Clean Install = Warranty/Return Problems?
in [Dell]
|
Prev: Requiem for a dead Dell
Next: Studio XPS 9000
From: Daddy on 2 Mar 2010 23:57 Cmplx80 wrote: > Ben Myers wrote: >> On 3/2/2010 10:49 AM, Cmplx80 wrote: >>> Tony Harding wrote: >>>> On 02/28/10 04:57, olfart wrote: >>>>> "Ben Myers"<ben_myers(a)charter.net> wrote in message >>>>> news:hmcu5m$ca2$1(a)news.eternal-september.org... >>>>>> On 2/27/2010 10:42 PM, Daddy wrote: >>>>>>> My Studio XPS 8100 is on order. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I've put together what I think is an essentially complete list of >>>>>>> all >>>>>>> the software that's shipping with this PC...and I want none of it. >>>>>>> (See >>>>>>> the list below.) Nor do I want Dell's factory restore partition >>>>>>> (known >>>>>>> as PC-Restore) or its diagnostic partition. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bottom line: I'd like to erase the hard disk and reinstall Windows 7 >>>>>>> only. (I'm eating crow here, since in the past I used to make fun of >>>>>>> people who did this. Such is life.) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Here's where I need your advice: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 1- Should I wait until after the 21-day return period to do this? >>>>>>> In the >>>>>>> unlikely event that I have to return this computer due to a genuine >>>>>>> hardware problem, I don't want Dell to give me a hard time (and >>>>>>> possibly >>>>>>> a re-stocking charge) because I wiped and reinstalled. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 2- After the 21 days, if I should have a problem covered by the >>>>>>> warranty, am I going to have to restore the computer to the factory >>>>>>> image before Dell will even speak to me; or will I get some other >>>>>>> kind >>>>>>> of grief from Dell for wiping and reinstalling? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks for your advice. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Daddy >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Here's what I think is a complete list of what's coming on my PC: >>>>>>> Adobe Reader 9 >>>>>>> CyberLink Power DVD (stripped-down OEM version) >>>>>>> DellConnect (re-branded GoToAssist) >>>>>>> Dell DataSafe (online backup) >>>>>>> Dell Dock by Stardock (a floating toolbar) >>>>>>> Dell Owners's Manual >>>>>>> Dell Security Center by McAfee >>>>>>> Dell Support Center >>>>>>> Dell Welcome (a nag screen asking you to register your computer) >>>>>>> Microsoft Works >>>>>>> Roxio Easy CD and DVD (stripped down OEM version) >>>>>>> Windows Live Search >>>>>> >>>>>> Of the items in the list, the only ones I would want is Adobe >>>>>> Reader 9. >>>>>> Personally, I have no need for anything else on the list. CDBurnerXP >>>>>> and >>>>>> Media Player Classic Home Cinema are superior to the corresponding >>>>>> cheesy >>>>>> OEM software, and they are free... Ben Myers >>>>> >>>>> Might want to use Foxit Reader instead of the bloated Adobe reader >>>> >>>> Why, what's the advantage? Not going to maintain that Acrobat isn't >>>> bloated, but what improvement would someone like the OP or me see from >>>> making the switch? Besides, you can't beat thee price. :) >>>> >>>> >>> One advantage of Foxit is that it has a document search function that is >>> actually usable. Somewhere around ver 8.0 or so, Adobe managed to >>> completely screw up the doc search function by opening the search in a >>> floating window that stupidly collapses to the task bar when losing >>> focus. This is second on the list of All Things Adobe and Idiotic only >>> to their inability to provide smooth, unobtrusive updates like the rest >>> of the zillion or so software companies. However, Adobe Reader generally >>> has a more readable display. To Adobe's favor, Foxit still has that >>> "washed out font" look, as well as having problems with some fonts by >>> rendering excessive gaps between characters. >>> >>> Frank >>> >>> >>> >> Hmm. I've been using Acrobat Reader 9.0 up thru 9.3, and I have never >> seen "the search in a floating window". Instead, search is right up >> there at the top and it stays there. >> >> I agree that Adobe's DLM Download Manager is a useless piece of >> manure. I wonder if it does any spying around your system while doing >> its magic? ... Ben Myers > > The search problem was a popular hate topic for some time on the Adobe > forums. You're probably talking about the local document search, which > is the simple textbox at the top of the window. The multi-document > search (the "binoculars" icon) is the goofy one. > > Adobe lives to update. The "AdobeARM.exe" updater is forever vigilant > in its never-ending struggle to protect itself from whatever. > > > Frank So...[he says while trying to regain some semblance of control over his own thread]...has anyone tried to remove Dell's factory restore partition with the DSRIRRemv2.exe command? Daddy
From: Christopher Muto on 3 Mar 2010 15:14 Tony Harding wrote: > On 02/28/10 12:11, Daddy wrote: >> Christopher Muto wrote: >>> Christopher Muto wrote: >>>> Daddy wrote: >>>>> My Studio XPS 8100 is on order. >>>>> >>>>> I've put together what I think is an essentially complete list of >>>>> all the software that's shipping with this PC...and I want none of >>>>> it. (See the list below.) Nor do I want Dell's factory restore >>>>> partition (known as PC-Restore) or its diagnostic partition. >>>>> >>>>> Bottom line: I'd like to erase the hard disk and reinstall Windows 7 >>>>> only. (I'm eating crow here, since in the past I used to make fun of >>>>> people who did this. Such is life.) >>>>> >>>>> Here's where I need your advice: >>>>> >>>>> 1- Should I wait until after the 21-day return period to do this? In >>>>> the unlikely event that I have to return this computer due to a >>>>> genuine hardware problem, I don't want Dell to give me a hard time >>>>> (and possibly a re-stocking charge) because I wiped and reinstalled. >>>>> >>>>> 2- After the 21 days, if I should have a problem covered by the >>>>> warranty, am I going to have to restore the computer to the factory >>>>> image before Dell will even speak to me; or will I get some other >>>>> kind of grief from Dell for wiping and reinstalling? >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for your advice. >>>>> >>>>> Daddy >>>>> >>>>> Here's what I think is a complete list of what's coming on my PC: >>>>> Adobe Reader 9 >>>>> CyberLink Power DVD (stripped-down OEM version) >>>>> DellConnect (re-branded GoToAssist) >>>>> Dell DataSafe (online backup) >>>>> Dell Dock by Stardock (a floating toolbar) >>>>> Dell Owners's Manual >>>>> Dell Security Center by McAfee >>>>> Dell Support Center >>>>> Dell Welcome (a nag screen asking you to register your computer) >>>>> Microsoft Works >>>>> Roxio Easy CD and DVD (stripped down OEM version) >>>>> Windows Live Search >>>> >>>> i would not reload it. just uninstall the dellconnect, datasafe, >>>> stardock, mcafee, and windows live. reinstalling is really time >>>> consuming and the above things are really quick and easy to remove. >>>> but you asked about the downside to reinstalling; other than time i >>>> don't think there is any. dell only provides software support for >>>> their oem branded sofware for 30 days, and that support is pretty >>>> spotty anyway. the only thing that the regular warranty covers is >>>> hardware and that can be tested from outside of windows (though it >>>> can sometimes can be done within windows). it's you computer so do >>>> what you want with it. if you want to use some other operating system >>>> then you can call dell and return the copy of windows that came with >>>> the system. it is pretty much kept a secret that you can return the >>>> os, and it takes work and escalation to a second tier customer >>>> service person, and it only get you about $40-50 back so it is >>>> probably not worth the time and effort. but i have done it out of >>>> principal on occasion when encountering problems (vista). >>> >>> ps. if you were to return the machine (and i have on occasion) i would >>> wipe the drive completely with something like boot and nuke. would not >>> want to accidentally send them any personal information that was left >>> on the drive and they re-image the drive when they receive it anyway >>> so do not care what is on it. >> >> Thanks to everyone, especially to Christopher. >> >> As I understand it, Dell's warranty covers hardware, not software. The >> only software that Dell warrants is software that Dell writes (or has >> written for it) like OEM drivers or the Dell Dock. >> >> I don't think I need Windows Live Search to test whether Dell's hardware >> works properly. I don't need CyberLink or Roxio to see if the DVD drive >> works properly. (I use ImgBurn, Ben, but CDBurnerXP is also a good >> choice.) >> >> The tools in the diagnostic partition, if I understand correctly, are >> also included on the Resource DVD. >> >> The recovery partition (PC Restore) is a godsend for many computer >> users, but most of us who post here are not included in that group. If >> someone is well-versed in making and restoring images, or installing and >> uninstalling software, the recovery partition is wasted space. >> >> Plus: If I understand correctly, once I partition my hard disk - I like >> to keep my software on one partition and my data on a second partition - >> Dell's PC Restore won't work any more. (Something about the boot code.) >> >> Personally, I wouldn't have anything to do with Dell's technical support >> /unless/ I had a problem covered under warranty, like bad memory or a >> defective hard drive. Otherwise - and I'm not trying to act haughty - I >> can figure my way out of most any problem. (Sometimes with help from you >> guys.) >> >> With Dell's OEM Windows DVD and Resource DVD I can reinstall a clean >> copy of Windows along with any OEM drivers. And here's my real point: It >> seems to me I can wipe and re-install in less time that what it would >> take to uninstall all that software. Uninstalling McAfee alone is an >> involved process. >> >> Yet, it appears that many of you feel it's better to keep the recovery >> and diagnostic partitions, and to uninstall what I don't want. I don't >> see why, myself, but I'm opening to being convinced. My only fear is >> that Dell won't honor its warranty, or charge a restocking fee, if I >> wipe and re-install. > > That's where saving Dell's HDD and installing your system on *your* HDD > save your bacon. Swap your HDD for Dell's (and any other hardware you > might have added) and return it - system is Dell pristine. dell does not care what is on the system hard disk should you return a system to them. They only care that the hardware and the cds are present.
From: Charles on 3 Mar 2010 19:19 Christopher Muto wrote: > Tony Harding wrote: >> On 02/28/10 12:11, Daddy wrote: >>> Christopher Muto wrote: >>>> Christopher Muto wrote: >>>>> Daddy wrote: >>>>>> My Studio XPS 8100 is on order. >>>>>> >>>>>> I've put together what I think is an essentially complete list of >>>>>> all the software that's shipping with this PC...and I want none of >>>>>> it. (See the list below.) Nor do I want Dell's factory restore >>>>>> partition (known as PC-Restore) or its diagnostic partition. >>>>>> >>>>>> Bottom line: I'd like to erase the hard disk and reinstall Windows 7 >>>>>> only. (I'm eating crow here, since in the past I used to make fun of >>>>>> people who did this. Such is life.) >>>>>> >>>>>> Here's where I need your advice: >>>>>> >>>>>> 1- Should I wait until after the 21-day return period to do this? In >>>>>> the unlikely event that I have to return this computer due to a >>>>>> genuine hardware problem, I don't want Dell to give me a hard time >>>>>> (and possibly a re-stocking charge) because I wiped and reinstalled. >>>>>> >>>>>> 2- After the 21 days, if I should have a problem covered by the >>>>>> warranty, am I going to have to restore the computer to the factory >>>>>> image before Dell will even speak to me; or will I get some other >>>>>> kind of grief from Dell for wiping and reinstalling? >>>>>> >>>>>> Thanks for your advice. >>>>>> >>>>>> Daddy >>>>>> >>>>>> Here's what I think is a complete list of what's coming on my PC: >>>>>> Adobe Reader 9 >>>>>> CyberLink Power DVD (stripped-down OEM version) >>>>>> DellConnect (re-branded GoToAssist) >>>>>> Dell DataSafe (online backup) >>>>>> Dell Dock by Stardock (a floating toolbar) >>>>>> Dell Owners's Manual >>>>>> Dell Security Center by McAfee >>>>>> Dell Support Center >>>>>> Dell Welcome (a nag screen asking you to register your computer) >>>>>> Microsoft Works >>>>>> Roxio Easy CD and DVD (stripped down OEM version) >>>>>> Windows Live Search >>>>> >>>>> i would not reload it. just uninstall the dellconnect, datasafe, >>>>> stardock, mcafee, and windows live. reinstalling is really time >>>>> consuming and the above things are really quick and easy to remove. >>>>> but you asked about the downside to reinstalling; other than time i >>>>> don't think there is any. dell only provides software support for >>>>> their oem branded sofware for 30 days, and that support is pretty >>>>> spotty anyway. the only thing that the regular warranty covers is >>>>> hardware and that can be tested from outside of windows (though it >>>>> can sometimes can be done within windows). it's you computer so do >>>>> what you want with it. if you want to use some other operating system >>>>> then you can call dell and return the copy of windows that came with >>>>> the system. it is pretty much kept a secret that you can return the >>>>> os, and it takes work and escalation to a second tier customer >>>>> service person, and it only get you about $40-50 back so it is >>>>> probably not worth the time and effort. but i have done it out of >>>>> principal on occasion when encountering problems (vista). >>>> >>>> ps. if you were to return the machine (and i have on occasion) i would >>>> wipe the drive completely with something like boot and nuke. would not >>>> want to accidentally send them any personal information that was left >>>> on the drive and they re-image the drive when they receive it anyway >>>> so do not care what is on it. >>> >>> Thanks to everyone, especially to Christopher. >>> >>> As I understand it, Dell's warranty covers hardware, not software. The >>> only software that Dell warrants is software that Dell writes (or has >>> written for it) like OEM drivers or the Dell Dock. >>> >>> I don't think I need Windows Live Search to test whether Dell's hardware >>> works properly. I don't need CyberLink or Roxio to see if the DVD drive >>> works properly. (I use ImgBurn, Ben, but CDBurnerXP is also a good >>> choice.) >>> >>> The tools in the diagnostic partition, if I understand correctly, are >>> also included on the Resource DVD. >>> >>> The recovery partition (PC Restore) is a godsend for many computer >>> users, but most of us who post here are not included in that group. If >>> someone is well-versed in making and restoring images, or installing and >>> uninstalling software, the recovery partition is wasted space. >>> >>> Plus: If I understand correctly, once I partition my hard disk - I like >>> to keep my software on one partition and my data on a second partition - >>> Dell's PC Restore won't work any more. (Something about the boot code.) >>> >>> Personally, I wouldn't have anything to do with Dell's technical support >>> /unless/ I had a problem covered under warranty, like bad memory or a >>> defective hard drive. Otherwise - and I'm not trying to act haughty - I >>> can figure my way out of most any problem. (Sometimes with help from you >>> guys.) >>> >>> With Dell's OEM Windows DVD and Resource DVD I can reinstall a clean >>> copy of Windows along with any OEM drivers. And here's my real point: It >>> seems to me I can wipe and re-install in less time that what it would >>> take to uninstall all that software. Uninstalling McAfee alone is an >>> involved process. >>> >>> Yet, it appears that many of you feel it's better to keep the recovery >>> and diagnostic partitions, and to uninstall what I don't want. I don't >>> see why, myself, but I'm opening to being convinced. My only fear is >>> that Dell won't honor its warranty, or charge a restocking fee, if I >>> wipe and re-install. >> >> That's where saving Dell's HDD and installing your system on *your* >> HDD save your bacon. Swap your HDD for Dell's (and any other hardware >> you might have added) and return it - system is Dell pristine. > > dell does not care what is on the system hard disk should you return a > system to them. They only care that the hardware and the cds are present. Yes but you might and taking 5 minutes of your time to swap drives is a lot easier than hunting for all your data that you don't want to go back to Dell. Charles
From: Ben Myers on 3 Mar 2010 19:53 On 3/3/2010 7:19 PM, Charles wrote: > Christopher Muto wrote: >> Tony Harding wrote: >>> On 02/28/10 12:11, Daddy wrote: >>>> Christopher Muto wrote: >>>>> Christopher Muto wrote: >>>>>> Daddy wrote: >>>>>>> My Studio XPS 8100 is on order. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I've put together what I think is an essentially complete list of >>>>>>> all the software that's shipping with this PC...and I want none of >>>>>>> it. (See the list below.) Nor do I want Dell's factory restore >>>>>>> partition (known as PC-Restore) or its diagnostic partition. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bottom line: I'd like to erase the hard disk and reinstall Windows 7 >>>>>>> only. (I'm eating crow here, since in the past I used to make fun of >>>>>>> people who did this. Such is life.) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Here's where I need your advice: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 1- Should I wait until after the 21-day return period to do this? In >>>>>>> the unlikely event that I have to return this computer due to a >>>>>>> genuine hardware problem, I don't want Dell to give me a hard time >>>>>>> (and possibly a re-stocking charge) because I wiped and reinstalled. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 2- After the 21 days, if I should have a problem covered by the >>>>>>> warranty, am I going to have to restore the computer to the factory >>>>>>> image before Dell will even speak to me; or will I get some other >>>>>>> kind of grief from Dell for wiping and reinstalling? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks for your advice. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Daddy >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Here's what I think is a complete list of what's coming on my PC: >>>>>>> Adobe Reader 9 >>>>>>> CyberLink Power DVD (stripped-down OEM version) >>>>>>> DellConnect (re-branded GoToAssist) >>>>>>> Dell DataSafe (online backup) >>>>>>> Dell Dock by Stardock (a floating toolbar) >>>>>>> Dell Owners's Manual >>>>>>> Dell Security Center by McAfee >>>>>>> Dell Support Center >>>>>>> Dell Welcome (a nag screen asking you to register your computer) >>>>>>> Microsoft Works >>>>>>> Roxio Easy CD and DVD (stripped down OEM version) >>>>>>> Windows Live Search >>>>>> >>>>>> i would not reload it. just uninstall the dellconnect, datasafe, >>>>>> stardock, mcafee, and windows live. reinstalling is really time >>>>>> consuming and the above things are really quick and easy to remove. >>>>>> but you asked about the downside to reinstalling; other than time i >>>>>> don't think there is any. dell only provides software support for >>>>>> their oem branded sofware for 30 days, and that support is pretty >>>>>> spotty anyway. the only thing that the regular warranty covers is >>>>>> hardware and that can be tested from outside of windows (though it >>>>>> can sometimes can be done within windows). it's you computer so do >>>>>> what you want with it. if you want to use some other operating system >>>>>> then you can call dell and return the copy of windows that came with >>>>>> the system. it is pretty much kept a secret that you can return the >>>>>> os, and it takes work and escalation to a second tier customer >>>>>> service person, and it only get you about $40-50 back so it is >>>>>> probably not worth the time and effort. but i have done it out of >>>>>> principal on occasion when encountering problems (vista). >>>>> >>>>> ps. if you were to return the machine (and i have on occasion) i would >>>>> wipe the drive completely with something like boot and nuke. would not >>>>> want to accidentally send them any personal information that was left >>>>> on the drive and they re-image the drive when they receive it anyway >>>>> so do not care what is on it. >>>> >>>> Thanks to everyone, especially to Christopher. >>>> >>>> As I understand it, Dell's warranty covers hardware, not software. The >>>> only software that Dell warrants is software that Dell writes (or has >>>> written for it) like OEM drivers or the Dell Dock. >>>> >>>> I don't think I need Windows Live Search to test whether Dell's >>>> hardware >>>> works properly. I don't need CyberLink or Roxio to see if the DVD drive >>>> works properly. (I use ImgBurn, Ben, but CDBurnerXP is also a good >>>> choice.) >>>> >>>> The tools in the diagnostic partition, if I understand correctly, are >>>> also included on the Resource DVD. >>>> >>>> The recovery partition (PC Restore) is a godsend for many computer >>>> users, but most of us who post here are not included in that group. If >>>> someone is well-versed in making and restoring images, or installing >>>> and >>>> uninstalling software, the recovery partition is wasted space. >>>> >>>> Plus: If I understand correctly, once I partition my hard disk - I like >>>> to keep my software on one partition and my data on a second >>>> partition - >>>> Dell's PC Restore won't work any more. (Something about the boot code.) >>>> >>>> Personally, I wouldn't have anything to do with Dell's technical >>>> support >>>> /unless/ I had a problem covered under warranty, like bad memory or a >>>> defective hard drive. Otherwise - and I'm not trying to act haughty - I >>>> can figure my way out of most any problem. (Sometimes with help from >>>> you >>>> guys.) >>>> >>>> With Dell's OEM Windows DVD and Resource DVD I can reinstall a clean >>>> copy of Windows along with any OEM drivers. And here's my real >>>> point: It >>>> seems to me I can wipe and re-install in less time that what it would >>>> take to uninstall all that software. Uninstalling McAfee alone is an >>>> involved process. >>>> >>>> Yet, it appears that many of you feel it's better to keep the recovery >>>> and diagnostic partitions, and to uninstall what I don't want. I don't >>>> see why, myself, but I'm opening to being convinced. My only fear is >>>> that Dell won't honor its warranty, or charge a restocking fee, if I >>>> wipe and re-install. >>> >>> That's where saving Dell's HDD and installing your system on *your* >>> HDD save your bacon. Swap your HDD for Dell's (and any other hardware >>> you might have added) and return it - system is Dell pristine. >> >> dell does not care what is on the system hard disk should you return a >> system to them. They only care that the hardware and the cds are present. > > Yes but you might and taking 5 minutes of your time to swap drives is a > lot easier than hunting for all your data that you don't want to go back > to Dell. > Charles Not sure how it is these days with desktop computers, but when the box arrived from Dell for me to return the most recent laptop for warranty service, it contained the explicit instructions to remove the hard drive from the system before returning it. Unless the hard drive of a desktop computer was the component that was failing, I would remove it when returning a desktop to Dell for warranty work... Ben Myers
From: Daddy on 3 Mar 2010 20:32
Charles wrote: > Christopher Muto wrote: >> Tony Harding wrote: >>> On 02/28/10 12:11, Daddy wrote: >>>> Christopher Muto wrote: >>>>> Christopher Muto wrote: >>>>>> Daddy wrote: >>>>>>> My Studio XPS 8100 is on order. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I've put together what I think is an essentially complete list of >>>>>>> all the software that's shipping with this PC...and I want none of >>>>>>> it. (See the list below.) Nor do I want Dell's factory restore >>>>>>> partition (known as PC-Restore) or its diagnostic partition. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bottom line: I'd like to erase the hard disk and reinstall Windows 7 >>>>>>> only. (I'm eating crow here, since in the past I used to make fun of >>>>>>> people who did this. Such is life.) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Here's where I need your advice: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 1- Should I wait until after the 21-day return period to do this? In >>>>>>> the unlikely event that I have to return this computer due to a >>>>>>> genuine hardware problem, I don't want Dell to give me a hard time >>>>>>> (and possibly a re-stocking charge) because I wiped and reinstalled. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 2- After the 21 days, if I should have a problem covered by the >>>>>>> warranty, am I going to have to restore the computer to the factory >>>>>>> image before Dell will even speak to me; or will I get some other >>>>>>> kind of grief from Dell for wiping and reinstalling? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks for your advice. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Daddy >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Here's what I think is a complete list of what's coming on my PC: >>>>>>> Adobe Reader 9 >>>>>>> CyberLink Power DVD (stripped-down OEM version) >>>>>>> DellConnect (re-branded GoToAssist) >>>>>>> Dell DataSafe (online backup) >>>>>>> Dell Dock by Stardock (a floating toolbar) >>>>>>> Dell Owners's Manual >>>>>>> Dell Security Center by McAfee >>>>>>> Dell Support Center >>>>>>> Dell Welcome (a nag screen asking you to register your computer) >>>>>>> Microsoft Works >>>>>>> Roxio Easy CD and DVD (stripped down OEM version) >>>>>>> Windows Live Search >>>>>> >>>>>> i would not reload it. just uninstall the dellconnect, datasafe, >>>>>> stardock, mcafee, and windows live. reinstalling is really time >>>>>> consuming and the above things are really quick and easy to remove. >>>>>> but you asked about the downside to reinstalling; other than time i >>>>>> don't think there is any. dell only provides software support for >>>>>> their oem branded sofware for 30 days, and that support is pretty >>>>>> spotty anyway. the only thing that the regular warranty covers is >>>>>> hardware and that can be tested from outside of windows (though it >>>>>> can sometimes can be done within windows). it's you computer so do >>>>>> what you want with it. if you want to use some other operating system >>>>>> then you can call dell and return the copy of windows that came with >>>>>> the system. it is pretty much kept a secret that you can return the >>>>>> os, and it takes work and escalation to a second tier customer >>>>>> service person, and it only get you about $40-50 back so it is >>>>>> probably not worth the time and effort. but i have done it out of >>>>>> principal on occasion when encountering problems (vista). >>>>> >>>>> ps. if you were to return the machine (and i have on occasion) i would >>>>> wipe the drive completely with something like boot and nuke. would not >>>>> want to accidentally send them any personal information that was left >>>>> on the drive and they re-image the drive when they receive it anyway >>>>> so do not care what is on it. >>>> >>>> Thanks to everyone, especially to Christopher. >>>> >>>> As I understand it, Dell's warranty covers hardware, not software. The >>>> only software that Dell warrants is software that Dell writes (or has >>>> written for it) like OEM drivers or the Dell Dock. >>>> >>>> I don't think I need Windows Live Search to test whether Dell's >>>> hardware >>>> works properly. I don't need CyberLink or Roxio to see if the DVD drive >>>> works properly. (I use ImgBurn, Ben, but CDBurnerXP is also a good >>>> choice.) >>>> >>>> The tools in the diagnostic partition, if I understand correctly, are >>>> also included on the Resource DVD. >>>> >>>> The recovery partition (PC Restore) is a godsend for many computer >>>> users, but most of us who post here are not included in that group. If >>>> someone is well-versed in making and restoring images, or installing >>>> and >>>> uninstalling software, the recovery partition is wasted space. >>>> >>>> Plus: If I understand correctly, once I partition my hard disk - I like >>>> to keep my software on one partition and my data on a second >>>> partition - >>>> Dell's PC Restore won't work any more. (Something about the boot code.) >>>> >>>> Personally, I wouldn't have anything to do with Dell's technical >>>> support >>>> /unless/ I had a problem covered under warranty, like bad memory or a >>>> defective hard drive. Otherwise - and I'm not trying to act haughty - I >>>> can figure my way out of most any problem. (Sometimes with help from >>>> you >>>> guys.) >>>> >>>> With Dell's OEM Windows DVD and Resource DVD I can reinstall a clean >>>> copy of Windows along with any OEM drivers. And here's my real >>>> point: It >>>> seems to me I can wipe and re-install in less time that what it would >>>> take to uninstall all that software. Uninstalling McAfee alone is an >>>> involved process. >>>> >>>> Yet, it appears that many of you feel it's better to keep the recovery >>>> and diagnostic partitions, and to uninstall what I don't want. I don't >>>> see why, myself, but I'm opening to being convinced. My only fear is >>>> that Dell won't honor its warranty, or charge a restocking fee, if I >>>> wipe and re-install. >>> >>> That's where saving Dell's HDD and installing your system on *your* >>> HDD save your bacon. Swap your HDD for Dell's (and any other hardware >>> you might have added) and return it - system is Dell pristine. >> >> dell does not care what is on the system hard disk should you return a >> system to them. They only care that the hardware and the cds are >> present. > > Yes but you might and taking 5 minutes of your time to swap drives is a > lot easier than hunting for all your data that you don't want to go back > to Dell. > Charles It takes me about that long to restore a disk image, and I don't have to buy an extra hard drive. Daddy |