Dell Support 3.2 - Won't install due to having Wrong Country Code

Question

I have just tried to install Dell Support 3.2 from Dell's U.K. Web-site onto a Dell U.K. machine, but keep getting the message that I don't have the correct country code - can anyone tell me how to resolve this glitch ?

CVooren · Answer

I have the same problem with Dell Support 3.2.1 from the Dell download site in the Netherlands. I get the message: Product: Dell Support 3.2.1 -- Dell Support cannot be installed on your computer because your country code is not supported by the software installation. I have Windows XP Pro SP2 English version on a Latitude D820.   Can I use Dell Support on this configuration? Do I have to change a country code, how?

Doey · Answer

... same problem in Germany. :(

Delierious · Answer

It's time to ring Dell support and ask. From what I gather Dell operate within borders.

designbyalfort · Answer

Got the same problem. I'm from sweden. It seems like the links are all directed to the US version. Thats probably why it doesn't work. I'm gonna give the a call and ask for the ftp adress for individual countrys. But you've also probably ended up with the US version. They could care a bit more if you ask me. Of topic but my computer has 6 USB ports that are 1.1 when they should be 2.0!

Delierious · Answer

I'm in UK, I went to http://support.dell.com/support/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen to download a few things including Dell Support: I had no trouble with the downloads.

CVooren · Answer

It still does not work for me. The application is downloaded from ftp.us.dell.com . I have asked Dell support in the Netherlands to tell me whats wrong with my system settings or if the app perhaps is not available for users in the Netherlands, but they give me no answer on that questions. So I am a little bit disappointed. If there is someone that can help, please. I am running Windows XP English version on Dell Latitude 820.

radko · Answer

Does enyone overcome this problem? I bought dell lattitude in Japan with English version of Windows professional. I tried both, files from US site and Japan as well. Still wrong country code!:smileymad:

designbyalfort · Answer

All I can say for sure is that after a complete reinstall, YES it did work afterwards.

The problem might be that when they shipped it the guys installning the computer entered the wrong country code.

Other than that I can't see why it shouldn't work.
Allthough a reinstall just for this program seems like to much. But check the country of the computer and then download the file accordningly.

Thats my only solution. Dell hasn't said a word to me yet so...keep on trying.

radko · Answer

Thanks a lot, but where I can check country code?

designbyalfort · Answer

Look in the control panel

then look for a icon that looks like a globe. I'm not sure what it's called in english since I have swedish version but I think it's something like:
National settings and language configuration

At the bottom of the page you should see the country.

I'm not sure that this is the reason because I didn't look at these settings before I reinstalled.

But if there is a country in that list that is not japan (ireland perhaps where they ship the computers from) then try going on that countrys page and download there dell support software or do it the other way. change the country and download your japanese version.

If that doesn't work then I'm out of ideas.

So good luck!

sgparry · Answer

I do get very tired of Dell support scripts that inevitably end up with "re-install from recovery". It takes me *months* to get my system set up and often does not fix the problem.

Have found a solution to this problem, albeit a hack. The problem is something in the C:\DELL.SDR file; I have not found the specific entry that causes it. Perhaps Dell Support would be so kind as to take a an uploaded sample from one of us and find out? However, in the meanwhile you can hack round the problem if you rename the file, install *without* launching, then rename it back *before* launching the Dell Support application. All then seems to work fine. You can only see the SDR file if you have all the correct view options set in Windows Explorer.

I must stress I have no confirmation the program is definitely working yet; it does not crash, does deliver generic messages and updates, but has not yet picked up any updates specific to my Inspiron 9400.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Download the set-up executable for Dell Support 3.2 or 3.2.1
2. Go to Windows Explorer
Select Tools -> Folder Options -> View
Set the following options:
Hidden Files and Folders = Show...,
Hide Extensions for Known File Types = No,
Hide Protected Operating System Files = No
3. Navigate to the root of the C drive
4. click on DELL.SDR
5. Press F2, type DELL.SDR.BAK and press enter, and say yes to rename the file
6. Run the downloaded Support set-up executable (3.2 requires extraction first; 3.2.1 runs and extracts automatically)
7. Go though the set up wizards steps accepting the defaults until
8. When asked, UNCHECK THE LAUNCH BOX
9. Repeat steps 3 - 5 to rename the DELL.SDR file back its original name
10. Reset your view options (if you want!)
11. Shutdown and restart.

sgparry · Answer

I can confirm that I just got my first machine specific update today, i.e. a BIOS firmware update, so at least that much is working

radko · Answer

Thank you a lot, it works for mine machine also (lattitude d620). I really appreciate yours help, best regards from happy dell user.

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Dell Support 3.2 - Won't install due to having Wrong Country Code

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