*Alienware/Dell - Warranty Discussion Thread (Questions Only)*

No - it will not. Of course the aftermarket RAM and drive will not be covered by the remainder of your dell system warranty but your warranty will still be active for the rest of the system

 

Greetings
Just read this thread with interest. I need to make a decision on my shiny new M18x. It is a great machine, but it has a crossfire setup which is overheating. I was advised by Alienware that they would replace video cards, sinks and fans. But they are back ordered until November.

I was hoping to get the repair soon, so that if the problem lay elsewhere, I could return the machine within the 21 day replacement window. I realize this sounds like me having my cake and eating it too. As it stands, if I wait until Nov for the parts replacement and that doesn't solve the problem; then AW controls how the issue gets resolved.

I was going to ask them to replace the AMDs with Nvidas. That way I get the repair and still control replacement. I think I'm dreaming on that one

I am leaning toward getting the machine replaced. This would be within the 21 day window. Could anyone give me a quick take on how this is done?

By the way, I would like to give props to the community's knowledge, support and spirit. Takes a great bunch to support a great machine!!!

Thanks for your help.

 

Call them and explain you want to return it and why..That they do not have the parts for a brand new system And that you would take the switch to Nvidia or they are getting it back. And see what they say, can't hurt.

 

I am in the same situation, think I might ring them to return it on monday.

 

Hey, is the outlet warranty transferable, and can be used international ?

1 Yr Ltd Warranty, In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis

 

It is just go to dell support to transfer it. Not sure about international you would have to call them and ask.

 

yes its transferrable , mine is also refurbed one from outlet
just fill online form and remember to use both service tag as well as express code

 

Hey guys...

Im currently getting a replacement for my M17xR2. A M18x.

I am fairly happy with the replacement and it is an upgrade. However they are giving me the 2670 as a replacement for my i7 720. I tried to email the dude who is replacing my system. He told me it's impossible as another team configured it and since its in production he cannot change it.

Another issue I have is that when I got my R2 I upgraded the basic network card. They are giving me the basic network card. Do I have an argument to get the new Killer card?

Finally... I have the IDT software on my system... I think that was a software that I purchased from dell when I got my system. Can I use this as a basis for getting the upgraded software for the M18x?

A little more background... My M17xR2 is being replaced because I dropped it off the table :'(. However even before this I already had my GPUs.. HS... etc replaced twice? Plus my keyboard was replaced.

Also.... I was never given the specs of the M18x that they would send me before it was in production.

Thanks guy.

 

First Gratz on the new system, anything you bought aftermarket no they do not have to upgrade to. If you want it put the Killer card into the new system and the basic back into the old. Remember you lose the warranty on the Killer only as Dell did not sell it to you. The 2670 is a big upgrade from the I 720 what would the basis be for a higher upgrade? Software is not covered under the warranty only hardware..and they are replacing your droped machine with equal or better, much better they do not have to ask your permission. If you do not want it you can refuse it. I could be wrong but it sounds like you want even more that they are offering, which I do not understand why, as they are being way more than fair.

 

Haha... noo I know they are being fair, it's just that (if I recall correctly) the 720 was a pretty expensive upgrade from the base i5 they were offering in the R2 when I picked it up... So it seems kinda ludicrous that they would give me a base Processor...

For the network card it was an OEM upgrade... Like they offered some basic intel card or an upgraded 1, so I picked up the upgraded one (had to pay extra)... Just wondering if they'd be likely to toss in the Killer card, else I'll ask them to upgrade it for me and I'll pay the difference.

I think that I might have a shot at the Killer card... I'll try calling them in on Monday to see what they say! Thanks

 

If you ask for the wifi card to be changed even if you pay the difference they will cancel the order and start over. Just so you know.. I would just pull it out and put it into the new one. They will not care I have done the same with ram, HD's and network cards several times.

 

Alright thanks!

 

Having trouble with my machine overheating, throttling & touchpanel works on and off. Logged with dell and they are going to replace motherboard, graphics cards, heatsinks & touchpanel. called dell today and graphics cards are on backorder and they are saying a few days (from m1730 days i don't think this will be the case) 2 calls today and they can't give my an exact answer when i will have my machine working again. they have requested different parts so they say (5870m) but when i check service no online & case its only showing "customer initiated call" was getting silent treatment etc etc. this is a replacement system should i email rep that processed order for this machine?

logged on the 28th and still no parts today (1st). have called them 4 times but no rep can give me any info on ETA just keep saying service tech will call in 1 day.

reaching 100c on CPU and getting hard shutdowns (sometimes just sits at 100c and freezes)

 

Hey guys,
I have a quick question for you.
I bought an Alienware Aurora desktop off of Craigslist and am trying to get the ownership transferred into my name. I made a transfer online here Ownership-Tag Transfer | Dell
but it never works. I called into Dell and they won't let me transfer it into my name unless I know the original owner's name even though on there website, if it autodetects the service tag you don't need the old owner's info.

And this computer has a 3 year full coverage warranty that I can't even use because they won't allow me to transfer it over and there website never works.

Does anyone know of an email of someone higher up that I could contact that would be understanding and fix this? Or even a phone number too...

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS!

 

You need to have their name and address.

 

well online if you autodetect the service tag, no past owner info is needed. ive done this before, its just that their website isnt working.

someone higher up should be able to fix this for me.

 

the website has been playing up for a few days now. warranty status shows as 0days but in mydashboard its correct.

 

Well in my search for the perfect labtop for me I've got it down to two companies. Either Alienware or Malibal amazingly the prices are very similar however i get to those points two different ways.

If i order the m17x r3 I'll be getting 4 gb ram 1600mhz and upgrading aftermarket to 16 gb 1600 mhz, to save money. I also was going with the 500 gb hard drive and planning to get a 64 gb SATA III off newegg.

My question is if i make both of those upgrades will it void my advanced warranty?

Also what brand of ram should i use after market?

 

With Alienware, it won't void your warranty unless you damage the system while changing components. Just remember to save the original parts in case anything happens to your system, as some techs will not do work on a system with "foreign" parts. I can't speak for Malibal as I've never owned one.

As for you RAM question, I went with the Kingston HyperX 1600 MHz and enjoy it, although I probably won't see a true difference for a couple years, lol. I know a few months ago, it was the RAM everyone was hunting for, and now there is a new one out (1866 MHz).

If you have more questions, I'd suggest you swing by the Alienware m17x forums.

 

It doesnt void your warranty, that what I like about Alienware it allow you to upgrade any hardware you like. However like Rickards said unless you damage the part. But if you do, you can always do this trick by place everything back and call Dell but dont tell them that you remove or do anything or they will tell you that you have void the warranty.

I got this idea when I ask the guy who came to replace the subwoofer, as long as you dont tell them that you change anything, you'd be fine. However if it is a minor damage I think you can use this trick but if it a major damage, if you still have the accidental warranty you can use that warranty and tell them that you accidentally drop your laptop and they'll replace it for you. And if you dont have or have expire that accident warranty then I think it would be another story.

 

Anyone with an R2 upgraded to 6970M/6990M's return their system to dell?

 

As long as nothing has been damaged. I don't know if Alienware considers GPU as a CRU, same with CPU.

 

I purchased my M11x R3 with advanced warranty while in the US on holiday, but i return home to Western Australia in 2.5 weeks.

Does anyone know the procedure for having my ownership/warranty transferred over from Dell US to Dell Australia? Who do i need to contact/what is required?

 

There you go:

Ownership-Tag Transfer | Dell

Cheers!!!

 

Would it be a warranty violation to install new RAM on your own?

Edit: I just needed to go one page back lazy me

 

I plan to buy M14x this coming Black Friday, but im worried about the warranty since i travel a lot from Canada - Mexico for 1 year periods.

Question is: Basic will have me cover in Mexico or i need to purchase advanced?

 

Not really fan of paying extended or accidental warranty but is it worth it?

1 Year Basic Warranty - Included
VS
1 Year Advanced Warranty- $48

Is is worth it?

Also do you think not leaving the nameplate to default standard nameplate will affect the resale of the laptop?

Thanks

 

Warranty is always a good thing, but accidental depends on whether you plan to juggle with it or take it on safari!

As for name plate, i wanted mine done, but the UK dont offer it. but i guess for resale, generic is the way forward.

 

Hi guys, got an M17x R3 in July, but at the time I was only willing to pay what I paid for the laptop, so I only got 1 year protection with accidental damage.

Obviously around June 2012 I'll want to upgrade, is this possible? I'm willing to pay a bit extra as I'll have a lot more money then. How much do you think it will cost?

 

I added this for 514.39 with a 75.00 gift card. Added it to the 1 year I already have.
939-0360 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis
1 996-1975 Warranty Support Service
1 996-7196 Accidental Damage Service
1 468-9859 $75 Dell Promo E-Gift Card - Arrives in 6-8 wks VIA EMAIL, carries a 90 Day Exp. Dell.com/giftcard

 

The accidental warranty is a GREAT investment at only $48 for the first year. If you spill anything, drop it, run over it with your car, punch the screen... it's covered. If they can't fix it, they'll replace it.

As for the nameplate - Have it customized any way you want, and if you are going to sell it contact Dell and tell them to send you out a blank one. As long as it's under warranty they usually have no problems doing that.

When i returned my M11x R2 and had it replaced with an R3, i kept the nameplate from the old unit. It has my name on it, it's not like they can give it to someone else. They would have just thrown it away, so i kept it and the returns agent had no problems with it.

 

Good day Ladies and Gentleman,

Total NOOB here - I simply wanted to pick your brains as to which warranty would be the best investment in your humble opinion. (I know it is a personal decision, but I appreciate any help).

Relevant info: I just purchased an Alienware m17x R3 from the Dell outlet with the following specs:

1080p screen
2820qm
580gtx

all for $1208 after $75 promo cards and 25% discount, and I still have two $75 cards yet to use. I receive delivery tomorrow.

At the time of purchase I was given the following options for warranties:
2 year in home basic - $199
3 year in home basic - $299
2 Year in home advanced (accidental) - $279
3 year in home advanced - $399.

I initially failed to purchase an extended warranty as I had to purchase via chat to use all three gift cards and the chat agent failed to offer any other warranties - my bad ultimately though. Subsequently, I contacted the same agent and then the warranty department and was told by both that I must wait for delivery before I can extend my warranty.

Two questions:
1) Which of those four warranty options would you personally choose for your own machine?
2) Do you believe I could get a more favorable price than what I listed above? I have seen some posts suggesting discounts of up to nearly $100 along with a $75 Dell gift card. I also have the "threat" of returning the machine as I am well within the 21-day return window.

Any other suggestions or tips would be much appreciated, I have read through at least 30 or so different threads in the last few weeks and still feel considerably uninformed as to my particular case. Thanx in advance.

Cheers,
Total Noob

 

I would probably go for the 2 year in home advanced. The reason is that after two years you might be looking for something different or might be voiding the warranty of it by doing something down the line. But, you would still get the convenience of (if something terrible goes wrong) for them to come out and fix it much faster rather than shipping it off and waiting weeks.

 

I'm new to this forum, and after a lot of searching through it, but I couldn't find an answer.

I purchased an m11x R1 through a third party company and it came with a 'two-year warranty' which Dell specifies as two years of XPS Technical Support and Next Business Day Support. What do these two come with? I've been recently experiencing hinge issues, as well, and a keyboard lighting issue, and I was wondering if they cover it.

Thank you in advance :3

 

My "new-to-me" M17x R2 also has the same warranty through 2014, so I'd be curious to hear the answer to this as well!

Chris

 

standard Alienware Premium Warranty in AUS is made up of 24/7 XPS Technical Support, Next Business Day Support & Parts Only warranty

 

And this covers...?

 

You get tech support through the phone and next buss day shipping on parts and a service tech to your home. Your hinge issue is covered by warranty and I believe thru a recall on the m11x's.

 

Hello

I am looking for some advice. I thought with Alienware systems re-pasting or upgrading your CPU or Graphics card you were still covered under Warrenty. Is this true. I am having all sorts of problems trying to order a new Heaatsink from them. I have an M18x and am having problems with it over heating. My re=paste with IC diamond will be good for 2 weeks then i start hitting 95-100 degrees then shut down. then i have to re-paste again. This is while running either win prime with level 3 OC.

So my thinking is maybe i have a problem with the heat sink not sitting 100% square on the CPU. I dont mind forking out the extra money for a new one to troubleshoot the problem. If it works, great, if not then i know it is something else.

Regards

 

You may be having the m18x fan issue, there is a new Bios A05 that fix's the problem. It was a system wide problem with the 6990 gpu's if you don't have 6990 then you have another problem the fix is here.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/629157-m18x-bios-a05-released-discuss-here.html

 

Hello

Thanks for your reply.

I think the A05 bios only addressed problems with the ATI graphics cards. My problem is the CPU getting hot too quick when running the likes of win Prime.

Any way my original question was only to ask if the Dell Rep is correct in saying that my Warrenty is now Void because i let him know that i Re-Pasted my CPU?? I thought this was a pretty standard thing to do. CPU paste does not last for ever. And i am quite sure if i was to phone Dell up every 6 months or so for a re-Paste they would tell me where to go.....

 

UPDATE:

I phoned up Dell uk today. They have confirmed i no longer have my Warenty for my 4 month old M18x because i re-pasted my CPU without contacting them first. Be aware guys this does void your warrenty!!

And to make things worse when i asked them to sell my a new heat sink they said they can no longer sell me parts like this for my M18x because i no longer have a warrenty with them! Can they do this?? So i have no support for this £4500 laptop. If any one knows where else i can buy this heat sink:HD9NJ i would appreciate any help. There is one on ebay just now but the seller only ships to the US and there is no way to contact him through ebay.

Cheers Guys.

 

This is pretty normal....

How can they now know if a fault is because the machine is faulty or if you broke it when playing with it ?

 

Wow first i heard of this..They have sent me mother board and paste to change out my cpu myself. I did have permission to do it. It probably did not pay to tell them you re-pasted it. I know lots of people do it and even put third party cpu's in, you just don't kiss and tell. Glade I know where they stand.

 

Happy holidays to all at the alienware side of NBR. My warranty to my R2 is bout to expire around the end of January. Currently my system is protected with XPS Tech Support, and Next Buisness day support, that came when I purchased the system. When I looked to renew my warranty this was available:
One year. Basic Next Day Onsite after Remote Diagnosis [$279.77]
Two years. Basic Next Day Onsite after Remote Diagnosis [add $138.93]
Maximum duration. Basic Next Day Onsite after Remote Diagnosis [add $298.23]

I was told by a dell rep (not an alienware one), that this is the same warranty I have now. What I would like to know is, is it the same? Has anyone had any issues with dell/alienware tech support while on the extended warranty? For final thoughts I am using a certified refurbished from dell outlet.

And as always many thanks in advance, NBR is the best!

 

Sounds right it is the same warranty..I got 1 year complete care added to this basic 1 year and added 2 year complete care with an added 2nd year basic care all NBD on site..for 529.00 with a 75.00 gift care to offset the price.

 

Thanks alienwolf, this would actually be my first time buying an extended warranty for anything. If the terms of service are what they say then its a pretty cheap way to keep my alienware up to speed.

 

hi i got a question. say if i send them the laptop to get it fix, will i have to pay for shipping going to dell and coming back to me? i live in sri lanka btw

 

I do not think you do, of course could be wrong, they should send you shipping info if you are getting a warranty repair. Outside of warranty you may be shelling out some $$$.

 

Does anyone have any experience with extending a Dell warranty? I got this m15x a few years ago as a replacement from Dell, and it's been off of warranty for about a year. It could definitely use some repairs, as the ac adapter or the dc jack is on the way out. Would it be worth it to go back onto warranty (at a steep 350ish price,) just to be sure?