Unresolved Issues refuses to respond. What do I do?

Perhaps you could explain the problem here and someone on the forum can assist you.  It could be faster.

I would phone and try to get through to the relevant department. Explain the problems you've had to them and pressure them politely to offer a replacement. if your persistant you may have some luck. I hate to say though that dell being such a large company have very rigid policy on these things and if your past the return date I can't see them budging, although they are obligated to fix the PC asap.

Either they'll issue a replacement or send a technician to fix it. If the technician can't fix it then they'll provide you with a replacement. Either way you'll end up with a working computer. Hang in there, these things can be slow to get going but usually once dell pick up on it they're quite decisive getting things fixed.

Call them! I have spent a great many hours calling them. I've spent lots and lots of time on hold waiting for a supervisor and being disconnected all but one time. I've spent many hours with technicians who only disabled the computer further. Who do I call? I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau this morning. I just now sent a snail mail letter to corporate.

I don't know what the cut off date is for replacement, but I've been trying to get this computer working properly since it was delivered. Delivery was March 24 and I began contacting them shortly after.

The technicians that come to the computer will only replace hardware.

If help through this forum is my only alternative then I will be grateful to accept your help. I apparently need to reinstall. I don't know how to reinstall Windows. No, I will not go back to XP. It will have to be Vista. There are some things I need to back up first.

I've noticed there have been quite a few complaints filed against Dell with the BBB and they have been resolved.

I can work with someone via telephone.

Ann

The computer is:

 XPS420,CDKE, Q6600 (2.40), DCT, 8mb

128mb ATI hd 2400 pro, XPS 420

4GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800 mhz-4x1gb

500 GB NCQ SATA HD (7200rpm) 2/databurst

6X blueray and 16 x dvd+/rw,xps420

8 channel dolby pdvd, 7, bd, dim

soundblaster x-fi xtreme music

multimedia tv tuner, tvt9,dim = basic rem

I don't know what much of that means. Is there any further information required?

FYI - The Premium 4BTN optical mouse, vista, dim is impossible for a left-handed person to use.  The side buttons cannot be avoided by the left hand constantly touching them. I'm using a different optical mouse.

There have been way too many of them to recall. The computer sometimes all of a sudden crashes whether I am touching it or not. I can no longer use Outlook because it crashes. I can't use AOL anymore. Right now I am using explorer to receive and send email from both roadrunner and aol. I have had features disappear after tech help and no amount of tech help has been able to bring it/them back. I was able to log into netflix, tv guide, and other things without having to do a full login and all that disappeared after tech help that was not related to it.

Media center is supposed to update and it can't do it.

Windows media player comes up black but with sound, I close it, open it again and it works, and then it plays the document again.

I had been reading pdf files and then of a sudden pdf's locked up the computer. I had to hard boot. I don't know what caused it. I downloaded something from pdf yesterday and it's working again.

I don't know how to set the tv card for cable. I don't know how the remote control works. I push the button and I get blue lights, but nothing else.

At one time I put the XDcard from my camera in it and it didn't register at all.

If I ever get this thing right I want to get my six year old Dimension 8250 operating again.

I am now positive that when I replace my old disabled laptop, it won't be a Dell.

Ann

You know, this is the third time that I have tried to help you and frankly it will be my last.  Everything that you relate is software related with all kinds of overlapping programs that might be causing conflicts and yet, you blame the manufacturer.

Once again, do a simple Factory Image Reinstall and if everything is fine, one by one start loading your software until it breaks down and therein lies your problem.

The 420 is a fantastic machine and other than getting a trojan a couple of weeks ago (my fault, not DELLS) and resetting everything i'ts now like the day they shipped it me and runs like a top.

Try taking some of the advice that has been offered to you in the two previous threads and maybe you will fix this problem and learn something about computers in the process. 

I believe if you would have read my recent post you would have learned that I am now willing to accept help because Dell won't. In fact, it's the Dell techs that have made it worse. I also stated that I do NOT know how to do what you have suggested. As for the programs I run, we all have different needs. This machine is supposed to be for my fun, communication, hobbies, collections, information, creativitiy, etc.

I don't understand what you mean by overlapping programs. I've never heard that term before now.

I am a senior citizen who has been using computers in my home for the last 25 years and I really am not interested in learning a whole lot about computers. I just want to use it. Of all the computers I've owned in the last 25 years, this is the first time I've had problems from the beginning.

Ann; if I may ....

Patrick is correct that you might have software issues.

At this point, I too, would suggest to do a "Image Restore" to original shipped from factory state.

If Restore is not available, you can do a re-install.  In either case make sure to back up your files.

If you have to re-install (not restore) then you must install your drivers one by one from Dell Support (Click support at the top right of this page).  Although using the Dell provided software CDs/DVDs will also install proper drivers at install.

In either case.... disconnect everything except keyboard, mouse and monitor.  If you have a USB cable attached from monitor to PC, disconnect that too.

Also, disable Windows Update for now.  Do your updates manually for a while.

NOTE: Do a reboot after each and every install... do not install two or more drivers or software at once.

After each reboot, use the PC for a while to make sure it is stable.

Once you are back to desktop, install drivers one by one.

Once finished with drivers, you can update to SP1.

After that go to Windows Update.  You can install all the "Important" updates all at the same time... still reboot after whether you are prompted to or not.

Once you finish with Important updates, install Recommended ones - again One at a Time.

Be careful which ones... If you don't need them don't install.  And definitely be careful with the Optional Updates on Win_Updates.

Now, use the machine again for a while and do a couple of more reboots.

If all is well, Install one peripheral (Printer, Scanner, etc) at a time and reboot.

Again once finished with hardware, a few more hours of usage and at least two reboots.

Now if still stable, then install your software, one at a time, reboot ... use the PC, reboot... use the PC and new software... then go to the next software.

* If after any peripheral or software you experience problems, bluescreens or lockups, then you have found the culprit... it will be the last hardware or software you installed.

Also.... when was the last time you cleaned the inside of the machine?   My PC gets very heavy usage, therefore I vaccum and clean the insides once a month, I would recommend at least quarterly.

And if you leave house/room windows open, then there is more chance of dust collecting inside and affecting the case cooling.  Over time Heat (especially caused by dust) is the major cause of PC failure/death.

Hope this helps.  Easy does it :)

Peace

Apple! I carefully studied pc and Apple over 25 years ago an made the decision to get pc. I've never been sorry. Apple is a wonderful machine, but it's not mine. I would have to spend a ton of money for all new software, etc. No, that's not an option and not an option that I can afford. I have at least one application that is very important to me that can't be accomplished on a Mac.

The one thing that would be better is iTunes because it doesn't like Vista.

As for the 21 days, it's been longer than 21 and I have been talking with the useless techs all that time.

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@anabeth wrote:
I really am not interested in learning a whole lot about computers. I just want to use it. Of all the computers I've owned in the last 25 years, this is the first time I've had problems from the beginning.

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You should return the computer within 21 days to get your money back and get an Apple. 

They control the hardware and software integration and are made to 'just use it'

Since you have stated that you don't know how to do what is suggested to the PC maybe see if Apple can help you.

http://store.apple.com/

 1-800-MY-APPLE/

PC/Dell  computers are able to use many more software programs and more choices of hardware.

BUT you have to read a lot to understand how to use them.  No one can teach you all that over the phone.

Dell can't control what software you install from several different companies that may conflict with each other. 

Apple always gets the highest ratings for service and you pay the price for it.

Dell has chosen the cut corners and service route.  They have a long way to get back to the values that started the company.  They compete on price now, not on service.