HUGE problems with M17X - Need advice!

hey guys, i bought my m17x around 3 months ago. Over the last 2months, ive re-installed windows 3 times, had the motherboard, hard drives and both graphics cards replaced (TWICE!). After the graphics cards and motherboard were replaced today, my entire operating system was wiped..same problem as last time.

Dell (Australia) wants to AGAIN replace my hard drives and reinstall windows. My reply was that i want a refund or a completely new computer. So, they have emailed some department who decide what happens next.

Does anyone have advice for me?What should i do if they reject my demand for a new laptop?
To be honest, at the price I paid, it is unfair that I received such a terrible piece of . Totally lost faith in the product at the moment.

 

kinda hard to help when all you do is trash dell and not tell me what is actually wrong

 

sounds like a raid 0 issue

 

okay..today a tech was sent to my home, because of severe overheating issues. Literally, u didnt want to touch the laptop. So, they replaced both graphics cards(including heat sinks) and the motherboard. windows would start to load, however i only had a black screen indicating "Operating System Not Found". The technician had NO idea why, as raid 0 was set up correctly on bios,etc.
So he suggested speak to dell support.
Dell have then decided out of nowhere that i need to replace my hard drives. This would be the second time in as many months this has happened. THe first time, same problem, "operating system not found" and hard drives were replaced.

The only help im requesting is what do ppl suggest i do in terms of dealing with dell. The product is clearly not working as it should, with 7+ major parts having being replaced.

 

Nighthook, if you are set on seeking a refund or replacement and your previous contact with the rep doesn't go anywhere, you can also try this:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5713924

May not obtain a refund or exchange, but its the route to use if you are not getting anywhere with phone support.

 

appreciate the link batboy! Im hoping it doesnt come down to anything too bad, but they seemed pretty determined to replace hard drives for a second time, which just seemed odd to me.
Just so u guys know, im not here to bad mouth dell either. Ive used dell for over 10yrs and have usually found them a helpful and trustworthy company. im only concerned about the actual product i possess.

ty again

 

No problem - everyone gets frustrated when dealing with tech support

Remember, if they do a third swap and the problems are still present, insist on a replacement.

 

The whole ALL POWERFUL line should be supplied with a bigger user manual IMHO.
This is not an ordinary laptop. The fact that it costs a lot of money, doesn't mean it will fly by itself and have no issues. A lot of care required for it (like for any expensive car).
Of course sometimes we do encounter problems software and hardware alike, but when you say that so many parts were replaced so many times, it can only mean that there was a lot of misunderstanding and maybe misuse (from both your and techs' side).

I suggest two options:

1) Learn the product if you really like it. There is a finite number of issues that can arise.

2) Return it for a refund and buy something else.


P.S>> If by huge problems you mean stuttering and lock-ups, ask Dell to replace your cards with ATI 4870s, it will fix the issue, as 280s + Nvidia chipset do not play together in this machine.

Good luck!

 

i am a full time student. The only programs on my computer are office ultimate, adobe and the like. I PVP on world of warcraft once every week or so (no mods)...i haven't even looked at bad stuff on it! So, something tells me that its not misuse of the system. At the end of the day, the tech guy on the phone had NO idea how to assist me, consulted with his supervisor and decided another replaced hard drive will fix the problems. Dont think i want to waste my time doing it all again, tis all.

 

Could you, please describe what problems did you have with it ? Like Moo said, it's hard to assist when you are not giving us details.

 

What temp monitoring software did you use? What temps did you see? Where the fans working properly? Was the machine in a dusty room/ uneven surface, blocking the fans...etc.
Try bringing us more details.

 

my first ever problem was that cpu and ram were running at 90% continuously, unresolved after software techs found no cause. Was thought to be a virus, but it was not found in codeing. Literally, over 30 anti-virus, maleware,etc programs were used by dell to check the computer, and nothing was found. Fresh install of win7 proved to be successful

if u scroll up i mention:
- operating system not found. the first time this happened, the screen was go black by itself. Dell tech had me system repair. Upon restart, system had been completely wiped, including backup points. A hard drive and graphics card (and something else i cannot recall) were replaced.

- ever since last issue, the computer would heat up ALOT, even if the system was idle(on desktop with no programs running), and even if the weather was cold. I am not joking, when i say that it would become too hot to touch. Ontop of the heating issue, gameplay could only be done at half graphics running at 15fps. SOlution was to replace both graphics cards and motherboard.

- immediately after replacement of graphics cards and motherboard, same issue as previously seen, screen black. Again, dell wish to replace the hard drives. Seems like a cycle of replacing, hence why im hear today.

Requesting a replacement may seem to some to be a little over the top, but when ur a full time student who had to save fora while to get this machine, it seems unfair and wrong to let the problem slide. Replacement means unlikely repeat of the above, especially since the dell tech who came to my home, said that they have had no other computer with as many problems.
i dont know if i can elaborate any further on my problem

sorry just to edit cos i just saw the last message, i wasnt running software for temp monitoring. It was obviously too hot, because u wouldnt touch it. I once had a computer running at 80 degrees celcius and that was mild in comparison. COmputer was on a wooden desk and there was NO dust in the room. Tiled surface in the room with constant airflow.

 

One time you needed to tenable raid

another was driver issue

another was a bad driver install

 

no offence moo, cos i do appreciate ur input, but if it were this easy, why have dell replaced so many parts and spent hours with me on the phone?

I could be wrong and it really COULD be as you said, however i just feel like the product i received was flawed. I still maintain, however, that dell is a reputable company and will continue to have me as a customer.

edit: just to add, cos i know some1 will go there, every install and update,etc, was under the supervision of a dell technician. The cost of the computer and my limited overall experience in dealing with computer problems left me with no choice, but to have them take me step through step.

 

just spoke to the department of fair trading in my state, and since the computer was purchased froma store in my state, Dell MUST give a refund or replacement, upon consumer demand. Somewhat comforting.

 

Just letting you know one of them was just as simple as raid getting turned off when the swapped mobos or flashed the bios

drivers can mess up and lock up the clocks n cause it to over heat

black screens usually mean faulty gpu but are more commonly associated with bad drivers

 

Lol, as simple as that.
That is true, a couple of driver issues and a lost RAID after BIOS flash / mobo replacement/etc.


Dell hires outsourcing IT companies to deliver the service - hence, broken machines and poor progress in fixing problems.

 

In your case I suggest getting a refund.
If you buy another gaming laptop make sure to come here before you call Dell

 

lol i agree. thinking about just settling for a gaming desktop instead..either way..appreciate everyones help

 

no problem

good luck