What am I allowed to replace/disassemble on my computer?

Hi everyone,
Over the course of this forum, this very same question has been coming up from time to time. There is a very clear chart that defines what you can and cannot do - courtesy of Dell of Course. Since most of use are now sporting the new M17X, the chart now applies.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/csr/csr_matrix?c=us&l=en&s=gen

Thanks,
Gabe

 

usually memory , hdd

 

I don't see the Dell Alienware line in this list? (Or doesn't it work this way?)

 

That's an old list. The XPS laptop line isn't even listed. CSR parts would basically be exactly what Tinder mentioned above -

- HDD
- Memory

- and keyboard (since its so easy to get to)

The no brainer parts would also include:

- Power Adapter

Anything else is internal and not easily accessible. I would imagine Dell will require a tech for any other component (i.e. CPU, GPU, Optical Drive, etc.).

 

I don't want to start arguing with gabe on this subject (did that before ) but Dell has let me replace my gpu's and motherboard in my previous XPS machines.

All the tech on the phone said before sending out the part was "Sir, any damage caused by you during installation will not be covered. Do you still want to proceed with a self-install?". And from then on they have been sending me "non-customer removeable parts".

Just for an FYI, if you ask and explain that you know what you are doing, they will overnight you the part.

 

Dell actually got sued big time for that. One of the reasons was the customer self-installation instead of a technician.

 

Could you please provide a link? I want to read more on that.

Dell has been sending me parts like I stated for a long time now. lol

I guess the suit wasn't serious enough for them to stop

 

Heres a quick google: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Technology/Story?id=3179394&page=1

They are sending you parts and making you install it at the risk of your own warranty, which is silly.

 

Ok.

If people were paying extra for an in-home warranty and expected/wanted a tech to come and didn't, I can understand the frustration there.

I really don't expect my grandmother to self-install a mobo. hahaha

I got the crappiest warranty I could get, which was return to depot (mail-in), and requested that the parts get sent to me. lol

My situation is kinda opposite from that lawsuit -- I wanted them to send me the parts to install

To be extremely honest, I wouldn't let any of the Banctec/Qualxservwhoever techs come NEAR my laptop.....

 

I can totally see where you are coming from sleey. Problem that arises is if say the motherboard fails and you do go to replace it yourself, if something happens and the system fries or even the motherboard is DOA - Dell can argue that you caused the damage and that they will not cover it.

Even if the tech botches it, Dell has to fix it - be it a system replacement or repair or whatever.

I do here you though. I had a tech short the MB on my XPS M1710. It took two more tech visits before they had it working. Could I have done it myself? Of course. Since I paid for the warranty, I'll let them do it. If they jack it up its on them... and if they really damage it, well guess what? NEW MACHINE argument time.

With the M17x however, I'm a bit worried. Most of the QualX noobs haven't even seen an M17x let alone taken one apart. lol

 

Hi,
I realise the chart is a little dated. I was just using it as an example for a point of reference. A lot of things you see on the chart won't change for the newer systems. I'm sure I'll be seeing an up to date chart.

Thanks,
Gabe