Xp home Dell and Microshaft suck.... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Banginblaz · 03-03-2004, 08:35 AM

Ok... The issue, my pops computer (dell 2350 p41.8 512ram, Xp home sp1) no items in the control panel work, save administrative tools, and networking (I assume it is because they are folders, not just progs).

I tried running is safe mode, same prob.

I tried using SFC /scannow.... everything was fine.

Tried running ad aware, spybot, avg, and system cleanup. Nada.

System restore is turned off. Last known good didnt work. Bah.

I can, however, get into the device manager through computer management.....

I called dell, after getting one of there o so helpfull indian tech people, she gave me a new number to "advanced" tech support. After annother 30 mins on hold, I was told that dell does not support software without purchasing the "software" warrenty. WTF? So I then called MS, they told me to call dell for support issues........................

I hate them both. I would have never told my dad to get a dell, if I had known they wouldnt support the OS, I would have built it. I didnt want to deal with this.

Grrrrrrrr.

HELP!

God of Thunder · 03-03-2004, 08:42 AM

Last ditch effort, but could always re-load OS from recovery disk or from scratch.

Mephex · 03-03-2004, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by God of Thunder
Last ditch effort, but could always re-load OS from recovery disk or from scratch.

Good advice, though this may be a ram issue.

I'd try the reload, and if you do indeed have problems during install, try this : http://www.memtest86.com/

Good luck !

Lasereth · 03-03-2004, 10:03 AM

I don't see how Dell has the "award winning technical support." Me and my girlfriend tried getting in touch with them for a few days straight due to a Router issue, and we could never even FIND the fucking Tech Help number, or any number at all that had a human on the other side. It was ridiculous.

-Lasereth

MahlerIsGod · 03-03-2004, 11:22 AM

I have to agree with the learned Lasereth. My troubles with Dell got to the point where I wanted to file a compliant with the Better Buisness Bureau. When I was filling out the compliant, I was told that they get a number of these every month. I will never buy a Dell computer and if I know someone who is in the market for a new computer I tell them to avoid Dell like the plague.

Redlemon · 03-03-2004, 11:38 AM

If you want to read something fearsome, try Salon.com: We Don't Support That. It is an inside view of working in computer tech support. Their goal is to mimimize the amount of time each call takes, not to solve your problem.

(You will need to watch an ad to get into Salon content. Sorry.)

propaganda · 03-03-2004, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by redlemon
If you want to read something fearsome, try Salon.com: We Don't Support That. It is an inside view of working in computer tech support. Their goal is to mimimize the amount of time each call takes, not to solve your problem.

(You will need to watch an ad to get into Salon content. Sorry.)

Nice to know you could win the best technical support award by having the fastest talkers...

Banginblaz · 03-03-2004, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mephex
Good advice, though this may be a ram issue.

I'd try the reload, and if you do indeed have problems during install, try this : http://www.memtest86.com/

Good luck !

How can it be a ram issue? Not being mean, just not understanding.

I am tring to avoid a reinstall, if possible.

Also I didnt say that all programs work fine, everything, system or otherwise.

I also tried to run control appwiz.cpl to no avail.

soopafreek · 03-03-2004, 01:39 PM

is it possible that it is locked by something you have installed?

i know that spybot can lock IE's control panel if the box is checked within spybot. maybe there's another program you have that gives that option to lock the control panel that may have accidentally activated?

God of Thunder · 03-03-2004, 01:41 PM

Don't want to be the odd man out here, but we use Dell's at work and have had nothing but good experiences with them.

Maybe the difference is a corporate support account, but I've never had a problem. As the authorized Dell support person here in our IT department, when there's a problem, I log in, order the part and they ship it next day.

But, like I said, maybe the difference is having a corporate account. We have 500+ Dells here at City Hall and all of the off-sites and I've called in about a handful of tickets in the past year.

Redlemon · 03-03-2004, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soopafreek
is it possible that it is locked by something you have installed?

i know that spybot can lock IE's control panel if the box is checked within spybot. maybe there's another program you have that gives that option to lock the control panel that may have accidentally activated?

Especially firewall-type software, or something that said "protect malicious software from changing settings on your computer". Does any of that sound familiar?

Lasereth · 03-03-2004, 01:50 PM

Yeah, it seriously sounds like a lock-down issue to me. Maybe they come with the important aspects locked so users that don't know much about Windows can't screw them up (reminds me of the computers at my high school a few years ago). It certainly doesn't sound like a hardware issue at all.

-Lasereth

punx1325 · 03-03-2004, 07:06 PM

Dell will support the operating system installed when you got the computer. Call them back and get someone who knows what they are talking about. You just got some retard who doesn't know what they are doing. If you installed a new operating system then your tough out of luck. I have never had a problem with Dell other than waiting a long ass time. When you call I would complain until you get service. They HAVE to support your OS if it came with the pc. It is in your service agreement.

Banginblaz · 03-03-2004, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by punx1325
Dell will support the operating system installed when you got the computer. Call them back and get someone who knows what they are talking about. You just got some retard who doesn't know what they are doing. If you installed a new operating system then your tough out of luck. I have never had a problem with Dell other than waiting a long ass time. When you call I would complain until you get service. They HAVE to support your OS if it came with the pc. It is in your service agreement.

Thats what I thought too, O well I will try again when I can.

As for it being "locked down" I guess its possible, but it worked before, and I dont think they installed anything I dont know about......

Without being able to get into add/remove progs tho, I dont see what I would be able to find out, without spending a million hours looking through every folder....

merkerguitars · 03-03-2004, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by God of Thunder
Don't want to be the odd man out here, but we use Dell's at work and have had nothing but good experiences with them.

Maybe the difference is a corporate support account, but I've never had a problem. As the authorized Dell support person here in our IT department, when there's a problem, I log in, order the part and they ship it next day.

But, like I said, maybe the difference is having a corporate account. We have 500+ Dells here at City Hall and all of the off-sites and I've called in about a handful of tickets in the past year.

Yeah dell has been a business brand from the beginning and they still do that the best outta anything..

Craven Morehead · 03-03-2004, 11:16 PM

Just got my second Dell. This time ordered it as a small business. With that you get domestic call center support. And I'm guessing a better level of support. Had a problem with the monitor that was shipped. Got right through to a support person. Had to jump through all the hoops to check it out, but within 10 minutes she agreed and dispatched a replacement. I really couldn't have asked for better service.

DonnieBoy · 03-03-2004, 11:39 PM

I may be in the minority but I have not had a problem with dell support either. Granted I've only called them twice and neither time was a major problem I got my problems solved quickly and the people (albiet both times they were Indian and I could barely understand them) were very helpful.

DB

soopafreek · 03-04-2004, 07:43 AM

i came across this <a href="http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winme/r1074976491">link</a> in reference to your problem.

it's a long read and the actual solution that worked is quite a ways down.... but this might be the solution, though the person who had the problem was using the *greatest* OS in the world, windows ME. i believe they were infected with a trojan or virus or something.

i hope this helps.

kapoho · 03-06-2004, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by God of Thunder
Last ditch effort, but could always re-load OS from recovery disk or from scratch.

If a recovery disk doesn't work, you could also try to do an OS repair. This replaces all system files while leaving all of your other files and personal settings intact. Boot to the XP cd, follow the install through the blue screens, and choose the repair installation option. I have found that this fixes a lot of odd XP problems.

WarWagon · 03-06-2004, 09:17 PM

Hard drive on my 4 month old loaded Inspiron already shit out on me. 99% of the time the person on the other end barely understands English. I just e-mail one guy who is actually helpful now, or ask to speak to the supervisor first thing.

03-03-2004, 08:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
Banginblaz Dont stop here; This is bat country! Location: North East	Xp home Dell and Microshaft suck.... Ok... The issue, my pops computer (dell 2350 p41.8 512ram, Xp home sp1) no items in the control panel work, save administrative tools, and networking (I assume it is because they are folders, not just progs). I tried running is safe mode, same prob. I tried using SFC /scannow.... everything was fine. Tried running ad aware, spybot, avg, and system cleanup. Nada. System restore is turned off. Last known good didnt work. Bah. I can, however, get into the device manager through computer management..... I called dell, after getting one of there o so helpfull indian tech people, she gave me a new number to "advanced" tech support. After annother 30 mins on hold, I was told that dell does not support software without purchasing the "software" warrenty. WTF? So I then called MS, they told me to call dell for support issues........................ I hate them both. I would have never told my dad to get a dell, if I had known they wouldnt support the OS, I would have built it. I didnt want to deal with this. Grrrrrrrr. HELP!

03-03-2004, 08:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
God of Thunder Talk nerdy to me Location: Flint, MI	Last ditch effort, but could always re-load OS from recovery disk or from scratch. __________________ I reject your reality, and substitute my own -- Adam Savage

03-03-2004, 10:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	I don't see how Dell has the "award winning technical support." Me and my girlfriend tried getting in touch with them for a few days straight due to a Router issue, and we could never even FIND the fucking Tech Help number, or any number at all that had a human on the other side. It was ridiculous. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

03-03-2004, 11:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
MahlerIsGod At The Globe Showing Will How Its Done Location: London/Elysium	I have to agree with the learned Lasereth. My troubles with Dell got to the point where I wanted to file a compliant with the Better Buisness Bureau. When I was filling out the compliant, I was told that they get a number of these every month. I will never buy a Dell computer and if I know someone who is in the market for a new computer I tell them to avoid Dell like the plague. __________________ "But a work of art is a conscious human effort that has to do with communication. It is that or its nothing. When an accident is applauded as a work of art, when a cult grows up around the deliciousness of inadvertent beauty, we are in the presence of the greatest decadence the West has known in its history."

03-03-2004, 11:38 AM	#6 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	If you want to read something fearsome, try Salon.com: We Don't Support That. It is an inside view of working in computer tech support. Their goal is to mimimize the amount of time each call takes, not to solve your problem. (You will need to watch an ad to get into Salon content. Sorry.) __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.

03-03-2004, 01:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
soopafreek Psycho Location: ask your mom	is it possible that it is locked by something you have installed? i know that spybot can lock IE's control panel if the box is checked within spybot. maybe there's another program you have that gives that option to lock the control panel that may have accidentally activated? __________________ aaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!!

03-03-2004, 01:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
God of Thunder Talk nerdy to me Location: Flint, MI	Don't want to be the odd man out here, but we use Dell's at work and have had nothing but good experiences with them. Maybe the difference is a corporate support account, but I've never had a problem. As the authorized Dell support person here in our IT department, when there's a problem, I log in, order the part and they ship it next day. But, like I said, maybe the difference is having a corporate account. We have 500+ Dells here at City Hall and all of the off-sites and I've called in about a handful of tickets in the past year. __________________ I reject your reality, and substitute my own -- Adam Savage

03-03-2004, 01:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Yeah, it seriously sounds like a lock-down issue to me. Maybe they come with the important aspects locked so users that don't know much about Windows can't screw them up (reminds me of the computers at my high school a few years ago). It certainly doesn't sound like a hardware issue at all. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

03-03-2004, 07:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
punx1325 Junkie Location: San Diego	Dell will support the operating system installed when you got the computer. Call them back and get someone who knows what they are talking about. You just got some retard who doesn't know what they are doing. If you installed a new operating system then your tough out of luck. I have never had a problem with Dell other than waiting a long ass time. When you call I would complain until you get service. They HAVE to support your OS if it came with the pc. It is in your service agreement. __________________ If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is....

03-03-2004, 11:16 PM	#16 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Just got my second Dell. This time ordered it as a small business. With that you get domestic call center support. And I'm guessing a better level of support. Had a problem with the monitor that was shipped. Got right through to a support person. Had to jump through all the hoops to check it out, but within 10 minutes she agreed and dispatched a replacement. I really couldn't have asked for better service. Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-04-2004 at 09:15 PM..

03-03-2004, 11:39 PM	#17 (permalink)
DonnieBoy Insane	I may be in the minority but I have not had a problem with dell support either. Granted I've only called them twice and neither time was a major problem I got my problems solved quickly and the people (albiet both times they were Indian and I could barely understand them) were very helpful. DB

03-04-2004, 07:43 AM	#18 (permalink)
soopafreek Psycho Location: ask your mom	i came across this <a href="http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winme/r1074976491">link</a> in reference to your problem. it's a long read and the actual solution that worked is quite a ways down.... but this might be the solution, though the person who had the problem was using the greatest OS in the world, windows ME. i believe they were infected with a trojan or virus or something. i hope this helps. __________________ aaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!! Last edited by soopafreek; 03-04-2004 at 07:55 AM..

03-06-2004, 09:17 PM	#20 (permalink)
WarWagon Loser	Hard drive on my 4 month old loaded Inspiron already shit out on me. 99% of the time the person on the other end barely understands English. I just e-mail one guy who is actually helpful now, or ask to speak to the supervisor first thing.