Sorry, but I can't offer an answer for this - all I can say is that I am having the same problem with a brand new (had it running for about 1.5 hours!) Inspiron 1100. with a DVD/CD combo drive.
Put in a CD - (have tried about 6 cd's) and it clicks / ticks/ clack / whatever, and you can't access the CD. Real handy for installing software - I have a member of our staff waiting for this.
I have contacted support, and have been told:
"Dell quality team is association with research and developement
is going to introduce a firmware to fix this issue. We request
you to co-operate with us.
This new firmware is still in development stage. It will be released
in the next 2 to 3 weeks. You can find this firmware on the dell
support site once it is released for download."
Great. A brand new laptop that does not fully work.
The wife and I just purchased 2 new 8500s. This clicking is happening on both machines...sometimes removing the CD and replacing it ...fixes it but not always. The sound is just like the sound a regular CD drive makes if the CD is not inserted correctly.
The problem here, is that the drive makes the sound even if the CD is properly seeded on drive spindle.
For everybody in this forum: Did it seem to start occuring after a specific CD was inserted or from the first CD used?
In my case: Everything worked great until I tried to use a Quicken Premier 2004 cd. The CD worked fine in my desktop computer. I put the CD in my wife's 8500 and her drive has started the clicking thing.
FYI: When the clicking does not occur the drive plays and records on all CD based medias succesfully.
I understand computers pretty well and work int he computer service and support industry, but I have no answer for my wife,when she asks why we just spent $4500 for laptops that do not work.
I got feed up and called Dell support last night. They told me that it was not a "known issue" but they are sending me a replacement drive. The new drive should be here Wednesday. Hopefully, it will fix the issue. Either way, I will update this thread when I find out.
Thank you for using the
Dell Community Forum. Here are some general troubleshooting steps that may help you isolate the problem.
If you cannot fix the problem, then contact support to get the drive replaced.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CDROM Troubleshooting steps:
1.Remove and reseat the drive.
A loose connection can cause the drive not to work properly.
If possible, remove the drive from the system and reseat it making sure it is firmly and well seated.
2.Remove the drive from device manager.
Removing the drive controllers from device manager and rebooting to let Windows reload them sometimes helps.
Win95,98,ME:
Right click on My Computer, click on properties.
Click the Device Manager tab.
Click the + next to CDROM
Click the appropriate device entry that appears under CDROM then click the REMOVE button.
Perform this step for any other devices listed under the CDROM category.
Reboot the computer.
Win2000, WinXP:
Right click on My Computer, click on properties.
Click on the Hardware Tab.
Click the Device Manager button.
Click the + next to DVD/CDROM devices.
Right click the appropriate device entry that appears under DVD/CDROM then click Uninstall.
Perform this step for any other devices listed under the CDROM category.
Reboot the computer.
3.For Windows95,98,ME Check for the NOIDE Error.
Click on Start, Run and type in: Regedit.
Then click OK.
You will get a Registry Editor window.
Click on Edit, Find.
Type in: NOIDE
Click Find Next.
If the search finds any icons with NOIDE, delete those icons.
Then close all windows, and reboot the system.
4.Install an Antivirus program and run a full virus scan.
A virus will cause the cdrom drives not to work properly to keep you from cleaning out the virus.
If you already have an antivirus program installed, run a full system scan.
If you don't have an antivirus program installed, try to install one and run a full system scan.
If you are unable to install an antivirus program because of a possible virus, get a dos version of the program to run.
5.Reset the bios defaults if applicable on the system.
Resetting the bios defaults resets any bios settings that may have gotten corrupt.
This should allow the cdrom drive to redetect if the problem is caused by the bios.
You can find information on how to do so on the following sites:
--How do I restore the Setup Defaults on my Dell™ Inspiron™ portable computer?
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=1035265
--How do I restore the Setup Defaults on my Dell™ Inspiron™ portable computer?
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=FA1035265
--How do I restore setup defaults on my Dell™ Latitude™ system?
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=FA1035267
6.Update your bios file to the latest version.
Go to the main Dell Support site:
https://support.dell.com/register.aspx
Input your service tag number and click "Sign in to Standard Support".
Click the Downloads button.
Under the "Select Your Download Category" section, choose "Flash Bios Updates".
Then click GO.
Click the Dell XXXX XXXX System Bios link that comes up.
Click the Dell XXXX XXXX System Bios link that comes up again.
Click on the file name XXXXXX.EXE for FLOPPY version.
Click Download Now Using HTTP.
Save the file to your desktop.
Put a blank formatted floppy in the floppy drive.
Double click the file to create the bios update boot floppy.
Once that is done, leave the floppy in the drive and reboot the system.
The bios will be updated when the system boots to the floppy.
7.Try upgrading the drives firmware revision if one is available.
Find the model type of the drive.
Then go to the Dell downloads page and put in the model type of the drive to see if there are any firmware updates for it.
Go to the main Dell Support site:
https://support.dell.com/register.aspx
Input your service tag number and click "Sign in to Standard Support".
Click the Downloads button.
Put the drive model in the search box and click GO.
If there is a firmware updated listed, download it, create the update disk, and update the drives firmware.
------------
Question:
How do I find out what model of Hard Drive, CDROM, CDRW, DVDROM drive I have?
Answer:
Win2000 WinXP:
Right click on My Computer, click on properties.
Click the Hardware tab.
Click the Device Manager button.
Click the + next to DVD/CD-ROM drives.
You should see your drive listed, an example would be: Lite-On LTN483S 48X MAX.
The drive model number would be "LTN483S"
--Another way to tell is to check the system registry.
You can use the steps below that are listed for checking the drives firmware revision.
An example of a drive listing in the registry would be:
IDE\CdRomLite-On_LTN483S_48x_Max_________________PD03____\5&261012d&0&0.1.0
The drive model number would be ""LTN483S""
-------------------------------------------------------
8.Uninstall any 3rd party programs.
If you installed any 3rd party programs before the problem started, (Roxio Easy CD Creator, Nero Burning Rom, Intel Application Accelerator), then uninstall the program and reboot the system.
9.Test the drive in dos.
If your floppy drive is external, attach it to the system.
Have your cdrom drive in the media bay in the system.
Put in your Windows CD in the cdrom drive.
Boot to a Win98 or WinME dos boot disk using the floppy drive.
You can download a dos boot disk from http://www.bootdisk.com
I like using the "Windows ME non-OEM" boot disk.
Once you have booted to the dos boot disk, A:\> try accessing the cdrom in dos.
If you can access the Windows CD, the drive is working and you probably have a Windows problem.
If you cannot access the cd in dos, then the drive is probably bad.
10.Test the drive using the Dell Diagnostics.
You can find information on how to run the Dell Diagnostics on the following site:
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=1060550#toc
11.Test another drive if possible.
-Try another drive in your system, does it work?
If so, your old drive is probably bad.
If not, the cdrom connectors on the motherboard are probably bad.
-Try your drive on another system, does it work?
If so, the cdrom connectors on the motherboard for your system are probably bad.
If not, then the drive is probably bad.
12. Check the Windows XP/2000 Registry.
Click Start and then click Run.
The Run window appears.
In the Open: field, type Regedit and then click OK.
The Registry Editor window appears.
Click the plus (+) sign next to the following folders:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Software
Microsoft
Windows
CurrentVersion
Policies
Click to select the Explorer folder.
In the right-pane, check to see if an entry labeled NoDrives is present.
If this entry is listed, right-click the entry and then left-click Delete.
The Confirm Value Delete window appears.
Click Yes to confirm removal.
Close the Registry Editor window.
Restart the computer.
13.If all else fails, contact tech support to get a replacement drive.
If you are out of warranty, you can purchase another drive from Dell Spare Parts.
Dell Spare Parts Phone# 800-372-3355 Ext:6-9937
Additional Information:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem:
My cdrom icon is missing from "My Computer" and there is an exclamation mark next to it in device manager?
Answer:
Go to "Start" then select "Run"
b) Type "regedit" and click "OK"
3) optional step
Backup you registry by:
a) Highlight "My Computer" by clicking on it once.
b) At the top of the page you should see "File"(Win XP) or "Registry" (Win 2000), click on this and then select "Export Registry File"
c) The following screen will allow you to select where you would like to save this backup and what file name you would like to save it as.
d) Please note at the bottom of the screen where it says export range "All"; this should be selected to ensure your entire registry is backed up completely.
e) Give the File a name and Click on the "SAVE" button (this will bring you back to the registry editor)
4) Remove the Upperfilters and Lowerfilters values by:
a) Expand the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" key (looks like a folder) by double clicking it.
b) Expand the "SYSTEM" Key
c) Expand the "CurrentControlSet" Key
d) Expand the "Control" Key
e) Expand the "Class" Key
f) Please look for a key containing the following string of letter and numbers:
{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
g) High light this key by left clicking once on it
h) On the right hand side you are looking for "Upperfilters" and "Lowerfilters", once you find these please delete them by high lighting (left clicking on them once) and then right clicking on them and choosing "delete"
5) Restart your computer.
6) Your CD-ROM should be back.
Information provided by Bacillus Dell Forum Member.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.If all else fails, contact tech support to get a replacement drive. If you are out of warranty, you can purchase another drive from Dell Spare Parts. Dell Spare Parts Phone# 800-372-3355 Ext:6-9937
Karell,
If I was to purchase a DVD recorder instead of these drives do you have any recommendations of one that works well w/ the 8500s?
I just got my brand new Inspiron 5150 yesterday. The CDRW/DVD combo drive makes clicking and clacking noise and won't read the data from some CDs (especially Dell Drivers and Utilities CD). I tried to update to the latest Bios and Drivers but it didn't solve the problem. However, after I uninstalled Sonic DLA, the drive seemed to work fine. I called the technical support about this. They said that it is a 3rd party software program problem and I should get rid of it. If the progam is bad, why did they put it on my computer?
Does anyone has the same problem like this? If the problem is due to the software only, that is okay. However, if it is from something else that may cause a lot of troubles, I might return the system.
I had my new 600m for less than a month and the same thing happened to me .. they sent a new one and it works fine .. now we'll see how long that lasts
Turned off DLA on one of the laptops and reimaged the other and did not install the SONIC software ...now even the Quicken CD works ...looks like we found a work around.
3) In the "My Computer" window, right click on the CD device then choose "Properties"
4) On the "CD Drive Properties" screen, click on the DLA tab, then remove the checkmark from "Enable DLA on your drives"
5) Click the OK button, then restart computer
OR
I assume uninstalling the SONIC CD software from the Add/Remove Programs screen would work also
Kind of weird that a software switch would cause the drive to sound like it has a mechanical failure. I hope Dell understands how bad of a sound this causes.
Thanks, I'll see if Sonic is installed when I get home. What really burns me (no pun intended) about this, is that this is such an obvious error in the system which can easily be recognized by just testing the bloody CD drive.
I can't express my anger at DELL for the run-around I was given on the phone about this problem - it is infuriating to be asked whether the disk you inserted is right-side up or to be told that my warranty doesn't cover home service. DELL, this has nothing to do with warranties! I was shipped a defective product and it should just be replaced, why make your customer run around the endless loop of automated phone mail to just get what he/she paid for. This is like a car dealer selling you a car with no wheels and then telling that they will pay for new ones but then telling you how you can find a PEP BOYS that will sell you the wheels and install them.
Now I have a new HD coming (with software fixes) - what do people here think? Should try the solution posted or install the new HD?
bludbunny
2 Posts
0
November 18th, 2003 04:00
Hi
Sorry, but I can't offer an answer for this - all I can say is that I am having the same problem with a brand new (had it running for about 1.5 hours!) Inspiron 1100. with a DVD/CD combo drive.
Put in a CD - (have tried about 6 cd's) and it clicks / ticks/ clack / whatever, and you can't access the CD. Real handy for installing software - I have a member of our staff waiting for this.
I have contacted support, and have been told:
"Dell quality team is association with research and developement
is going to introduce a firmware to fix this issue. We request
you to co-operate with us.
This new firmware is still in development stage. It will be released
in the next 2 to 3 weeks. You can find this firmware on the dell
support site once it is released for download."
Great. A brand new laptop that does not fully work.
mitch0082
3 Posts
0
November 18th, 2003 10:00
ChachiAZ
4 Posts
0
November 18th, 2003 13:00
The wife and I just purchased 2 new 8500s. This clicking is happening on both machines...sometimes removing the CD and replacing it ...fixes it but not always. The sound is just like the sound a regular CD drive makes if the CD is not inserted correctly.
The problem here, is that the drive makes the sound even if the CD is properly seeded on drive spindle.
For everybody in this forum: Did it seem to start occuring after a specific CD was inserted or from the first CD used?
In my case: Everything worked great until I tried to use a Quicken Premier 2004 cd. The CD worked fine in my desktop computer. I put the CD in my wife's 8500 and her drive has started the clicking thing.
FYI: When the clicking does not occur the drive plays and records on all CD based medias succesfully.
I understand computers pretty well and work int he computer service and support industry, but I have no answer for my wife,when she asks why we just spent $4500 for laptops that do not work.
Any help Dell, would be much appreciated.
david
MrTuffPaws
6 Posts
0
November 18th, 2003 14:00
I got feed up and called Dell support last night. They told me that it was not a "known issue" but they are sending me a replacement drive. The new drive should be here Wednesday. Hopefully, it will fix the issue. Either way, I will update this thread when I find out.
Karell
2 Intern
•
2.5K Posts
0
November 18th, 2003 16:00
Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
Here are some general troubleshooting steps that may help you isolate the problem.
If you cannot fix the problem, then contact support to get the drive replaced.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CDROM Troubleshooting steps:
1.Remove and reseat the drive.
A loose connection can cause the drive not to work properly.
If possible, remove the drive from the system and reseat it making sure it is firmly and well seated.
2.Remove the drive from device manager.
Removing the drive controllers from device manager and rebooting to let Windows reload them sometimes helps.
Win95,98,ME:
Right click on My Computer, click on properties.
Click the Device Manager tab.
Click the + next to CDROM
Click the appropriate device entry that appears under CDROM then click the REMOVE button.
Perform this step for any other devices listed under the CDROM category.
Reboot the computer.
Win2000, WinXP:
Right click on My Computer, click on properties.
Click on the Hardware Tab.
Click the Device Manager button.
Click the + next to DVD/CDROM devices.
Right click the appropriate device entry that appears under DVD/CDROM then click Uninstall.
Perform this step for any other devices listed under the CDROM category.
Reboot the computer.
3.For Windows95,98,ME Check for the NOIDE Error.
Click on Start, Run and type in: Regedit.
Then click OK.
You will get a Registry Editor window.
Click on Edit, Find.
Type in: NOIDE
Click Find Next.
If the search finds any icons with NOIDE, delete those icons.
Then close all windows, and reboot the system.
4.Install an Antivirus program and run a full virus scan.
A virus will cause the cdrom drives not to work properly to keep you from cleaning out the virus.
If you already have an antivirus program installed, run a full system scan.
If you don't have an antivirus program installed, try to install one and run a full system scan.
If you are unable to install an antivirus program because of a possible virus, get a dos version of the program to run.
5.Reset the bios defaults if applicable on the system.
Resetting the bios defaults resets any bios settings that may have gotten corrupt.
This should allow the cdrom drive to redetect if the problem is caused by the bios.
You can find information on how to do so on the following sites:
--How do I restore the Setup Defaults on my Dell™ Inspiron™ portable computer?
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=1035265
--How do I restore the Setup Defaults on my Dell™ Inspiron™ portable computer?
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=FA1035265
--How do I restore setup defaults on my Dell™ Latitude™ system?
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=FA1035267
6.Update your bios file to the latest version.
Go to the main Dell Support site:
https://support.dell.com/register.aspx
Input your service tag number and click "Sign in to Standard Support".
Click the Downloads button.
Under the "Select Your Download Category" section, choose "Flash Bios Updates".
Then click GO.
Click the Dell XXXX XXXX System Bios link that comes up.
Click the Dell XXXX XXXX System Bios link that comes up again.
Click on the file name XXXXXX.EXE for FLOPPY version.
Click Download Now Using HTTP.
Save the file to your desktop.
Put a blank formatted floppy in the floppy drive.
Double click the file to create the bios update boot floppy.
Once that is done, leave the floppy in the drive and reboot the system.
The bios will be updated when the system boots to the floppy.
7.Try upgrading the drives firmware revision if one is available.
Find the model type of the drive.
Then go to the Dell downloads page and put in the model type of the drive to see if there are any firmware updates for it.
Go to the main Dell Support site:
https://support.dell.com/register.aspx
Input your service tag number and click "Sign in to Standard Support".
Click the Downloads button.
Put the drive model in the search box and click GO.
If there is a firmware updated listed, download it, create the update disk, and update the drives firmware.
------------
Question:
How do I find out what model of Hard Drive, CDROM, CDRW, DVDROM drive I have?
Answer:
Win2000 WinXP:
Right click on My Computer, click on properties.
Click the Hardware tab.
Click the Device Manager button.
Click the + next to DVD/CD-ROM drives.
You should see your drive listed, an example would be: Lite-On LTN483S 48X MAX.
The drive model number would be "LTN483S"
--Another way to tell is to check the system registry.
You can use the steps below that are listed for checking the drives firmware revision.
An example of a drive listing in the registry would be:
IDE\CdRomLite-On_LTN483S_48x_Max_________________PD03____\5&261012d&0&0.1.0
The drive model number would be ""LTN483S""
-------------------------------------------------------
8.Uninstall any 3rd party programs.
If you installed any 3rd party programs before the problem started, (Roxio Easy CD Creator, Nero Burning Rom, Intel Application Accelerator), then uninstall the program and reboot the system.
9.Test the drive in dos.
If your floppy drive is external, attach it to the system.
Have your cdrom drive in the media bay in the system.
Put in your Windows CD in the cdrom drive.
Boot to a Win98 or WinME dos boot disk using the floppy drive.
You can download a dos boot disk from http://www.bootdisk.com
I like using the "Windows ME non-OEM" boot disk.
Once you have booted to the dos boot disk, A:\> try accessing the cdrom in dos.
If you can access the Windows CD, the drive is working and you probably have a Windows problem.
If you cannot access the cd in dos, then the drive is probably bad.
10.Test the drive using the Dell Diagnostics.
You can find information on how to run the Dell Diagnostics on the following site:
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=1060550#toc
11.Test another drive if possible.
-Try another drive in your system, does it work?
If so, your old drive is probably bad.
If not, the cdrom connectors on the motherboard are probably bad.
-Try your drive on another system, does it work?
If so, the cdrom connectors on the motherboard for your system are probably bad.
If not, then the drive is probably bad.
12. Check the Windows XP/2000 Registry.
Click Start and then click Run.
The Run window appears.
In the Open: field, type Regedit and then click OK.
The Registry Editor window appears.
Click the plus (+) sign next to the following folders:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Software
Microsoft
Windows
CurrentVersion
Policies
Click to select the Explorer folder.
In the right-pane, check to see if an entry labeled NoDrives is present.
If this entry is listed, right-click the entry and then left-click Delete.
The Confirm Value Delete window appears.
Click Yes to confirm removal.
Close the Registry Editor window.
Restart the computer.
13.If all else fails, contact tech support to get a replacement drive.
If you are out of warranty, you can purchase another drive from Dell Spare Parts.
Dell Spare Parts Phone# 800-372-3355 Ext:6-9937
Additional Information:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem:
My cdrom icon is missing from "My Computer" and there is an exclamation mark next to it in device manager?
Answer:
Go to "Start" then select "Run"
b) Type "regedit" and click "OK"
3) optional step
Backup you registry by:
a) Highlight "My Computer" by clicking on it once.
b) At the top of the page you should see "File"(Win XP) or "Registry" (Win 2000), click on this and then select "Export Registry File"
c) The following screen will allow you to select where you would like to save this backup and what file name you would like to save it as.
d) Please note at the bottom of the screen where it says export range "All"; this should be selected to ensure your entire registry is backed up completely.
e) Give the File a name and Click on the "SAVE" button (this will bring you back to the registry editor)
4) Remove the Upperfilters and Lowerfilters values by:
a) Expand the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" key (looks like a folder) by double clicking it.
b) Expand the "SYSTEM" Key
c) Expand the "CurrentControlSet" Key
d) Expand the "Control" Key
e) Expand the "Class" Key
f) Please look for a key containing the following string of letter and numbers:
{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
g) High light this key by left clicking once on it
h) On the right hand side you are looking for "Upperfilters" and "Lowerfilters", once you find these please delete them by high lighting (left clicking on them once) and then right clicking on them and choosing "delete"
5) Restart your computer.
6) Your CD-ROM should be back.
Information provided by Bacillus Dell Forum Member.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ChachiAZ
4 Posts
0
November 18th, 2003 17:00
Well I guess I will have to do this.
13.If all else fails, contact tech support to get a replacement drive.
If you are out of warranty, you can purchase another drive from Dell Spare Parts.
Dell Spare Parts Phone# 800-372-3355 Ext:6-9937
Karell,
If I was to purchase a DVD recorder instead of these drives do you have any recommendations of one that works well w/ the 8500s?
david
KoKoh
2 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 00:00
Hi,
I just got my brand new Inspiron 5150 yesterday. The CDRW/DVD combo drive makes clicking and clacking noise and won't read the data from some CDs (especially Dell Drivers and Utilities CD). I tried to update to the latest Bios and Drivers but it didn't solve the problem. However, after I uninstalled Sonic DLA, the drive seemed to work fine. I called the technical support about this. They said that it is a 3rd party software program problem and I should get rid of it. If the progam is bad, why did they put it on my computer?
Does anyone has the same problem like this? If the problem is due to the software only, that is okay. However, if it is from something else that may cause a lot of troubles, I might return the system.
Inspiron 5150 UXGA Bios A26
P4 3.06 GHz w/HT, 512 DDRam
60GB 7200rpm HD
64MB nVidia Geforce FX Go5200
24X CD-RW/DVD Combo
bludbunny
2 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 00:00
Awsome work mate - it fixed my problem too!
Why didn't customer support just tell me this????
All working.... once again - like your work!
Brett
thepadrlno
3 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 01:00
MrTuffPaws
6 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 03:00
Kokoh:
Good catch, I just disabled DLA and it now reads disks without the problem. Has anyone check the buring to be sure the DLA disable does not affect it?
DELL PEOPLE: Can you please update your database with this solution, then pester your super to get them to fix the problem?
Thanks
ChachiAZ
4 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 10:00
Turned off DLA on one of the laptops and reimaged the other and did not install the SONIC software ...now even the Quicken CD works ...looks like we found a work around.
Message Edited by ChachiAZ on 11-19-2003 06:02 AM
Karell
2 Intern
•
2.5K Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 12:00
Thank you for the information about Sonic DLA.
I have passed it on to Dell engineering.
speedy5200
44 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 13:00
i just recieved my new 5150 yesterday, and the cd/dvd drive is doing the same thing, how do you disable, or turn off the sonic DLA???
Please help.
thanks,
ChachiAZ
4 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 13:00
1) Click the "Start" button
2) Double Click on the 'My Computer" icon
3) In the "My Computer" window, right click on the CD device then choose "Properties"
4) On the "CD Drive Properties" screen, click on the DLA tab, then remove the checkmark from "Enable DLA on your drives"
5) Click the OK button, then restart computer
OR
I assume uninstalling the SONIC CD software from the Add/Remove Programs screen would work also
Kind of weird that a software switch would cause the drive to sound like it has a mechanical failure. I hope Dell understands how bad of a sound this causes.
GSesmart
2 Posts
0
November 19th, 2003 18:00
Thanks, I'll see if Sonic is installed when I get home. What really burns me (no pun intended) about this, is that this is such an obvious error in the system which can easily be recognized by just testing the bloody CD drive.
I can't express my anger at DELL for the run-around I was given on the phone about this problem - it is infuriating to be asked whether the disk you inserted is right-side up or to be told that my warranty doesn't cover home service. DELL, this has nothing to do with warranties! I was shipped a defective product and it should just be replaced, why make your customer run around the endless loop of automated phone mail to just get what he/she paid for. This is like a car dealer selling you a car with no wheels and then telling that they will pay for new ones but then telling you how you can find a PEP BOYS that will sell you the wheels and install them.
Now I have a new HD coming (with software fixes) - what do people here think? Should try the solution posted or install the new HD?