You buy cheap so you get cheap.  Thats an entry level system not meant for any high end games, just internet stuff, some low setting games and e-mail.  You did not do your home work, so its your fault not Dell's. 

Dell has a liberal return policy, I think it's 21 days from the date it was shipped.  If you are not happy with the system, you can call Customer Service and request a return authorization, for credit, refund or apply to a "better" system.

But, as mentioned, you can't expect an entry level system (from any Vendor) to perform like the better equipped systems. 

 

Hi alistair911,

     I am not a "techie" either and after I did some "homework" the 2400 works out just fine.

Windows XP needs at least 512mb of ram to run decent but 256 will push it along faster than the 128mb the 2400 sometimes ships with.

If you are planning on running cable broadband that needs 128mb of ram to connect to it.

Get a middle ground video card and loose the onboard graphics.  That alone will save up to 64mb of ram.

Doug

Dell Dimension 2400
P4 2.6 GHz
512MB DDR SDRAM
40GB Hard Drive
3.5 Floppy
GeForce MX4000
17in. Monitor
BENQ DVDRW/CDRW
Windows XP Home (SP2)
Lexmark 3 in 1 1150
Norton Internet Security
Dazzle DVC 80
Pinnacle Studio V.9
LINKSYS 10/100 Fast Ethernet
SURFboard Cable Modem

Really.....?

They refused to do anything with mine because it was past the 21 days. Too bad I'm not a techie or I would have figured it out early enough to get that policy instituted. I really am disappointed with the treatment by them and I will look elsewhere for future purchases. We have purchased from a number of vendors in the past and this is our first - and last - Dell.

Some things to check:

If you have 256M or less RAM, upgrade to 512M at least. The video uses system RAM, and 256 is a bare minimum for XP these days.

Make sure you're up to date on critical patches.

Make sure you have current, real-time antivirus and firewall protection.

Make sure you've scanned for spyware.

Defragment the hard drive.

The system will never be a barn-burner but will perform acceptably well with enough RAM and in a clean (no virus/spyware/malware) condition. It isn't good that Dell ships these with as little as 128M RAM - yes, that's acceptable to Microsoft for running XP, but in the real world, you need 512, particularly on systems with shared video.

Yes, Allistair911, it seems you probably WERE.  But, I had very similar thoughts and emotions while hooking MINE up last night as well.  I also asked related questions on an earlier 'thread' called Santa Brought me a Dim 2400 - should I keep it?  Unfortunately you started a new one by adding an 's' to the end of the word Dimension.  Now some of the best brains on the board are repeating each other's knowledge and answers, on two different threads.

Someone please tell me how to 'integrate' these two conversations, so I don't have to repeat MY questions under THIS thread in order to hear the words of wisdom from THESE 'respondants.'

GolfHobo.

 

Hi,

You need to start your own thread. on this. There is not going to be a lot of iinterest in posts or threads about low performance from a budget system.

For your issue.

You need to exactly detail the sequence of beep codes.

Also look at the diagnostic lights on the rear of the machien.

Now refer to the information here

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/advtshoo.htm