Dell has changed it policy on OS disk

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Dogface wrote:

> This is forcing you to buy a replacement hard drive from them that will have
> the OS. Isn't this sort of bundling illegal?
>
> Hard drives are dropping like flies these days. Not having an OS disk at
> the ready is pretty stupid IMO! Your ability to recover fairly quickly is
> gone.
>
> When you buy a system you're supposed to be buying the rights to use the OS
> as well on that system. Not having the ability to recover from a hard
> drive crash without being forced to buy from them or pay for another copy of
> the OS is a BIG reason to not buy from Dell. Are they giving you a complete
> system restore disk instead?
>
>
Perhaps there's some way to burn a recovery disk from the HDD (I know
that's the case with new IBM Thinkpad's). If so, then I'd say the
policy is relatively fair. From what's been posted prior, it seems to
bve restrictions set by Microsoft which has caused this situtation. To
be fair, I understand why MS would rather OEM's ship a "restore disc"
rather than a full XP copy.

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.

It appears that Dell is, as with the Overseas Tech Support, going to keeping
"pushing" until it costs them customers(Corporate Customers, that is).


"BigJIm" <Jim10277@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:uPydnchohv07n8_fRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> FYI
>
> Just received a Dell 600m and did not get a Windows XP disk. Sooooooooo
> I called support and was told this is Dells new policy, the operating
> system is
> on a hidden partition on the hard drive. Well after a smooth discussion
> with
> the rep he agreed to send me one. I explained what happens if my Hard
> drive crashes
> after my warranty has expired. He said, I would have to purchase a new
> hard drive from
> Dell and it would come with XP on the hidden partition. Yea I could see me
> making that
> argument 3 years down the road, well you rep told me...........sorry sir
> he was wrong and you must
> purchase not only a new drive but another copy of XP. Well just call me
> paranoid but it all ended well as I will get my disk. It only took 30
> minutes to resolve the issue. BTW it could also
> have been me saying that it was unacceptable and I will send this machine
> back tomorrow.
> The moral to this story is, if you don't ask they don't offer.
>
> I hope this may help someone in the future.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Mon, 04 Apr 2005 23:14:48 -0400, BigJIm wrote:

> Just received a Dell 600m and did not get a Windows XP disk. Sooooooooo
> I called support and was told this is Dells new policy, the operating
> system is
> on a hidden partition on the hard drive. Well after a smooth discussion
> with the rep he agreed to send me one. I explained what happens if my
> Hard drive crashes
> after my warranty has expired. He said, I would have to purchase a new
> hard drive from
> Dell and it would come with XP on the hidden partition.

And most vendors are doing this, have been doing this, and will be doing
this, but I've not seen one that doesn't also include instructions
(somewhere) on how to backup the partition so that you can recover your
system. Even the HP units, on page 8X of the manual, state, before using
the computer please run our program to backup your system disks to CDR.

--
spam999free@rrohio.com
remove 999 in order to email me

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"BigJIm" <Jim10277@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:uPydnchohv07n8_fRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> FYI
>
> Just received a Dell 600m and did not get a Windows XP disk. Sooooooooo
> I called support and was told this is Dells new policy, the operating
> system is
> on a hidden partition on the hard drive.

The Small Business division offers the OS with or without the media. Yet
another reason to pay the tax and buy from the small business division.

--

Rob

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Well I also purchased a Dell 1100 from the home division just 15 months ago
and I received all the disks including the OS. BTW I do not think you can
burn a cd from the hidden partition it is strictly for resorting the main
partition to it's original form. If the drive goes belly up, you will need
an OS and Hard drive, if it is out of warranty. In warranty you will get the
drive with
the OS installed on the hidden partition. I believe this is a bad business
move on the part of Dell.
As I said before, I am satisfied as Dell is sending me a disk with the OS on
it, but remember I had to call an ask for it. If you are ignorant of the
fact about the OS disk you could be out of luck down the road. So tell
anyone you know who is going to purchase a new Dell.


"Robert R Kircher, Jr." <rrkircher@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:SsKdnSLDDpAO5M_fRVn-ug@giganews.com...
>
> "BigJIm" <Jim10277@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:uPydnchohv07n8_fRVn-vg@comcast.com...
>> FYI
>>
>> Just received a Dell 600m and did not get a Windows XP disk. Sooooooooo
>> I called support and was told this is Dells new policy, the operating
>> system is
>> on a hidden partition on the hard drive.
>
> The Small Business division offers the OS with or without the media. Yet
> another reason to pay the tax and buy from the small business division.
>
> --
>
> Rob
>
>
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

If lack of an OS restore CD with driver CD(!) is reason not to buy a Dell, then
it is good reason also to not buy HP, eMachines, Gateway, and on and on. Over
the last couple years, this has been the trend to save a few pennies and cut
costs to compete. They're all doing it. The only recourse is to ring them up
and ask for the media... Ben Myers

On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 06:52:44 GMT, "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote:

>Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
>
>It appears that Dell is, as with the Overseas Tech Support, going to keeping
>"pushing" until it costs them customers(Corporate Customers, that is).
>
>
>"BigJIm" <Jim10277@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:uPydnchohv07n8_fRVn-vg@comcast.com...
>> FYI
>>
>> Just received a Dell 600m and did not get a Windows XP disk. Sooooooooo
>> I called support and was told this is Dells new policy, the operating
>> system is
>> on a hidden partition on the hard drive. Well after a smooth discussion
>> with
>> the rep he agreed to send me one. I explained what happens if my Hard
>> drive crashes
>> after my warranty has expired. He said, I would have to purchase a new
>> hard drive from
>> Dell and it would come with XP on the hidden partition. Yea I could see me
>> making that
>> argument 3 years down the road, well you rep told me...........sorry sir
>> he was wrong and you must
>> purchase not only a new drive but another copy of XP. Well just call me
>> paranoid but it all ended well as I will get my disk. It only took 30
>> minutes to resolve the issue. BTW it could also
>> have been me saying that it was unacceptable and I will send this machine
>> back tomorrow.
>> The moral to this story is, if you don't ask they don't offer.
>>
>> I hope this may help someone in the future.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

PeeVee_Hermann wrote:
>
> On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 06:52:44 GMT, "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> >Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
> >
>
> OK, then what would you suggest? Our old Compaq had the same thing,
> more or less; we didnt get a Windoze disc, we got Factory Restore
> discs.
>
> We are looking for a new computer.... just tired to get a custom made
> one locally and they fuct it all up and it was a disaster, so now we
> are looking at big company stuff.
>
> We looked at sony Vaio.... maybe... what would you suggest?

Sony? Look elsewhere.

While they're very cool looking, their after-the-sale support
is reported to be some of the worst support available.

In addition, if any of their proprietary parts need replacing,
they'll cost you a small fortune.

Notan

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:36:16 -0600, Notan <notan@ddress.com> wrote:

>PeeVee_Hermann wrote:
>>
>> On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 06:52:44 GMT, "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
>> >
>>
>> OK, then what would you suggest? Our old Compaq had the same thing,
>> more or less; we didnt get a Windoze disc, we got Factory Restore
>> discs.
>>
>> We are looking for a new computer.... just tired to get a custom made
>> one locally and they fuct it all up and it was a disaster, so now we
>> are looking at big company stuff.
>>
>> We looked at sony Vaio.... maybe... what would you suggest?
>
>Sony? Look elsewhere.
>
>While they're very cool looking, their after-the-sale support
>is reported to be some of the worst support available.
>
>In addition, if any of their proprietary parts need replacing,
>they'll cost you a small fortune.
>
>Notan


OK, noted, and, others have said the same thing.

then what would you suggest, if not Dell or Sony?

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

PeeVee_Hermann wrote:
>
> On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:36:16 -0600, Notan <notan@ddress.com> wrote:
>
> >PeeVee_Hermann wrote:
> >>
> >> On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 06:52:44 GMT, "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com>
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> >Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
> >> >
> >>
> >> OK, then what would you suggest? Our old Compaq had the same thing,
> >> more or less; we didnt get a Windoze disc, we got Factory Restore
> >> discs.
> >>
> >> We are looking for a new computer.... just tired to get a custom made
> >> one locally and they fuct it all up and it was a disaster, so now we
> >> are looking at big company stuff.
> >>
> >> We looked at sony Vaio.... maybe... what would you suggest?
> >
> >Sony? Look elsewhere.
> >
> >While they're very cool looking, their after-the-sale support
> >is reported to be some of the worst support available.
> >
> >In addition, if any of their proprietary parts need replacing,
> >they'll cost you a small fortune.
> >
> >Notan
>
> OK, noted, and, others have said the same thing.
>
> then what would you suggest, if not Dell or Sony?

Personally, I've had good experiences with Dell.

In my opinion, Dell's biggest complaints are in the area of
Technical Support. If you can, order from their Small Business
Division (or higher) and opt for the best support you can get.
(Gold Tech Support, for example, gets you telephone on-hold
times of, typically, less than two minutes, and US based Techs
that appear to have a much higher computer education than their
"standard" Techs.)

If you have the time, have a look at the semi-recent "Gold Tech
Support" thread.

Notan

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

It's been slight over two years since we purchased our LAST Dell computer.
Guess we ducked the bullet by a few months.

"Joan Hansen" <user@my.net> wrote in message
news:R2t4e.74906$7z6.61659@lakeread04...
> Irene, HP has been doing that for about 2 years now. That is how my niece
> got her HP Computer.
>
> Irene wrote:
>> Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
>>
>> It appears that Dell is, as with the Overseas Tech Support, going to
>> keeping "pushing" until it costs them customers(Corporate Customers, that
>> is).
>>
>>
>> "BigJIm" <Jim10277@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:uPydnchohv07n8_fRVn-vg@comcast.com...
>>
>>>FYI
>>>
>>>Just received a Dell 600m and did not get a Windows XP disk. Sooooooooo
>>>I called support and was told this is Dells new policy, the operating
>>>system is
>>>on a hidden partition on the hard drive. Well after a smooth discussion
>>>with
>>>the rep he agreed to send me one. I explained what happens if my Hard
>>>drive crashes
>>>after my warranty has expired. He said, I would have to purchase a new
>>>hard drive from
>>>Dell and it would come with XP on the hidden partition. Yea I could see
>>>me making that
>>>argument 3 years down the road, well you rep told me...........sorry sir
>>>he was wrong and you must
>>>purchase not only a new drive but another copy of XP. Well just call me
>>>paranoid but it all ended well as I will get my disk. It only took 30
>>>minutes to resolve the issue. BTW it could also
>>>have been me saying that it was unacceptable and I will send this machine
>>>back tomorrow.
>>>The moral to this story is, if you don't ask they don't offer.
>>>
>>>I hope this may help someone in the future.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

BigJIm wrote:
|| Well I also purchased a Dell 1100 from the home division just 15
|| months ago and I received all the disks including the OS.


i purchased a dimension 4600 about 18 months ago and received the OS on cd.
i received shipment *today* of a dimension 3000 that i bought for my
girlfriend and her kids. no OS on cd. i used the dell support chat to
request the cd and they told me i should receive it in 5-7 days.

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"dg1261" <dgREMOVE-THIS1261@cs.com> wrote in message
news:q9H4e.17845$zl.14915@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
>
> "Wortenheimer" <worten@heimer.org> wrote:
>> i received shipment *today* of a dimension 3000 that i bought
>> for my girlfriend and her kids. no OS on cd.
>
> Worten, I'm working on a D3000 that just came last week, and it came with
> the OS CD--no drivers CD anymore, but it did have the OS CD. I wonder why
> yours would be different from mine.
>
> Just out of curiosity, did your D3000 come with a CD burner? I noticed a
> couple registry "run" key values that look like they're intended for
> creating restoration media, but since my D3000 came without a burner (we
> already have one) this would be useless. I'm wondering if that has any
> relevance on whether or not they toss an OS CD in the box.
>
>


From earlier posts in this thread, it sounds as if the division from which
the system is purchased is the difference. (home/home office versus small
business).

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Mine came with a cd burner but to access the hidden partition at boot up
you must hit Ctrl+F11 that's all I know. If you were really a computer
hacker I guess
you could burn that partition but I am not.

"dg1261" <dgREMOVE-THIS1261@cs.com> wrote in message
news:q9H4e.17845$zl.14915@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
>
> "Wortenheimer" <worten@heimer.org> wrote:
>> i received shipment *today* of a dimension 3000 that i bought
>> for my girlfriend and her kids. no OS on cd.
>
> Worten, I'm working on a D3000 that just came last week, and it came with
> the OS CD--no drivers CD anymore, but it did have the OS CD. I wonder why
> yours would be different from mine.
>
> Just out of curiosity, did your D3000 come with a CD burner? I noticed a
> couple registry "run" key values that look like they're intended for
> creating restoration media, but since my D3000 came without a burner (we
> already have one) this would be useless. I'm wondering if that has any
> relevance on whether or not they toss an OS CD in the box.
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

boo! hiss!! buy IBM and support the communist chinese? NEVER!

"Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:UDF4e.4328$44.1343@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> First---build one
>
> Second--Have one built to your exact specs
>
> Then---spend the extra money and buy an IBM.
>
> "PeeVee_Hermann" <PVnospamapplejack@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1112730649.7785452fc80bc3ee31a27dcaeba03903@bubbanews...
> > On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:36:16 -0600, Notan <notan@ddress.com> wrote:
> >
> >>PeeVee_Hermann wrote:
> >>>
> >>> On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 06:52:44 GMT, "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> >Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>> OK, then what would you suggest? Our old Compaq had the same thing,
> >>> more or less; we didnt get a Windoze disc, we got Factory Restore
> >>> discs.
> >>>
> >>> We are looking for a new computer.... just tired to get a custom made
> >>> one locally and they fuct it all up and it was a disaster, so now we
> >>> are looking at big company stuff.
> >>>
> >>> We looked at sony Vaio.... maybe... what would you suggest?
> >>
> >>Sony? Look elsewhere.
> >>
> >>While they're very cool looking, their after-the-sale support
> >>is reported to be some of the worst support available.
> >>
> >>In addition, if any of their proprietary parts need replacing,
> >>they'll cost you a small fortune.
> >>
> >>Notan
> >
> >
> > OK, noted, and, others have said the same thing.
> >
> > then what would you suggest, if not Dell or Sony?
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

come to think of it, aren't all the dell systems made by the commies too?!
wonder what'll happen to tech support when the commies start lobbing
missiles into downtown taipei and we start sinking their ships?

the price of computer geeks will go through the roof! no more free advice,
cha-ching, cha-ching... as opposed to cha-chang, cha-chang now!


"Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:FrJ4e.4426$44.1462@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> Hey, support or don't support who you want. If you look, IBM was the
third
> choice and it is still best option of what remains after the first two.
>
>
> "ZupaDupa" <ZupaDupa@DupaZupa.com> wrote in message
> news:gbJ4e.199$jw5.111@fe08.lga...
> > boo! hiss!! buy IBM and support the communist chinese? NEVER!
> >
> > "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:UDF4e.4328$44.1343@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> >> First---build one
> >>
> >> Second--Have one built to your exact specs
> >>
> >> Then---spend the extra money and buy an IBM.
> >>
> >> "PeeVee_Hermann" <PVnospamapplejack@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> >> news:1112730649.7785452fc80bc3ee31a27dcaeba03903@bubbanews...
> >> > On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:36:16 -0600, Notan <notan@ddress.com> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >>PeeVee_Hermann wrote:
> >> >>>
> >> >>> On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 06:52:44 GMT, "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com>
> >> >>> wrote:
> >> >>>
> >> >>> >Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
> >> >>> >
> >> >>>
> >> >>> OK, then what would you suggest? Our old Compaq had the same thing,
> >> >>> more or less; we didnt get a Windoze disc, we got Factory Restore
> >> >>> discs.
> >> >>>
> >> >>> We are looking for a new computer.... just tired to get a custom
made
> >> >>> one locally and they fuct it all up and it was a disaster, so now
we
> >> >>> are looking at big company stuff.
> >> >>>
> >> >>> We looked at sony Vaio.... maybe... what would you suggest?
> >> >>
> >> >>Sony? Look elsewhere.
> >> >>
> >> >>While they're very cool looking, their after-the-sale support
> >> >>is reported to be some of the worst support available.
> >> >>
> >> >>In addition, if any of their proprietary parts need replacing,
> >> >>they'll cost you a small fortune.
> >> >>
> >> >>Notan
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > OK, noted, and, others have said the same thing.
> >> >
> >> > then what would you suggest, if not Dell or Sony?
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

> "dg1261" <dgREMOVE-THIS1261@cs.com> wrote:
> > Worten, I'm working on a D3000 that just came last week, and it
> > came with the OS CD--no drivers CD anymore, but it did have
> > the OS CD. I wonder why yours would be different from mine.
> >
> > Just out of curiosity, did your D3000 come with a CD burner?
> > I noticed a couple registry "run" key values that look like they're
> > intended for creating restoration media, but since my D3000
> > came without a burner (we already have one) this would be
> > useless. I'm wondering if that has any relevance on whether
> > or not they toss an OS CD in the box.

"BigJIm" <Jim10277@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Mine came with a cd burner but to access the hidden partition at
> boot up you must hit Ctrl+F11 that's all I know. If you were really
> a computer hacker I guess you could burn that partition but I am not.

No CD burner on mine, but it does have the Ctrl+F11 hidden restore
partition. There are a few registry keys I can't identify:

(HKLM...RunOnce key) "OSCD_Creator" c:\dell\preODM.exe /2
(HKLM...Run key) "OSCD_Creator" c:\dell\preODM.exe
(HKLM...Run key) "BuildBU" c:\dell\bldbubg.exe

I don't see any evidence they do anything at startup, but perhaps they
silently bail if they don't find a CD burner in this machine? Since yours
came with a burner, do you have any desktop shortcut or a start menu
shortcut for the purpose of creating restore CDs?

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Which name brand systems are NOT made somewhere on the left side of the Pacific
Rim? (Hint: Dell has system assembly facilities right here in the U S of A.)
A great many of them are assembled in mainland China. For many years, system
components (power supplies, CD-ROM drives, video cards, motherboards) have been
manufactured in mainland China, whether by the factory of a US company or by a
joint venture or by a 100% Chinese company.

Anyone who wants a computer without any parts made by "commies" had best get out
a soldering iron and metal working tools and build his or her own. This is all
the end result of detente, the crowning achievement of Richard Nixon's otherwise
flawed presidency. (Nixon is the only US president ever to resign from office,
which earns the use of the adjective "flawed". No flames about "flawed",
please.) If he and Henry the K had not opened the doors to trade and
manufacturing in China, somebody else would have. Globalization has brought
inexpensive communications and shipping, making it possible for systems and
parts to be manufactured with cheap labor over there.

None of this is new. In a past life related to my present one, I sold a lot of
parts for more proprietary DEC Wintel computers. The parts, many manufactured
in the mid '90's, were often manufactured in China. DEC was one of the first to
seize the opportunity to exploit low cost labor.

The United States and China now have a serious economic co-dependency on one
another. The good news is that this seems to deter them from rattling swords
loudly at one another and going to war. The bad news is that the country of
China has just about zero standards in place to set minimum salaries and working
conditions. Nevertheless, due to an over-abundant and dirt-poor labor force
down on the farm and out in the boondocks, Chinese laborers are willing to work
in sweatshop conditions, which are an improvement over life at home... Ben Myers

On Wed, 6 Apr 2005 00:30:34 -0400, "ZupaDupa" <ZupaDupa@DupaZupa.com> wrote:

>come to think of it, aren't all the dell systems made by the commies too?!
>wonder what'll happen to tech support when the commies start lobbing
>missiles into downtown taipei and we start sinking their ships?
>
>the price of computer geeks will go through the roof! no more free advice,
>cha-ching, cha-ching... as opposed to cha-chang, cha-chang now!
>
>
>"Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:FrJ4e.4426$44.1462@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>> Hey, support or don't support who you want. If you look, IBM was the
>third
>> choice and it is still best option of what remains after the first two.
>>
>>
>> "ZupaDupa" <ZupaDupa@DupaZupa.com> wrote in message
>> news:gbJ4e.199$jw5.111@fe08.lga...
>> > boo! hiss!! buy IBM and support the communist chinese? NEVER!
>> >
>> > "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> > news:UDF4e.4328$44.1343@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>> >> First---build one
>> >>
>> >> Second--Have one built to your exact specs
>> >>
>> >> Then---spend the extra money and buy an IBM.
>> >>
>> >> "PeeVee_Hermann" <PVnospamapplejack@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:1112730649.7785452fc80bc3ee31a27dcaeba03903@bubbanews...
>> >> > On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:36:16 -0600, Notan <notan@ddress.com> wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >>PeeVee_Hermann wrote:
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 06:52:44 GMT, "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com>
>> >> >>> wrote:
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> >Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
>> >> >>> >
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> OK, then what would you suggest? Our old Compaq had the same thing,
>> >> >>> more or less; we didnt get a Windoze disc, we got Factory Restore
>> >> >>> discs.
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> We are looking for a new computer.... just tired to get a custom
>made
>> >> >>> one locally and they fuct it all up and it was a disaster, so now
>we
>> >> >>> are looking at big company stuff.
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> We looked at sony Vaio.... maybe... what would you suggest?
>> >> >>
>> >> >>Sony? Look elsewhere.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>While they're very cool looking, their after-the-sale support
>> >> >>is reported to be some of the worst support available.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>In addition, if any of their proprietary parts need replacing,
>> >> >>they'll cost you a small fortune.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>Notan
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > OK, noted, and, others have said the same thing.
>> >> >
>> >> > then what would you suggest, if not Dell or Sony?
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

OK,

Whoever purchased a Dell computer recently, please raise your hand
(either one will do).

Sharing is a very civilized thing to do

Bogdan


PS. Enjoy your system either way!

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

ZupaDupa wrote:
> "PeeVee_Hermann" <PVnospamapplejack@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1112735906.fac2ddb981bd92bae9861a14927d1277@bubbanews...
>
>>On Tue, 5 Apr 2005 16:37:52 -0400, "Ted Zieglar" <teddyz@notmail.com>
>>wrote:
>>
>>
>>>The only way to get exactly what you want in a computer is to have one
>
> built
>
>>>to your exact specifications or build it yourself. Otherwise, be prepared
>
> to
>
>>>make the same trade-offs in a computer that you make when choosing a
>>>television or a car or a refrigerator or...
>>>
>>
>>
>>right. I tried that once and wasnt happy with the system they
>>delivered. At this point i'm thinking of buying all the parts I want
>>and taking them to a builder.
>
>
> Bad approach IMO. Anything wrong will be blamed on YOUR choice of parts.
> I'd do research on what others have built and use that info. There are very
> stable combinations of motherboards, memory and video cards. Put it in a
> nice large case with good ventilation and a big power supply. It'll cost
> you more but you'll have a great system with quality parts and long
> warranties on parts if you buy retail versions.
>
> Putting all the pieces together is a piece of cake. There is a lot of good
> help in the newsgroups too. Or you can always befriend a computer geek like
> me to do it for you... 8-) You' be amazed what a six pack of beer and
> pizza will get you.

Be sure to practice safe computing, however. :-D

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

ZupaDupa wrote:
> boo! hiss!! buy IBM and support the communist chinese? NEVER!

Blame Nixon & his historic 1972 trip.

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

They can't have any worse customer and tech support than a Dell Dimension
purchased through the Home/Home Office division. >g<
That is why I listed them as the THIRD option.


"Sparky Spartacus" <Sparky@spartacus.galaxy.org> wrote in message
news:hI65e.14$mg.8@fe12.lga...
> Irene wrote:
>> First---build one
>>
>> Second--Have one built to your exact specs
>>
>> Then---spend the extra money and buy an IBM.
>
> When's the last time you purchased an IBM desktop?

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

BMac <bmac@yack.wak> wrote:

>OK,
>
>Whoever purchased a Dell computer recently, please raise your hand
>(either one will do).
>
>Sharing is a very civilized thing to do
>
>Bogdan

Enough have posted after new purchases since the Dell
announcement to determine, sort of, that:

a) the "restore to as shipped factory install configuration"
partition for reinstalling the OS has been on all of them.

b) presence or lack of the WinXP OEM reinstall disk was spotty,
but tending toward presence early on in the changeover and toward
absence lately.

c) It seems that the "drivers" CD is gone, in favor of one
downloading them from Dell.

d) Productivity suite [currently WordPerfect] and AV [Macafee?
currently] reinstall CDs are included.

e) It appears that the autostart script that offers to create an
OS reinstall CD from the hidden partition of a) upon first
start-up doesn't run if a CD Drive is not present on the machine.

f) If you fight hard enough, it would seem you can get an XP
restore CD, whether at a $10 or whatever PITA charge for Dell
having to do it or not is still uncertain - not enough info on
that.

g) In a 15-minute search of the Dell web jungle yesterday,
including the forums, I failed to find any information at all on
any of this - other than the odd, unanswered by Dell, post that
tended to be saying WTFO? on this topic, just as we are in
a.s.pc-c.d.

Fortunately [and knocking on wood madly], I don't expect to be
getting a new machine for a year or so, when this will have
played out. Depending on how it has played out, if an OS
reinstall CD is not available from Dell - or Gateway, or HP/C,
etc. should they have better pricing - I would be inclined to go
the OS-less option through the small business site and get my own
XP. And factor that cost into my price comparisons.
--
OJ III
[Email to Yahoo address may be burned before reading.
Lower and crunch the sig and you'll net me at comcast.]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Don't you get tired of making the same irrational comments."

I wish you would. Besides, everyone around here knows what you're going to
say, so if you insist on posting why not just put "like usual" in the body
and leave it at that?

Ted Zieglar

"Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:mCg5e.1869$go4.271@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> Don't you get tired of making the same irrational comments. For the
several
> dozenth time(not exactly good language),
>
> WE STILL OWN AND OPERATE THREE(3), read that carefully, THREE(3) DELL
> DIMENSION COMPUTERS.
> Accordingly, I have as much right to be here as you,
> possibly, MORE. Since you spend more harassing people who are having
> problems with their Dell computers and are upset with Dell, than anything
> else.
>
>
> "S.Lewis" <stew1960@cover.bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:iOa5e.46410$wo1.42592@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
> >
> > "Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:2M65e.4826$44.1962@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> >> They can't have any worse customer and tech support than a Dell
Dimension
> >> purchased through the Home/Home Office division. >g<
> >> That is why I listed them as the THIRD option.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > And yet, here you still remain. Such dedication, such passion, such
> > commitment to the cause.
> >
> > We have to stop meeting like this, Irene. Others will talk.....
> >
> >
> > Stew
> >
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Irene" <girlsrule@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0Bq4e.933$sp3.854@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> Yet another reason not to buy a Dell Computer.
>
> It appears that Dell is, as with the Overseas Tech Support, going to
> keeping "pushing" until it costs them customers(Corporate Customers, that
> is).
>

Whine-Whine-Whine....Say Good-Night Irene!
By the way, Dell has just started a support call center here in the U.S. in
the building right next to my work.
Appears they are moving at least some of the support back to the states.

>
> "BigJIm" <Jim10277@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:uPydnchohv07n8_fRVn-vg@comcast.com...
>> FYI
>>
>> Just received a Dell 600m and did not get a Windows XP disk. Sooooooooo
>> I called support and was told this is Dells new policy, the operating
>> system is
>> on a hidden partition on the hard drive. Well after a smooth discussion
>> with
>> the rep he agreed to send me one. I explained what happens if my Hard
>> drive crashes
>> after my warranty has expired. He said, I would have to purchase a new
>> hard drive from
>> Dell and it would come with XP on the hidden partition. Yea I could see
>> me making that
>> argument 3 years down the road, well you rep told me...........sorry sir
>> he was wrong and you must
>> purchase not only a new drive but another copy of XP. Well just call me
>> paranoid but it all ended well as I will get my disk. It only took 30
>> minutes to resolve the issue. BTW it could also
>> have been me saying that it was unacceptable and I will send this machine
>> back tomorrow.
>> The moral to this story is, if you don't ask they don't offer.
>>
>> I hope this may help someone in the future.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>