Computer Problems
 

I just spent over 2 hrs on the phone with a tech support trying fix a computer program problem. I can't understand them [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

Anybody else ever had the same problem?

Re: Computer Problems
 

You get two free phone support incidents with a Microsoft program and I used my first the other day. The people I dealt with were professional and courteous. They could not help me fix it the first call and said they would research it. They then e mailed me to confirm they would get back to me after the weekend. This Monday a tech gave me a call and together we solved the problem. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

It was Dell not microsoft [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

I built my last two computers myself.
When you buy a Dell you get locked in to using them to solve problems. At the least you should save your info and reformat and do a clean install of Windows and your programs. Or add a harddrive and do a clean install and keep the old drive for a backup. They integrate their stuff into the system install disk and it is next to impossible to clean it out. [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

What's the problem?

Re: Computer Problems
 

One of the Dell computers in the office took a wrong turn shortly after we purchased it. I spent the better part of 2 days with Tech support, they would fed ex new parts in and then call back the next day to walk thorugh the install I think it may would of been cheaper to buy a new computer....

Although the tech support was routed across the world everyone I spoke with was pleasant and courteous. I did note some of the tech support people new much more than the next, roll of the dice but they took care of it.

The entire experience was very frustrating and I feel your pain.

Re: Computer Problems
 

I'm no geek but Dell sucks! I have repaired many of my friends Dell computers by typing (Dell Sucks!) and then reformatting and reinstalling software! It's not the hardware, a motherboard,processor,cpu,fan,mem sticks, etc. it's the Dell integrated software package that sucks! If anyone has a way to extract the software from the Dell disk let me know.[img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Hermco-

yup you about summed it up, I forgot to state above the entire problem was not the hardware but as you stated above an issue with Dell's preloaded crap and a driver for a network card.

Re: Computer Problems
 

A few months ago my father-in-law bought a Dell and I set it up for him. Right out of the box a funky error message shows up (the OS wouldn't boot up). I call tech support and wait 30 minutes at 7:30 on a Sunday morning for a rep. Even though I had a hard time understanding the tech, he was very courteous and helped me fix the problem in about 10 minutes. That said, I still wouldn't buy a Dell.

Re: Computer Problems
 

me thinks me likes me Mac... After reading what you all are saying, and having been on Mac's since '83, I think I'm staying put.

Dude, yer gettin a Dell! [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

You guys are right, Dells suck because of their programming. Anyone having a Dell should reformat the drive and reload a fresh version of either Windows or Linspire and trash Dells crappy software. I also build my own and program it myself, so far, great speed and no problems.

Re: Computer Problems
 

Roger on the Dell Sucks!! I have leased 2 at my office for the last two years, slow, slow, slow, and there ink is over
priced. Statement arrives on the 12th, due by the 16th.
You quessed it.... Hapoo is on the phone on the 17th.
Hello, where is your payment please, thank-you, come again!!
Once my lease is up there history.

See ya, Ken

Re: Computer Problems
 

I get my parts here
Tiger Direct
They have some good deals on barebones systems or get the parts and build to suit. Add software of your choice and your good to go. I am waiting for the release of the next windows OS called Vista to build my next one. Mmmmmmmmm......dual core AMD processor! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

I'm with Don on this. For the past 13 years I've been building my own custom computers. If you look at the name brand prices and the crappy inconsistent components they use it's frightening. For about a grand I built my last one which is hogged out (at the time) with the best of everything. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
The proprietary BS the name brands put in their systems is enough to piss anyone off. [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

I get my goods at www.newegg.com

Re: Computer Problems
 

Mmmmmmmm ..........500 GB SATA hard drive! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Nah, next one. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] They didn't have that or the duel chips out at that time.
I went with AMD processor, ASUS mother board, two gigs dram and 128mb Matrox video card.

Stuff like that.

Re: Computer Problems
 

Mine is allmost the same AMD Athlon 64 processor,Asus board, 2 gigs ram,4 hard drives,winxp pro,etc. runs great. But...............Mmmmmmmmmm........dual core processor,500 gig harddrives,4 gigs ram,mmmmmmmm........ [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Can you say "SMOKIN-N-N-N-N" [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Hey guys what has been your experience with Asus boards? I have used MSI, Soyo and Abit but I'm an overclocker so only Abit has given me good results. MSI and Soyo both crapped out pretty early but the Abit just keeps on going. I have a socket 939 AMD64 3700+ chip (overclocked to approx 4150), 1G dual channel memory, 240G SATA drives, and an ATI All-In-Wonder X800XT video card for super graphics. How do you think Asus would compare when overclocking?

Re: Computer Problems
 

Damn! Geek love fest. How many more months of winter do we have?

BA

Re: Computer Problems
 

I don't know squat about overclocking but I did a search for overclocking my ASUS K8V SE Deluxe board and found that people have been able to get satisfactory results. There are a ton of overclocking sites on the web that you can get info from. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

I think Mr. Potter has a Dell........ [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today so what is it 6 more weeks of winter? [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Think that's bad??...Pipedreams saw his reflection in the mirror this morning, and determined he's stuck with a life time of UGLY! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

There are a few opensource projects that will allow you to run MAC OSX on PC hardware. Just in case you have a PC and want a mac (but don't want to spend the $$$$). Even though the mac mini is about $500.
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.osx86.theplaceforitall.com/howto/
http://osx86project.org/

This is another that will allow you to run MAC osx on your PC within an emulator.

http://pearpc.sourceforge.net/
----------------------------------------------------------

Linspire is also a nice alternative to the windoze desktop.

Re: Computer Problems
 

Tim - I'm gonna give one of those a whirl...

Personally - I spec all Dell workstations and servers - best bang for buck. I also load all of the OS myself and tweek them the way I want...

I've run every flavor of windows since 2, DOS since 3.3, MAC since before the were conjoined with screens to Tiger, Novell since 4.1 (still the best - uptime sometimes measured in years), and have been working with the 'nixes for a few years - they are all good and they all suck....

Now while we're in GeekFest -
I'm working on my "rigs" at the moment and the 4 running at this moment (not including my laptop), vary from an AMD XP 1700 (building for media computer - think Tivo + Xbox [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )-> Amd XP2500 XP -> P4 2.8 W2K3-> AMD 64 3200 running xp64.

AMD xp64
1GB Ram
X800GTO 256MB vid
2x 200GB SATA-2

And before bed, my son asked when he gets his...

Amd did I mention I built a boat PC? Not installed yet though [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Whoa!

Re: Computer Problems
 

The majority of Them are from the Phillipines or India. Your chances are split on one that speakes Our English (Mine Ha) or the Fancy one.I've had to eXcuse Myself ,hang up call back to get someone that I understood or knew the FIX! Roll the Dice ! Fustrating it is ! But then We let it happen & Go !

Re: Computer Problems
 

Go IBM they are the best a little more but they are rock solid.

I have one and I bought my girl a compac, lasted ! year and the mother board gave out, would cost more to fix than buy a new one. My youngest son has an IBM and he can't break it

Re: Computer Problems
 

Jorge-

I agree on the IBM, I have had 2 thinkpads and they are indestructable, I have dropped them, taken them out on the boat for engine diagnostics, etc.

I am not sure if the IBM thinkpad is still made by IBM, didn't IBM sell the rights to someone else?

Re: Computer Problems
 

IBMs entire PC/Laptop business is now owned by a PRC company, Levono

Re: Computer Problems
 

We hav#%^*%&(*~
~~~~e Dells , #$*&*
#%*(~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~$^&
#@& No Pro#^lems here ????

[img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img][img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Re: Computer Problems
 

Check that - Lenovo. That is one of the few things I do know about computers. [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]