Send back new pc?!?

You won't void a warranty by fixing something. Trust me....Dell would rather you fix it than dispatching a tech. You are free....they are not.

"Inspiration is the Mother of Invention. Desperation is its Father."

System 1:

Inspiron 4100
1.2 GHz-M
14.1 SXGA+
512 MB Crucial RAM
30 GB ATA 100 HD
8x Combo CD-RW/DVD
16 MB ATI Radeon
10/100 Ethernet
Compaq IPaq 11MPS Wireless Ethernet
Windows ME (Yuck) Windows XP now!
Bright Yellow Palm Rests
Office XP Professional

System 2:

Dimension 8200
2.4 GHz
768 MB RDRAM
40 + 100 + 60 GB HD's
Promise ATA 100 Controller
80 GB Firewire
16x DVD
HP DVD+RW
32x Que! USB 2.0 CDRW Drive
128 MB Geforce4 TI4400
SB Live!
17" Samsung TFT LCD Monitor
10/100 USB Ethernet
ATI TV Wonder Card
WinXP
Office XP Professional

Call Dell tech support and ask for a return authorization. If a tech has advised you to return the system, you are better of doing that than messing around with repeated parts replacements and service calls. If the next technician you talk to gives you a different answer, that's fine, but for now I'd say you have your marching orders and they are to return the system to Dell.

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Be aware of the thirty day period. Within this period you can return the system to DELL and the purchase price will be refunded. Don't hesitate to do this if the system doesn't work completely satisfactory.

By all means if it is a lemon, ship it back. Don't wait and then end up past the 30 day period or they will be stuck with the PC.

I just sent an 8200 model back. It's a hassle and it cost $55 but it was worth it to get rid of it. I spent 3 weeks talking to every support department in Dell (some many times) and couldn't get some missing backup/restore software (the modem drivers and the phone/fax application). They sent me some software one time but it was everythaing except the modem software. The last time they sent me a new modem, but no software. The day I finally had it with poor support the DVD-ROM developed a hardware problem and I wasn't going to go through what I did trying to get the software (and not getting it) so I got a return authorization number and dumped it back on them.

**There is no Guitarist like a Pedal Steel Guitarist**

Charger,

You do not send in a new Dell for repairs. You have your friend call Dell and firmly request an "exchange" for the DOA or return it.

The exchange can and will likely be there in three days by Dell paid Air shipping and has the same custom built specs, BRAND NEW. And if that one doesn't perform out of the box like it should send that box back too!!!

The rules are if they cannot fix it by phone (which the tech could not) and it's anytime during the first 30 they will do a brand new exchange.

If you do it quickly you will have plenty of time to test the exchange. I have always been very impressed with the speed of delivery of the exchanged product and how well Dell handles doing a brand new exchange. For example: they do not even mind if you keep using it until the new one gets there because "We do not expect you do go without a computer."

*Just remember, in case of a transportation error the 30 days is up on the ORIGINAL order invoice shipping date.

Message Edited on 06/13/02 04:08AM by gothummingbird

Do they always agree to the exchange option as my dell pc is totally useless.
Only a week old and error messages galore, re-installed windows and now run the diagnostics test.Got to phone them back tomorrow, tempted to say "just send me an exchange pc".Will this work, because i have had enough with this one.
Thanks.

They should. Just keep saying you want to exchange pcs.
I had a choice of a new hard drive with windows preinstalled and a tech comming out and installing it, or shipping it back...I chose the free one!

Charger

Need some help? Send me an email!! Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). **I do not work for Dell or Microsoft**

TommyGo1,

First Dell needs to have a record log of calls made to the Dell Techs showing that they could not fix the problem(s) over the phone. I spent three days on the phone my first three days and the techs told me I had two choices. Return it or they will exchange it with a brand new PC. I was concerned they were going to send me a refurbished one. But this was not true.

Another term used for an exchange is "a replacement." for the not working PC they gave you. Anytime a PC is replaced during the first 30 days it is automatically replaced(exchanged) with a brand new PC.

Will they always? No, they will do everything they can to fix your machine like they should if you let them. IF they cannot fix it over the phone they will do an exchange for a new one with the same specs during the first thirty if they feel you are serious about returning your computer for credit.

NOW, After the first thirty if worst comes to worst in DELL'S EYES it would be replaced with a refurbished PC with and after at least 5 major parts that had been replaced with refurbished parts and you convinced them after numerous calls that it was a lemon.

If you have made calls to and had at least three failed to help calls made to Dell Techs then you call and tell them you want to return your computer. Only you can determine your breaking point. Tell them that you want a replacement for this HORRIBLE nightmare they sent you, etc or you want a return authorization number to return it. BUT the Financial department needs proof that the Dell techs could not solve the problems you are having over the phone. Which is understandable and good. All calls are logged. You can even ask the techs what they think is best and your options. If they start talking about replacing parts then you are ready to Call Dell financial to make the return and SETTLING for a brand new replacement computer.

As I see it, the worst that can happen if you call the Dell financial representative is that they will give you a CRA#. SO? You could always change your mind. HEY! It's your 30 days USE IT. Don't be afraid to deal with the Dell financial reps. Just strive to strike a fair deal, be prepared and rational when you call because they will ask if there is anything they can do to change your mind about returning your computer.

Message Edited on 06/14/02 01:56AM by gothummingbird

I've got a box that has not worked since I got it. Dell holds the hands of first time buyers, like myself, and after the 1st thirty are up, well.........good luck. I've PAID for a IT guy to try and render this thing useful, with limited success. After $200.00 of his time, I'm out the money and still have problems. Feel like I bought my box in an alley.
His final advice was to get rid of it. My question is who wants a new 'puter that doesn't work???


RJVgadgit
Dimension 4400 P4@ 1.6GHZ
256MB @ 266MHZ
16Mb ATI Rage Ultra 4x AGP w/ graphics card
20Gb 5400rpm Ultra ATA HD
V.90/56k PC interface data/fax copper modem
Lexmark 83 (cool!!)
48x max var. cd-rom
16x/10x/40x cd-rw
SB Live 1024 dig sound card
Win XP home ~ MS - $$$"02 - Off smbiz
Norton a/v 2002 OEM

I was told yesterday i had no chance of a straight swap with another pc, however they would collect it, repair it and return it within 5-7 days.So i reluctantly settled for that.Let`s see if they fix the problems.