http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx If you bought it using a credit (not debit)

http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx If you bought it using a credit (not debit) card then there's also a shot that you have purchase protection benefits that include price protection and compensation for you if a retailer refuses to accept a returned product. If your card doesn't have those things -- or ESPECIALLY if you're using a Debit card -- this is a good time to learn that debit cards are awful and you should be adding a good go-to credit card. Any basic Visa Signature card will be a good start, but I'd suggest finding a Signature card that adds in better price protection. Some that come to mind: * Fidelity 1.5% cashback Amex offered by FIA (aka Bank of America) * Chase British Airways card -- includes 100,000 bonus miles, very nearly enough to fly first class from SFO to CDG, a $10,000 fare. * Just about any American Express card -- unless you travel and want the access to airport lounges, the Blue card is often best. Get the variant that best matches your circumstances. There are many others, but that's a good start. For pure cashback (a little unsure of the Signature benefits): * Barclays' Priceline-branded card recently changed their rewards. It's a straight 2% cashback card now which is fantastic. And you get a card with Shatner on it. * NASA federal credit union has a great 2% cashback card, too. It's changed recently and I'm not totally sure of the details but the last I checked it was 2% after you spent a preset amount each year. You can join by becoming a member of, IIRC, the Stargazers society. Basic, no-benefits credit cards are silly -- get a good one! It's easy! But debit cards are evil. Friends don't let friends use debit cards.