Clean Install = Warranty/Return Problems?
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From: RnR on 3 Mar 2010 21:13 On Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:32:55 -0500, Daddy <daddy(a)invalid.invalid> wrote: >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 This may be true for you but it really depends on the image size. And this is assuming the image file restores on the first try. Been there and done that.
From: Daddy on 3 Mar 2010 21:19 RnR wrote: > On Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:32:55 -0500, Daddy <daddy(a)invalid.invalid> > wrote: > >> 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 > > > This may be true for you but it really depends on the image size. And > this is assuming the image file restores on the first try. > Been there and done that. I have noticed from your posts that you seem to run into all kinds of difficulties that I don't have. ;-) Daddy
From: RnR on 3 Mar 2010 22:50 On Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:19:17 -0500, Daddy <daddy(a)invalid.invalid> wrote: >RnR wrote: >> On Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:32:55 -0500, Daddy <daddy(a)invalid.invalid> >> wrote: >> >>> 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 >> >> >> This may be true for you but it really depends on the image size. And >> this is assuming the image file restores on the first try. >> Been there and done that. > >I have noticed from your posts that you seem to run into all kinds of >difficulties that I don't have. ;-) > >Daddy That's good but image size still matters in regard to restore time.
From: Christopher Muto on 3 Mar 2010 23:06 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 5 minutes is a lot longer than it takes to boot with boot and nuke to wipe a drive... and no need to spend extra money for an additional drive. to each his/her own.
From: powrwrap on 4 Mar 2010 10:40
> On Feb 28, 11:24 am, Daddy <da...(a)invalid.invalid> wrote: > To me that means...drum roll..Wipe Out! (I wonder how many of you are old enough to remember Wipe Out?) > Hannah Montana was right: You get the best of both worlds. Showing my age here, but yes, I do know both of these references. BTW, interesting thread. |