Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral Information: Program & Refurbishers
Q. What is the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (MAR) program about?
A. The MAR program is a network of Refurbishers authorised by Microsoft to legally install Windows 98 SE operating systems onto refurbished second hand PCs. They work with:
- Organisations in Australia and New Zealand who are looking for responsible ways of disposing redundant hardware (Donors).
- Charities, Community Groups, Schools or individuals wanting professionally refurbished PCs with a legally licensed operating system (Eligible Recipients and Eligible Beneficiaries).
Q. What can a MAR do?
A. MARs are authorised to install Windows 98 SE operating systems on refurbished PCs. Licenses are donated by Microsoft. The MAR program enables a donor to pass on their hardware to a professional refurbishing organisation with the rights to install Microsoft operating systems. Recipients are then licensed to use the operating system and don't need to purchase a new copy for use on their refurbished machines.
Q. Why is a program required to facilitate the transfer of an operating system to a recipient? Why can't the original owner donate the license?
A. In order to legally transfer the operating system installed on the PC to a new owner, the original owner must provide all the media and documentation they received when the machine was originally purchased. As this is difficult in many instances, the MAR program allows donors to provide PCs for eligible recipients - with replacement licenses provided at no charge. If the donor has all the appropriate documentation, they can transfer ownership directly to the recipient.
Q. Will Microsoft Authorised Refurbishers only refurbish PCs covered by this program?
A. No. Microsoft Authorised Refurbishers refurbish PCs for a number of uses and clients. Examples of refurbishment that fall outside the MAR program include:
- PCs with the original operating system license and associated product material (APM).
- PCs sold to customers who are not eligible to receive a machine under the MAR program, (i.e. individuals who do not meet the criteria, businesses, and any group not meeting the eligible recipient requirements).
- Eligible recipients and beneficiaries who prefer not to receive a Microsoft operating system on their machine.
Q. Are all Refurbishers registered charities?
A. No, but it is a requirement of the program that the Refurbishers operate on a not-for-profit basis. Some MARs donate their refurbished PCs free of charge - others charge a small amount to cover the cost of the refurbishment process.
Q. How much will a refurbished PC cost through this program?
A. Prices vary between MARs. Individual Refurbishers set pricing for refurbished machines and Microsoft does not influence this.
Q. What steps are taken to ensure the quality of participants in the program?
A. All Microsoft Authorised Refurbishers in this program are reviewed and audited to determine their suitability to the program. However Microsoft cannot warrant the quality of their products and services.
Q. Is there a limit on the number of PCs that can be donated, or that can be received by an eligible recipient?
A. No. Microsoft would like as many PCs as possible to go through the program as we recognise the value of finding cost effective routes for eligible recipients to acquire technology.
Software Information
Q. What operating systems are included under the program?
A. The MAR program currently only provides Windows 98 SE. Regardless of the operating systems installed on the machine when donated, if all license documentation has been lost Windows 98 SE will be loaded.
Q. How much does the recipient pay for the operating system?
A. Nothing. This program facilitates the donation of the operating system from Microsoft to the MARs when PCs are going to eligible recipients. However, MARs will in some cases charge recipients for the cost of the refurbishment process - which may include costs to cover installation and testing of the operating system.
Q. Does the Refurbisher pay Microsoft for the operating system?
A. No. Microsoft donates the operating system to MARs for PCs which are then donated or sold at the cost of refurbishment to eligible recipients or beneficiaries.
Q. Are other software products, such as Microsoft Office, provided under this program?
A. This is a new program in Australian and New Zealand and at the present time only Windows 98 SE is included in the program.
Q. How do recipients acquire other software to run on their refurbished PCs purchased or received under the MAR program?
A. Microsoft application software for use on refurbished computers can be acquired from a number of sources:
- Registered charities and educational institutions are eligible to buy Microsoft products at academic prices. This can be done through any education reseller. Click here for details.
- A recipient of a refurbished PC may already have a site license enabling them to install copies of application software they already own.
- Second-hand applications may be purchased from a variety of sources. As with any purchase of software, it is strongly recommended that purchasers ensure they have acquired a legal copy of the product
- Certain organisations may be eligible to apply for a donation of application software from Microsoft through the Microsoft Community Assistance Initiative. Click here for details on who can apply, and how.
Q. Does the recipient receive any media?
A. Some refurbishers will provide a backup copy of the Windows 98 SE installation CD should the recipient need to re-load their operating system.
Q. Are recipients entitled to any free support from Microsoft?
A. No. Recipients have received a donated version of an operating system that attracted free support from Microsoft when it was originally sold. This free support expired some years previously (as donated PCs are typically over three years old) and is therefore no longer available. Recipients are, of course, able to purchase support from the range of Microsoft support options available, or from one of the many other support suppliers located throughout in Australia. The MAR you purchase your machine from also may offer support for a limited amount of time.
International Use
Q. Can PCs be donated from outside Australia or New Zealand?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions in terms of donor location. However, you should check with each individual MAR as to whether they can accept PCs from an international donor.
Q. Can an organisation based outside Australia and New Zealand become a member of the MAR program?
A. No. Criteria governing the requirements of Refurbishers wishing to apply to become MARs are limited by Australian and New Zealand legislation and definitions.
Q. Can Microsoft Authorised Refurbishers supply refurbished PCs through this program to organisations outside Australia and New Zealand?
A. Yes, there are no limitations on the destinations of the refurbished PCs, as long as the recipients are consistent with the requirements of an eligible recipient.
Q. I have seen information on a MAR scheme in the UK and the USA. Is this the same as the Australian and New Zealand MAR program?
A. No. Whilst all three schemes have been established to help Refurbishers wishing to include Windows operating system licenses as part of the refurbishment process, the schemes operate in different ways and enable different types of organisations to benefit from this cost-effective method of acquiring a Windows 98 SE license on a refurbished PC.
For more information, contact a MAR Program Manager.
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