From: Fred Maxwell <rockbox_at_anti-spam.org>
Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 09:51:14 -0500

BlueChip wrote:
 
> At 15:17 27/11/03 +0200, you wrote:
> >hi,
> >
> >does flashing my fmr void my warranty?
> >
> >thanx,
> >
> >naftali.
>
> yep, but then technically, so does running rockbox at all.

Actually, that is a common misconception. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act,
passed in 1975, prevents "tie-in sales" provisions, which is why GM can't
require that you use only GM/Delco brand oil filters, why Hoover can't
require that you use genuine Hoover brand vacuum bags, and why Archos can't
require that you use Archos firmware.

There is nothing that you can do that will "void" your warranty, though you
can do things which will give Archos the right to refuse you warranty
service for specific claims. In order to legally refuse warranty service,
the failure would have had to be caused by the aftermarket part or a
modification. They could not legally refuse to fix your LCD under warranty
just because you didn't use Archos brand batteries. On the other hand, if
you dropped your Archos unit into a pool, then they could certainly refuse
to make any repairs for water damage.

So, they would have to show that the firmware caused a failure. They could
not simply refuse to repair the unit because you used aftermarket firmware.
It's no different than a laptop computer. HP/Compaq can't refuse you
warranty service just because you loaded software that you bought from a
third party.

Regards,
  Fred Maxwell
Received on 2003-11-27