. Registered Refurbisher FAQ

Now using the key on the laptop may work it is not legal. One your not the person who purchased it if your talking about scrap laptops. Second if you have to put a hard drive in the machine because it was taken out by the last owner you cant use the same key either. If you sell them on ebay this way you bet you will get shut down eventually. I know 2 people personally this has happened too. They got letter from microsoft threatening law suites if they didnt stop.

Now the cost will be about $35 per liscence once your in the program. You have to buy them in 3 packs though from distributers.

Originally Posted by PartTimeScrapper

First of all here is the website you need to do exactly what your wantiong to do to install windows on a machine at a cheaper price. Registered Refurbisher FAQ

Now using the key on the laptop may work it is not legal. One your not the person who purchased it if your talking about scrap laptops...... They got letter from microsoft threatening law suites if they didnt stop..

Sorry I have to disagree with you here. The key was paid for and can be used to redo the laptop and is legal. You did not rip or hack the program and you are able to repair the system (there is no law on the books saying you can't use the key code that is printed on said laptop) now...it can't be called theft of program due to the fact you did not steal the laptop or the key code, the keycode was on the bottom of the laptop that you paid for (not theft)

Now does Microsoft like this? hell no, they want your money and they may try to scare you into paying for it and blah blah blah but they have little to no grounds. The WHOLE reason why the Key code was put onto the bottom of the laptop was for recoding/programming the laptop with a Microsoft CD encase of a repair or if you HAD to change the hard drive or wanted to upgrade the hard drive.

Microsoft has also changed how they send out the key codes to force you into buying an new one in the last few years as they are not sending you a backup os system and your lucky if you can find the keycode.

Now if you buy a laptop or desktop or anything really the best thing you can do is make a backup cd so you can repair your system later down the road.

I would have to look at my sons new windows 8 laptop to see but isn't the keycode being embedded into the board now??...(this is just something I heard)........I will look at his laptop when he's not looking to see if there is a windows 8 COA (LOL)

If the OS is already installed and everything is running okay, you can manually delete all the files without looking at them. You can download a program called Revo Uninstaller (revouninstaller.com) to do a good job of deleting the unnecessary programs, does a better job than the Microsoft uninstaller. Also download a program called Ccleaner (piriform.com/ccleaner) to clean the registry and wipe the free space on the hard drive. Both of these programs are free by the way. I also run a diagnostics program (if I can) to make sure everything is okay.

Edit: There are more Linux distros besides the Ubuntu flavors. I am personally getting used to a distro called Linux Mint. It comes with everything pre-installed so that it works right "out of the box" like Windows does and is supposedly easier on the novice than Ubuntu is. When it comes to a Live CD, I prefer Puppy Linux. Now I have to learn how to use the terminal to wipe external USB connected hard drives.

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

I would have to look at my sons new windows 8 laptop to see but isn't the keycode being embedded into the board now??...(this is just something I heard)........I will look at his laptop when he's not looking to see if there is a windows 8 COA (LOL)

Most laptops/tablets are not coming with the COA and if the hard drive ever fails they are forcing you into having to buy a new COA. Microsoft just want's your money and they love to charge you as many times as they can for the same damm thing....apple is right behind them if you ask me...

Here is one tutorial about how to find a Windows 8 product key if there is no sticker:

How To Find Your Windows 8 or 8.1 Product Key