USB Port -- broken ?!

I have a mobile mouse for my laptop (with one of those mini-transceivers). I went to use the mouse today and it wasn't working, so I looked at the USB port and the transceiver was gone. After searching around the house, I decided to just plug in another mouse -- LO AND BEHOLD -- the transceiver was still in the USB port, but apparently jammed in and broke the USB port. I must've had something happen (maybe moving around in the car) or dropping the laptop bag -- I really don't remember anything violent happening.

Anyway -- has anyone had this happen? Do you think Dell will repair? Also, I have an SSD installed and I upgraded the screen with an AUO FHD. Would they just repair the issue and leave everything else as it should be?

Also, it didn't just disable the one port (left side, facing screen). It took out both the USB 3.0 ports on the back (those don't look damaged from the outside, but probably are inside, or maybe shorted?). The plastic 4-contact prong inside the USB port is loose inside, but can't be pulled all the way out, nor does it seem to have enough range of motion to fall all the way into the case.

This is on an XPS 17 (1st Gen)

 

Do you have a picture of the damage? And Dell will not fix broken USB ports under warranty unless you have accidental damage.

 

If a tech comes to your house they won't care about the SSD/screen. Now if you end up sending it in, take your drives out, and swap the screen back, there is always a chance at these repair warehouses that you get back a different system...or a tech might take your nice SSD! (Note this is typical of all repair places, not a shot just at Dell).

Also, is there a piece of the USB receiver stuck in the USB port? If so, power down, pull the battery and power cord, and see if you can remove it. It might be causing a short in the USB system, removing the broken connector MIGHT get the ports all working again, if they didn't get permanent damage.

 

Yeah, as the above post stated, replacing CRU's do not void your warranty, though many people like to put back the original hardware to prevent such an incident of a missing SSD. Though if Dell finds out the CRU (Customer Replaceable Unit) was indeed the cause of the fault, then you potentially might be billed for an out of warranty charge as Dell isn't liable for XX CRU.

 

Thanks for the suggestions (ALL).

I was able to remove the USB receiver entirely. It still works (plugged into the eSATA/USB port). But the prong thinger inside the USB port is broken/floppy.

I guess I'll pull the SSD out. Hate to do the screen again, but might just do it to send it in. I don't know exactly what my warranty covers.

"Rapid Response Depot CTS 1/26/2011 1/26/2012 142"

 

Usually Dell's warranty is in-home repair after diagnostics over the phone, unless you changed it while ordering. Call them and see what they want to do. If they send someone to you, don't remove anything, they won't take your system away from you.

 

I don't know that Dell's warranty repair is USUALLY in Home. Pretty sure you have to pay for that kind of warranty. This was an outlet machine and had a 1 year mail-in warranty.

At any rate -- I called and they offered to replace the motherboard after some very simple diagnostics. I was told yesterday it's back on it's way to me, and repaired.

I also have an XPS 15 - and I went to use the TV Tuner for the first time today (it's my wife's machine, and I'm using it since my XPS 17 is gone). Turns out the TV tuner port is set in too far and I can't plug in the antenna. GAR! Guess I gotta send this one in, too.

But, very glad they were willing to take care of the USB port even thought it might've been my fault. I still don't know how it happened, other than I have to assume it was an impact issue.

 

I too got a wireless mouse with those tiny receivers but I would not dare connect the mini transmitter into the USB port. Right away from Monoprice I ordered a couple of 1.5 ft USB extension cables and connected the mini transmitter to the USB extension.

 

Quoting myself -- I got my XPS 17 back -- TV tuner wasn't set right in repair and was set in too far to work -- just like the wife's XPS 15. Fan-freaking-tastic.