Hell With Dell: Dell XPS710 H2C - Dell's Trouble Machine

Hell with Dell
Dell XPS710 H2C - Dell's Trouble Machine
In February 2007 I bought the Dell XPS710 H2C (Dell XPS 710 H2C @ Hardware.info)
It would have been a great machine if it wasn't for the blue screen I see all the time with
the message
MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION : STOP 0x0000009C (0x00000000, 0xBA364050,
0xB2000040, 0x00000800)
After some googling I found out that this is caused by hardware problems. I've had this
problem from day 1, and it happens very often (like every third time I turn on the PC),
always on startup. So after a period I contacted Dell Support (via support web form).
1st of May 2007

Klevstul:
A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to
prevent damage to your computer. MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION
Error Message
Techincal information: *** STOP: 0x0000009C (0x00000000,
0xBA364050, 0xB2000040, 0x00000800)
On boot I randomly get the bluescreen with the error
"MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION". My only option is then to restart the
Problem Description:
machine. So far the machine has started normally again after a couple of
retries.
Troubleshooting: Search on Google but haven't found any solution to this.
from Frode Klevstul
A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to
errormsg
prevent damage to your computer. MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION
Techincal information: *** STOP: 0x0000009C (0x00000000,
0xBA364050, 0xB2000040, 0x00000800)
On boot I randomly get the bluescreen with the error
"MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION". My only option is then to restart the
comment
machine. So far the machine has started normally again after a couple of
retries.
troubleshoot Search on Google but haven't found any solution to this.
CaseNo 20070501120633388
CS_CustomerServiceTopic Datamaskin
CS_IssueCategory Datamaskin
CS_OperatingSystem Windows XP
CS_RequestingORG EMEA_CTS_01
CS_SystemLabel XPS/Dimension XPS 710 Europe

CS_old_case_number
CS_dellserv_case_number
CS_SystemFriendlyName XPS/Dimension XPS 710
CS_TechnicalSupportTopicDatamaskin
CS_Topic Datamaskin
DateSubmitted 05/01/2007
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SentTo no_eng_xps_dimension_support@dell.com
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SubjectLine Case #: 20070501120633388
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Dell:
It would be advisable to run diagnostics on your system.

Run a 32 bit diagnostics on the full system.
Dell Resource and Diagnostics CD is delivered along with the system. Please use this cd to run the
Dell 32 bit diagnostics. For information on how to run the diagnostics follow the steps given below:
Switch the machine off.
Restart the machine and immediately start tapping F12.
The system enters Boot menu
Insert the 'drivers and utilities' cd into the drive.
Go to cdrom option and press enter.

Now, while rebooting, there should be an option saying BOOT TO CD
Choose the option as quick as possible, and the system boots to cd.
Now run the Dell 32 bit diagnostics on the system.

If there are any errors reported please note them and mail us back or contact our telephone support
line on 0870 366 4180.
I did this, and no errors were reported. My Dell was still a "Bluescreen Wonder".
So I contacted Dell again and of course they told me to reinstall Windows XP
(the easy way out when they have no idea what's wrong).
As all of the Hardware has passed the diagnostics check, it seems that the next step to take in order to
resolve this issue is to format the Hard Drive and reinstall the Operating System. Please ensure that
you have backed up all data before proceeding as everyting will be wiped from the system by
following this process:
Formatting the Hard Drive and Reinstalling Windows.
******************************
******************************
Go to the Boot Device Menu. ( Restart the system and tap the F12 key several times on the Dell logo
screen).
Insert your Windows XP CD.
Boot from onboard or USB CD Rom.
Press any key quickly when you see the prompt.
Blue Screen ? Windows Setup
Press Enter to Start Windows XP Setup
F8 ? I agree
Escape to Continue Setup a New Version of Windows XP
Highlight the Large Partition
D to delete partition
Enter to confirm
L to confirm Deletion
Highlight the un-Partitioned space
C to create New Partition
Enter To Create
Enter To Select the Partition New Raw
Enter To Format this Partition using the NTFS File System
Count to 100% Formatting
To install your drivers, put your Drivers and Utilities disc into the CD ROM drive. Once it loads up,
navigate to the Drivers page. You should notice a list of Drivers, and each Driver you require will
have a ?tick? beside it. The Driver which must be installed first is the ?SM Bus Controller? driver.
Click on ?SM Bus Controller?>>> On the page that appears, scroll down and click on ?Extract All
Files?>>> Now follow the onscreen prompts to install the driver (Next, Continue, Yes etc?.)>>>
Restart the System for the driver to take effect.
Now follow this exact process for each of the other drivers with ?ticks? beside them.
Let me know if this resolves the issue.
Regards,
Dell XPS Technical Support.
Reinstalling the entire OS is a huge job, and why the crap should I do that when it looked
like some hardware failure? Nah, the Support people don't fool me with those easy
solutions. I waited a longer period and contacted Dell Support once more. I first tried
contacting them through the online chat. But that was impossible since I only got an "500 -
Server Processing Error" on Dell's website.
But at least sending them emails did work. It's quite unfortunate that I experience nothing
but problems with Dell. I assumed their support being top notch (and I thought the XPS
Dells where good as well), however so far I'm far from impressed. Anyhow, I wrote an email
saying I had re-installed the OS without luck (OK, I did lie, but what can you do?).
2nd of February 2008

Klevstul:
I've now reinstalled everything and it didn't help at all. I keep getting those bluescreens on
startup...
8th of March 2008

Finally, after 1 month and six days I got an answer from Dell. How it's possible to use that
much time on such a simple answer is to me not possible to understand.
Hello,
Sincere apologies for the lengthily delay in replying to you. There is a backlog in the email system
that is currently being cleared, again apologies for the delay
Please can you contact the support center and speak with one of the XPS experts and they will try
to resolve the problem over the phone, otherwise they will send out an engineer to you with any
replacement part to reolve the problem.
Belgium +32 (0)24819288
Denmark +45 70230182
Netherlands +31 (0)206744500
Norway +47 67116882
Sweden +46 859005199
Switzerland 0844-822-844
Thanks
XSP Support
12th of March 2008
Called Dell Support. However the Email-Support person did manage to give me the wrong
number, after having been in line for ten minutes I was asked to call 815 35 043 which was
the number for Dell XPS support. The guy I met there was very helpful. He concluded with
me having some problems with the Motherboard in the XPS. A technician was ordered for
this Friday, in other words in two days.
14th of March 2008

The technician from Dell came today. On the phone he told me it was a 15 minutes
operation, however he was wrong. The XPS is huge, and so it the motherboard. It took
about 30 minutes to dismount the machine, swap the motherboards and connect it back up.
When we started the machine again the screen was black. Nothing at all showed up. The
technician concluded with the motherboard being faulty and decided to remove the new and
install the old one again. However when he was dismounting again he discovered that he
had wrongly connected the slave graphic card as master, and visa versa. After fixing that
we tried starting again. This time we got some floppy error, fan pump error among other
things. Once more he discovered he had done wrong in connecting the hardware to the new
motherboard. It took five tries before he had it right. I can't say I was too impressed by
him, but then again he was a nice guy and he did his best (but I'd rather get a grumpy guy
who knew what he was doing). All in all a "15 minutes job" took two and a half hours.
But at the moment I'm writing this on my "old" XPS with the brand new motherboard. I
have restarted the machine a few times and not seen any bluescreen at all. So the end of
this story is a good one. After one year of bluescreen'ing the XPS is healed!
29th of March 2008

I though my computer was healed, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. Now
I've started getting problem with one of my optical drives of the type "16x DVD+/-RW &
48X CDRW/DVD Combo Drive". Twice I've got the following message on startup: "Drive 5
not found: Serial ATA, SATA-5". Going into BIOS setup only gives me information that
Controller = Serial ATA on port SATA-5 has an Unknown Drive ID. I have to restart the
machine to get the drive working again.
Another problem has also started. The sound from the right channel has a tendency of
falling out. At the moment I have no idea why this happens, the only thing I know that I've
never had problems with those speakers before (of the type BOSE Companion 3 series II).
Since this only happens once in a while I've so far not managed to find out if there is
something wrong with my speakers or something with my soundcard. I expect the latter
since this problem started just after I got the new motherboard. I'll try to swap speakers to
see if that helps.
Once again I have to contact XPS Support.
4th of April 2008

Answer received from Support with more questions, below is my reply:
Please Clarify your issue by answering the following questions:-

1) How long are you facing the issue?
This happened just after I got a new motherboard, mid-March.
2) Did you make any hardware or software changes after which the issue
began?
Yes, I got a new motherboard. A Dell technician changed it due to hardware problems with
the old one.
3) Are you able to use your DVD Drive ?
Not when the machine starts with the error described. Otherwise, yes.
4) Do you see your DVD Drive when you open My Computer?
Not when the machine starts with the error described. Otherwise, yes.
5) Check your Device manager?
Yes. Nothing there when error occur, otherwise everything OK.
Best regards,
Frode Klevstul
8th of April 2008

New answer from Dell arrived in my inbox:
Dear Mr. Klevstul

Thank you for your reply,
In order to resolve your issue please perform the following steps:-
Open up the system tower
Reseat the connection of the Optical drive, hard drive.
Restart computer.
Enter system Bios check if the DVD drive is enabled or not.
Disable SATA Drive 5
Change the Boot sequence making the hard drive the first option and DVD drive the second.
Please perform the above steps and check if you are getting the error message or not.
Dear Mr. Klevstul , thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you. Your case number for this
interaction is 524874001 . Please keep this number for your records; it will help us keep track of
this issue so we can better assist you if you have any further questions or concerns about your
issue.
Thank you again for contacting Dell XPS Hardware E-Support.
Respectfully,
Preety Kumar
8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Mon – Fri
Dell XPS Hardware E-Support
12th of April 2008

Finally I had time to look at this, and answer Dell
OK, you mean reSEAT and not reset. OK, I've unplugged the drive, and plugged it back in again. For
the time being it works, but my guess is that when the Dell Technician recently changed my
motherboard he has been a bit sloppy when connecting everything back together again. It might be
the cable connecting the drives to the motherboard.
Regards,
Frode Klevstul
14th of April 2008

New answer from Dell. Guess I'll wait and see then if this fixed the problem. I'm in doubt...
Dear Mr. Klevstul

Greetings from Dell!
Thank you for your reply.
It is good to know that the computer is workin fine now. You can keep a check on the system and if
you face any issues, do not hesitate to write back to me.
Thank you again for contacting Dell Hardware E-Support
22th of April 2008

Today the same thing happened again, "Drive 5 not found". In other words this problem
wasn't solved at all (as expected). A new mail is sent to support.
1st of May 2008

Email received from Dell Support:
Dear Mr. Klevstul,
Thank you for your reply,
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that you are getting the error message again
“Drive 5 not found: Serial ATA, SATA-5 “.
In order to fix the issue please perform the following steps:-
Restart computer.
On the Dell Splash screen Tap F2 function key until you see the System setup screen.
Highlight drives option press EntreGo to the Drives option. Please send me the detail of the device
connected on SATA 0,1,2,3,4,5,6
Please reply so that I can assist you in a better manner.
Mr. Klevstul, thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you. Your case number for this
interaction is 608471220. Please keep this number for your records; it will help us keep track of
issue.
7th of May 2008

Due to a lot of work lately I didn't have time replying before a week later. Dell sent me
another reminder and they even called me to see how it went. I have to say that I'm very
pleased with that!
Hi.
Sorry for my late reply. However here are the details:
Controller details:
Controller: Serial ATA | Serial ATA | Serial ATA | Serial ATA | Serial ATA | Serial ATA
Port: SATA-0 | SATA-1 | SATA-2 | SATA-3 | SATA-4 | SATA-5
Drive details:
Drive ID: WDC... | WDC... | WDC... | WDC... | Sony CD-RW/ DVD-ROM
CRX310S | TSSTcorp DVD+/-RW TS-A653A
Capacity: 160GB | 160GB | 500GB | 500GB |
n/a |
n/a
BIOS: RAID BIOS | RAID BIOS | System BIOS | SYSTEM BIOS |
n/a | n/a
The one I'm having problems with is marked with red (SATA-5):
Controller: Serial-ATA
Port: SATA-5
Drive ID: TSSTcorp DVD+/-RW TS-A653A
Best regards,
Frode Klevstul
8th of May 2008
New answer from Dell:
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that the DVD drive is connected to the SATA port
5.
Please reset all the cables to you DVD drive and check the functioning of the DVD drive. If it is not
working or you are getting the same error message again please let be know so that I can provide
you the best possible resolution.
And new response from me:
Hi.
It's not easy to reset all cables for that DVD drive inside the XPS. Having opened it I see that I will
have to dismount a lot of hardware components to be able to reach the point where the cable from
the DVD drive connects to the motherboard. To be honest I don't want to start dismounting my PC
in fear of damaging something. Specially after seeing how much trouble the Dell technician who
changed my motherboard had managing getting all together again.
12th of May 2008

Dell:
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that you are unable to reseat the optical drive.
Please refer to the following link which gives the detailed instruction of how to reseat the DVD drive.
https://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps710/en/OM_EN/html/
parts.htm#wp1132092
If you are still not comfortable to do so please let me know.
Are you getting the same error message or not?
Please check whether you DVD drive is working or not? I not I will replace it.
Change the boot sequence in BIOS.
Restart computer
Press F2 function jey to enter system setup screen
Go to System highlight Boot sequence press enter
Press U/D to change the Sequence of drives Make your hard drive the first option
Press Esc Save changes and exit.
I would appreciate if you reply by e-mail and let me know whether the issue has been resolved.
Klevstul:
What about:
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due
to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
If I manage to damage something while doing this it sounds like my warranty will be invalidated.
Am I right about this?
And the link provided does not explain how to get access to where the CD-ROM cables are accessed
to the motherboard. It's OK where the cables connects to the C- ROM, but I fear it might be where
the cables are connected to the motherboard that is the problem. It seems I have to remove a lot of
components to access this part of the PC.
13th of May 2008

I mentioned earlier that I discovered that my right speaker did fall out sometimes while
playing music. That issue somehow managed to fix itself. No idea what caused the problem
or how it was solved. However the DVD-issue is still going strong.
Dell:
If there would be any damage in reseating the cables it will be covered under warranty.
19th of May 2008

Klevstul:
Sorry for my late reply. Due to travelling and a lot of work recently I haven't had time for doing this
yet.
I will dismount my entire XPS machine as soon as possible, to be able to reseat the connection for
the CD-ROM cabel on the motherboard. Glad to hear that doing this is covered under warranty since
I've never done this before, and since even the Dell technician had problems doing the same thing.
I'll let you know how this goes.
Dell:
I went through your email and I can understand that you have not performed the steps yet that I
requested you to perform in the previous email.
I would request you to perform these steps as per your convenience and write back to me with the
results, Once I have this information I will be able to assist you further. I am sure that performing
these steps will surely resolve the problem that you are experiencing with.
I will be waiting for your reply.
20th of May 2008
Time to start dismounting the XPS. I can't say I'm looking forward to doing it. First of all it
sucks disconnecting all the cables to the XPS (due to the way it's placed in my living room).
Secondly I reckon it's going to take at least an hour.
OK, shutting down in 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1..[silence : 20th of May 11:30 pm]

.....
Ahhhhh, back to life again [20th of May 11:55]

OK, I was wrong. There was actually no problem reseating all cables to/from the DVD-ROM
without dismounting anything inside the XPS. So this entire process took not longer than 25
minutes. Sweet. The PC started nicely the first time after the reseating, but since the error
just occurs once in a while it's too early if doing this had an effect or not.
Klevstul:
Finally I've managed to reseat the cables. Now I'll just have to wait and see if the same problem
occurs again.
25th of May 2008

It looks like reseating the DVD-ROM did the trick. At least I haven't experience any
problems for the last five days. Maybe my XPS finally is cured...
Klevstul:
I'm writing to inform you that after I reseated the DVD-ROM I haven't experienced any problems.
So I hope that this issue is solved and that this case can be closed. In case I experience new
problems I'll let you know.
26th of May 2008

Dell:
Dear Mr. Klevstul

Greetings from Dell…!
It is good to know that the computer is working fine now. You can keep a check on the system and
if you face any issues, do not hesitate to write back to me.
Mr. Klevstul, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you. Your case number for this
interaction is 608471220.
Thank you again for contacting Dell Hardware E-Support.
28th of May 2008

CRAP!!! Once again the same error occurred. I'm getting fu%&#ing tired of having
problems with my Dell machine.
Klevstul:
I'm sorry to report this, but once again I experience problems with my machine. Upon startup I got
the same error as earlier: "Drive 5 not found: Serial ATA, SATA-5". I have to say that I'm losing
patience with this Dell XPS machine of mine. I've had problems with this since day 1, all in all for
one and a half year.
29th of May 2008

Dell:
Dear Mr. Klevstul,

I can completely understand how annoying it is if the same issue appears again with the hard
drivers. The issue that you are facing could be due to corruption in the RAID array or the second
hard drive has failed. So, considering the RAID problem, I first suggest you to perform the steps
given below:
NOTE: The steps would be applicable only if the system is stable for at least 1 or 2 minutes.
*Boot in safe mode.
Boot the system in safe mode. To boot to Safe Mode in Microsoft Windows Vista, perform the
following steps:
Start the computer.
* Tap F8 on the keyboard during the startup process until you see the
Windows Advanced Options Menu on the screen.
NOTE: If the Windows Advanced Options Menu does not appear, restart the system and try again
Select Safe mode and press <Enter>.
* Log on as the administrator or as a user with administrative access.
* Right Click My computer Icon on the desktop.
*Click Start-Programs-Intel Matrix Storage Manager and click the left mouse button on drive with
fault message, then advance and reset it to normal.
If the issue persists even after resetting the faulty drive to normal, the hard drive can be faulty. So,
to check the functionality of the hard drive, I would request you to run the following diagnostics:
1.Reboot the system.
2. Press F12 when the Dell logo is displayed.
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate down to 32-bit Dell Diagnostics and press Enter
4. Click the Express test button
In case the Dell 32-bit Diagnostics Express test is not available, please run the Drive Self Test (90/
90). To run the Drive Self Test (90/90) on the hard drive, perform the following steps:
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate down to Hard Drive Diagnostics and press Enter.
4. Obtain the error code, if any.
Please write back to me with the exact result displayed by the Diagnostics.
9th of June 2008

Klevstul:
*Boot in safe mode.

OK
* Right Click My computer Icon on the desktop.
Why? To do what?
*Click Start-Programs-Intel Matrix Storage Manager and click the left mouse button on drive with
fault message,
then advance and reset it to normal.
There is no "Intel Matrix Storage" program anywhere on my computer
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate down to Hard Drive Diagnostics and press Enter.
4. Obtain the error code, if any.
The diagnostics program seems to hang. How long should this take? I've
tried running it twice without anything happening.
10th of June 2008

Dell:
I'll go ahead and create a service for replacement of the hard drivers. Technician will replace the
part along with the installation of the operating system and the drivers.
I request you to back up your data as reinstallation will cause data lose.
Klevstul:
Just to make it clear, when writing about "the hard drivers" you're talking about the hard drives?
Why changing those? I don't have problems with my hard drives, it's my DVD ROM that seems to be
the problem.
11th of June 2008
Obviously Dell Support is not very interested in answering any questions (or they might not
know what they're talking about?).
Dell:
Dear Mr. Klevstul,

please provide me the information I'll go ahead and replace the Optical drive along with the hard
drive as to avoid the reoccurring of the RAID failure issue.
14th of June 2008

Klevstul:
I managed to run the Hard Drive Diagnostics program. It just took a lot of time (I didn't wait long
enough last time I tried). Here is the result:
Drive 0: WDC WD1600ADFS-75SLR2 - Pass
Drive 1: WDC WD1600ADFS-75SLR2 - Pass
Drive 2: WDC WD5000AAKS-00TMA0 - Pass
Drive 3: WDC WD5000AAKS-00TMA0 - Pass
Drive 4: Sony CD-RW/DVD-ROM CRX310S - Diagnostics not supported
Drive 5: TSSTcorp DVD+/-RW TS-H653A - Diagnostics not supported
Drive 6: No device
Drive 7: No device
So obviously everything is fine with my hard drives, and there is no RAID failure. Or?
The error occurs for drive 5 "TSSTcorp DVD+/-RW TS-H653A".
16th of June 2008

Dell:
Dear Mr. Klevstul,

Please do not worry will go ahead and replace the DVD Drive. It would be very kind of you to tell me
if you are comfortable replacing the Drive on your own. If not I can very well create a service for a
technician with the part and he can replace it for you.
To initiate the onsite service delivery, it is very important to have all the below mentioned
information for an early closure of the current issue in hand. Please provide me the following
details:
1. Contact Name:
2. Address: (from your original order/ invoice)
3. Address where technician will visit to perform service:
Street Address:
City:
County:
Post Code:
4. Daytime Phone Number (Cell# preferred):
5. Alternate contact name:
6. Alternate Phone:
7. Also, it is important to confirm your availability for the next two business days at the above
mentioned address between 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
8. Please confirm if the following parts of your system are intact and functioning properly. This will
help us to bypass any unforeseen trouble with the system that may arise in future. These parts if
faulty are subject to replacement in terms with the warranty coverage of your system.
a) System plastics :
b) Keyboard Keys:
c) Mouse:
d) Systems Ports:
e) Optical drive such as DVD\CDRW Drive:
f) Any other noticeable technical disruption\suspect or system abuse visible:
9. From the current issue reported and diagnosed, the service technician is expected to schedule a
call with you next business day once the call has been logged to confirm the time for onsite service.
You are expected to be available at your above address when technician visits to replace the part.
10. Any new fault found might involve few more interaction(s) to diagnose and fix the issue.
Mr. Klevstul,Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you. Your case number for this
interaction is 610870546
Klevstul:
Replacing the DVD Drive should be no problem. I think I'll manage doing that myself.
1. Contact Name:
Frode Klevstul
7. Also, it is important to confirm your availability for the next two business days at the above
mentioned address between 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Since no technician is needed I guess this point isn't relevant.
8. Please confirm if the following parts of your system are intact and functioning properly. This
will help us to bypass any unforeseen trouble with the system that may arise in future. These
parts if faulty are subject to replacement in terms with the warranty coverage of your system.
a) System plastics : OK
b) Keyboard Keys: OK
c) Mouse: OK
d) Systems Ports: OK
e) Optical drive such as DVD\CDRW Drive: no - one of the drives is the problem
f) Any other noticeable technical disruption\suspect or system abuse visible: no
Dell:
Dear Mr. Klevstul,

Greetings from Dell...!
Thank you for providing the requested information.
I would like to inform you that the service for the replacement of DVD Drive has been created on
this reference number 12020402347 . You will get the replacement 3 to 5 next business day. The
courier guy can visit any time between 9:00 to 17:30 hrs. In case if no one is available to receive
the part then the courier guy will leave a card on your address and then you have to contact the
courier guy for the part.
Please revert back to me when you receive the part, so that I can confirm that you have received
the part and the issue has resolved.
Mr. Klevstul, thank you again for giving me the opportunity to assist you. Your case number for this
interaction is 610870546 . Please keep this number for your records; it will help us keep track of
issue.
Thank you again for contacting Dell Hardware E-Support.
21st of June 2008

I recevied the DVD drive after a couple of days (UPS tried delivering it to me on the 17th, I
got it on the 18th). So very short delivery time. I haven't changed the drive yet. Reason
being is that I now haven't had any problems since 28th of May. I'll wait until the error
happens again before I change my DVD drive. I'll update this page with more info later one.
Would be nice if my Dell gets healed but I'm not too optimistic about it.
Klevstul:
Hi.
Just wanted to inform that I've now received the new DVD drive. Thanks a lot. I hope everything
will be fine now.
Best regards,
Frode Klevstul
23rd of June 2008

Klevstul:
Dear Mr. Klevstul

Greetings from Dell...!
Thanks for taking out your valuable time and getting back to me and saying me thanks. Your
appreciation is the biggest reward for me.
I understand that the issue has been resolved. It was a pleasure assisting valued customer like you.
You may receive a separate e-mail inviting feedback on the email service provided by me. Dell
encourages you to reply, and give us your views which we will use to improve our service to you in
future. Please do reply back to the feedback email.
I will be waiting for your kind feedback.
If there is anything else that I can assist you with, please do not hesitate to reply me back and I will
take care of your concern by delivering the highest possible level of my service at all times.
Your Satisfaction is Our prime Concern!
9th of August 2008

The old drive continued to fail once in a while. It occurred maybe one in five times I
restarted my machine (only a "guesstimate"). However today I got fed up so I replaced the
drive. Now it's going to be very exciting to see if the error occur with this new drive as well.
I'm crossing my fingers once more and hope that it'll do the trick. At least the machine
started up without problems the first time.
19th of August 2008

Changing the drive didn't do the trick. Same error happens. It took nine days before the
first error occurred but now it has failed twice in two days. Darn I'm tired of having
problems with the Dell XPS computer.
Klevstul:
The same error occurs even though I've changed to the new DVD drive. In other words something
else is wrong. I'm extremely tired of having problems with the XPS. Since I got the machine in
February 2007 there has constantly been something wrong. It's not that this is the worst error but
it's irritating that such an expensive machine doesn't work the way it's supposed to do.
Note: the reason for taking so long to come back to you has been summer holidays.
20th of August 2008

Dell:
Thank you for contacting Dell Hardware E-Support.

I will be assisting with your Dell XPS 710 running on WINDOWS XP PRO operating system
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that your 16X DVD+/-RW has been replaced still
you are getting an error message that says "Drive 5 not found: Serial ATA, SATA-5".
As per your system specification I find that your computer has two drives
1) DVD+/-RW,16,TSST,SATA,BLK
2) CDRW/DVD,48,SONY,SATA,BLK
DVD+/-RW,16,TSST,SATA,BLK, has already been replaced for the same issue but even after
replacing the drive the issue persists. The cause of this issue can be any one of the following:-
Faulty drive
Faulty Drive Cables
Faulty slots
As I can also see that you have been facing the issue for a very long time and the issue still
persists. I sincerely apologize for all the inconvenience caused to you. I will try my best to provide
to the best resolution at the earliest.
In order to diagnose the exact issue please perform the following steps:-
1) Check if both the drives are working properly or not?
2) Open the system tower.
For instruction please refer to the following link:-
http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps710/en/OM_EN/html/
parts.htm#wp1161508
3) Remove the DVD+/-RW drive turn on the computer check for error message. DO you get the
same error?
4) Remove the CDRW/DVD drive and connect the DVD+/- RW drive to the same port. Turn On the
computer do you get the same error?
5) Connect the DVD +/- RW drive to a different port and check if it is working or you get the same
error?
If you get the same error when you connect the drive to a different port and if the other drive works
fine in the same slot I will replace the drive or else I will replace the motherboard.
Please reply back with the results in detail so that we can diagnose the exact faulty part and replace
the faulty part.
24th of August 2008

Klevstul:
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that your 16X DVD+/-RW has been replaced still
you are getting an error message that says "Drive 5 not found: Serial ATA, SATA-5".
Correct.
As per your system specification I find that your computer has two drives
1) DVD+/-RW,16,TSST,SATA,BLK
2) CDRW/DVD,48,SONY,SATA,BLK
Correct.
DVD+/-RW,16,TSST,SATA,BLK, has already been replaced for the same issue but even after
replacing the drive the issue persists. The cause of this issue can be any one of the following:-
Faulty drive
Faulty Drive Cables
Faulty slots
As I can also see that you have been facing the issue for a very long time and the issue still
persists. I sincerely apologize for all the inconvenience caused to you. I will try my best to provide
to the best resolution at the earliest.
Thank you.
In order to diagnose the exact issue please perform the following steps:-
1) Check if both the drives are working properly or not?
I can confirm they're working properly.
2) Open the system tower.
For instruction please refer to the following link:-
http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps710/en/OM_EN/html/
parts.htm#wp1161508
3) Remove the DVD+/-RW drive turn on the computer check for error message. DO you get the
same error?
Since the error only happens one in five to ten times in general it's hard to say for sure.
However I didn't get the error when trying this.
4) Remove the CDRW/DVD drive and connect the DVD+/- RW drive to the same port. Turn On the
computer do you get the same error?
Same answer as above. I would have to leave it like this for a few days to see.
5) Connect the DVD +/- RW drive to a different port and check if it is working or you get the same
error?
What I've done now is that I swapped the two drives in my computer. If something is
wrong with the drive the error will occur on another SATA port. Or else the "new" drive
on port-5 will start failing on the same port as the old drive on port-5 did. I will leave the
computer like this for a while and come back to you with information.
If you get the same error when you connect the drive to a different port and if the other drive works
fine in the same slot I will replace the drive or else I will replace the motherboard.
I'd like to inform you that this error started happening just after the motherboard was
changed due to another hardware error. Before that I did not have this problem.
25th of August 2008

Dell:
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that both the DVD drives installed in your
computer are working fine. You have started getting the error message after the motherboard waws
replaced. You have swapped the two drive ports and the you do not get the error message. I would
also request you to dpwnload and install the latest BIOS and install and monitor the computer to
check for the error message.
BIOS
http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?&fileid=210413
I would request your to perform the steps as per your convenience and reply back so that we can
assist you further and fix the issue you are facing.
Klevstul:
I do have the latest version of the BIOS so nothing to update there.

26th of August 2008
Dell:
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that after the motherboard has been replaced
you started getting the error message "Drive 5 not found: Serial ATA, SATA-5".Both the Hard drives
as well as both the DVD drives are working fine. In order to fix the issue please perform the
following steps:-
1) Your computer has 6 SATA ports,
Check your BIOS.
Restart computer
Tap F2 function key on the Dell Splash Screen until you see the System Setup screen.
Go to Drives
Hard drives are connected to SATA 0 and SATA 1. They should be RAID ON
Make sure SATA 2-5 are ON
Open the system tower, connect the DVD drives to SATA 2,3. TURN ON the computer and check for
error messages.
Please refer to the attachment for the diagram of the motherboard and various connectors.
27th of August 2008
Klevstul:
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that after the motherboard has been
replaced you started getting the error message "Drive 5 not found: Serial ATA, SATA-5".Both
the Hard drives as well as both the DVD drives are working fine. In order to fix the issue please
perform the following steps:-
That is correct. It was after the new motherboard was installed this problem first
occurred.
1) Your computer has 6 SATA ports,

Check your BIOS.
Restart computer
Tap F2 function key on the Dell Splash Screen until you see the System Setup screen.
Go to Drives
Hard drives are connected to SATA 0 and SATA 1. They should be RAID ON
Make sure SATA 2-5 are ON
Open the system tower, connect the DVD drives to SATA 2,3. TURN ON the computer and
check for error messages.
As informed you earlier (see further down in this email) SATA 2 and 3 are already in use
by internal hard drives.
Controller: Serial ATA Serial ATA Serial ATA Serial ATA Serial ATA
Port: SATA-0 SATA-1 SATA-2 SATA-3 SATA-4
Sony CD-RW/ DVD-

Drive ID: WDC... WDC... WDC... WDC...
ROM CRX310S
Capacity: 160 GB 160 GB 500 GB 500 GB
RAID BIOS RAID BIOS SYSTEM BIOS SYSTEM BIOS

The problem has been with SATA-5. However, at your request, I've now swapped SATA 4
and 5.
28th of August 2008

Darn, I have to replace the motherboard once a again. It sux!
Dell:
As per the description of the e-mail, I understand that the SATA 5 port is faulty. In order to fix the
issue we will have to replace the motherboard. As you reside in Norway I will not be able to send
the part and a technician to install the part to Norway as we now only support customers in UK and
Ireland. I have logged all detail in your case log 618075973. Hence I would request you to contact
Technical support in Norway. Please find the details to contact them in the following link.
http://support.euro.dell.com/support/topics/topic.aspx/emea/shared/support/dellcare/no/
contact_us?c=no&l=no&s=gen&~ck=mn
Please contact technical support in Norway and tell them the case number 618075973 and they will
replace the motherboard. I sincerely apologize for all the inconvenience caused to
31th of August 2008

Klevstul:
Just an update. I first emailed support in Norway (from the webpage I got of you) - however the
answer I got was that I had to call them.
--
Vi ber deg vennligst kontakte teknisk support for å få hjelp med din henvendelse. De nås på telefon
815 35 043. De har nordisk support Måndag-Fredag 8.30 - 17.00. Övrig tid engelsk.
--
However the problem is that it's impossible to reach support on the phone. I've been in line for
more than 30 minutes without being put through. I can't spend all days on the phone, so please let
me know how to contact support in Norway when it's not possible using email nor phone????
2nd of September 2008

Dell:
I am really sorry because of the problem with contacting technical support.

If you have problems with your computer, please describe the problems and I will willingly help you.
I wish you a nice day.
Best regards, Kristof Tisliar Desktops and Peripherals technical support specialist E-Mail team Desktops &
Peripherals Non-Voice Support Dell Corporation
WHAT THE FU%&??? Are they completely LAME at Dell. What the crap is wrong with Dell
Support???
Klevstul:
Are you trying to be funny or what? What do you mean with "please describe the problems"? I've
described my problems to Support in numerous emails so why should I have to do this again??? I'm
bloody annoyed with Dell as it is after having had problems with my machine for one and a half
years and having sent maybe as many as 20 emails describing the problems. Getting an answer like
this is a great way of making me pissed off. On the last email from Dell, the support person wrote:
All I did was replying the email, and suddenly I get an answer where it sounds like Dell Support
never has heard about the problems???
3rd of September 2008

Dell:
In our database there are more closed cases. Because of that I rather asked, what is the problem.
According the newest case from the colleagues, there is a sporadical problem with "SATA 5 drive not found" error
message. According the colleagues in this case there is a defect of motherboard.
Please let me know, if it is the only problem with the computer. If no other problems present, I will willingly send
you a technician, who will replace the motherboard. By replacing the motherboard there is a reinstalling of
operating system necessary (to avoid compatibility problems). Please save yor data, let me know if the operating
system can be reinstalled (data on your hard drive will be lost) and if you have the XPS 710 Resource CD and
english Windows XP Installations CD for the technician.
Which day would be optimal for the repair? Please at least 2 business days after your reply.
I am sure we can solve the problem quickly.
And now suddenly I don't have to contact local Dell Support in Norway any longer (who by
the way are completely unreachable). But this time I have to reinstall the OS upon getting a
new motherboard. Why didn't I have to do that last time? I'm so fed up with Dell Support,
they seem to know very little about the problems they're dealing with. The last technician
knew nothing about my machine, so I can definitively not count on getting any help. I guess
I just have to realise that I've lost. Dell has sold me a crap machine and they don't know
how to fix it. They're just trying different random thing without any plan. I've bought this
shitty expensive computer that doesn't even work 100%. I have to live with a Dell machine
that randomly fails - it sucks!
Klevstul:
To be honest I'm sick and tired of dealing with Dell Support. I'm fed up being asked to do
miscellaneous things with my machine without it helping at all. I've spent hours trying to reach
Support in Norway, since I was told you could not help me getting a new motherboard. Now
suddenly I'm told that you can order the motherboard for me. Why didn't you do this in the first
place? I've earlier been asked to reinstall the OS to fix a hardware problem. I've been asked to
change my hard drives to fix a problem with my SATA port. I've been sent a technician that never in
his life had seen a XPS 710 machine and who didn't even manage to open the side panel of the
machine. I guess I just have to admit that I've lost. I've bought a faulty product from you, and you
don't manage to fix it. I don't want to spend time on reinstalling everything when it most likely
won't help. I've already gotten a new motherboard once. I give up. My most expensive computer,
by far, is a "Monday Machine". You win - I lose!
However I would like to inform you that I've saved all information about this case in a document.
This document will be made public. I know, it won't fix my machine but people should know. If I
had read a story like this I guess I would have chosen another brand then Dell. This is a result of
my frustration with Dell. Hopefully it'll make others think twice before they order a product from
Dell.
28th of September 2008

Now I've encountered another problem with my computer. By a strange reason the PC now
hangs when booting up, while the Windows XP splash screen shows up, while displaying the
"Windows is starting up..." message (just before the login box should appear on the
screen). I have to restart the machine, by pressing the power button, until it eventually
manage to show the login box. In stead of shutting off my PC I've now started using
standby-mode in stead. The XPS is getting worse and worse...
4th of October 2008
Twice now, while restarting the Dell XPS, the OS has checked the file systems for errors
(Message: "Checking file system on C:" CHKDSK). The first time happened after the entire
machine froze. There was nothing I could do and had to shut it down by pressing the power
button. The second time it happened after a normal restart of the system.
31st of October 2008
The piece of shit machine is getting worse and worse. The soundcard suddenly stopped
working as well. No sound at all was played. Machine had to be restarted to fix this
problem. However it's almost impossible to restart the PC. Just now I had to restart my
machine more than 10 times before the login screen showed up (it hangs on splash screen).
Blue screens are still problematic since they happen now and then. I can't live with this
crap. I have to contact Dell's lousy support service again (and again and again and again
and again). I should get my money back since they've sold me something that doesn't work
at all.
Klevstul:
The piece-of-crap-Dell that I unfortunately bought is getting worse and worse. Now it's almost
impossible to restart the machine. The machine either hangs on the first Dell logo splash screen
(where the BIOS is loaded), og on the Windows splashscreen without displaying the login window.
Blue screens occur quite often. The DVD-ROM is only working once in a while and the soundcards
stops working sometimes, and machine has to be restarted to get the sound back.
How do you suggesting solving all these problems?
Dell:
I?m sorry that you are experiencing problems with your system.
I will do my best to solve the problem as soon as possible.
Based on your problem description the cause for it can lie in more components. To solve the
mentioned problem to your satisfaction, we need first to identify the cause for it. Accordingly to this
I would like to ask you to perform following steps and diagnostics that we can get on fastest way to
a solution.
1) Please run the following diagnostics to find any hardware related issues:
a. Please press, immediately after starting the PC, more times the F12 key on your keyboard.
b. After pressing it more times you should be able to access the boot device menu (or boot
menu).
c. Next, please insert the diagnostic CD (blue CD with white writing, RESOURCE CD or called
also DRIVERS and UTILITIES) in to your upper drive.
d. After inserting it into your drive, please choose the option ONBOARD OR USB CD-ROM DRIVE
and then please confirm your choice by pressing the enter key.
e. The System may ask you if you really want to boot from the CD, please confirm your choice
by choosing BOOT FROM CD-ROM and then please press again the Enter key.
f. After starting the CD the system will ask you for choosing an action.
g. Please choose the DELL 32 BIT DIAGNOSTIC and confirm your choice.
(The system may ask you, if you want to start an memory or system diagnostic. Please choose the
System diagnostic.)
h. After accessing the DELL 32 BIT Diagnostic you can choose between 4 Types of tests. Please
click with your mouse on CUSTOM TEST.
i. If the previous steps were performed, please click on RUN TESTS (located on the bottom, left
side of the screen)
j. Please write down the error messages (which appear in new POP-UP windows) and also at
which component it was found (you can see it on the left side of the screen) and send them over to
us.
2) I would like to ask you to try the system in safe mode, and see if the same thing happens
there. To load safe mode, pleased restart your system, and keep pressing F8. Once the advanced
boot menu is loaded, please select safe mode.
3) Please try to reinstall all the drivers for your system. You can download them from the
following site: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/
driverslist.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&os=WW1&osl=en&ServiceTag=34HVR2J&catid=-1&impid=-1
Please send us the results, your contact address (if a Service check has to be realized) and your
Phone number. Please be aware, that the address cannot be changed after initialization of the
service call. In case that a Courier delivery will take place, please enter an Address where you are
reachable between 9:00 ? 17:00, because it is not possible to estimate the delivery time more
precisely.
5th of November 2008

Klevstul:
1) No error appears doing this.

2) Safe mode also problematic.
3) I've already re-installed the entire OS inc. new drivers. Didn't do any change.
Please check the customer support history for my machine. This machine is nothing but trouble. Has
been a pain since day 1. I think I at least need a new motherboard.
Contact address:
...
Mobile:
(+47) ...
Dell:
There is a couple more information I would need from you before I can proceed with writing any
service calls.
Please send me over any blue screen errors that appear on your screen.
I would like to ask you when was the last you have reinstalled your operating system.
Please update your drivers and BIOS from the following link to make sure the problem is not caused
by not updated software and firmware: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/
driverslist.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&os=WLH&osl=en&ServiceTag=34HVR2J&catid=-1&impid=-1

Klevstul:
The last blue screen i got is this one:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NI4n8zAjDA4/SRK1IeD9J_I/AAAAAAAACC8/1k-r9gDkzlo/s1600-h/image-
upload-5-785475.jpg
I reinstalled everything a few months ago. Didn't improve the system at all.
The BIOS and drivers is all of the latest version. I've upgraded it.
The latest blue screen that occurred on the Dell (STOP: 0x0000008E (0xC0000005,
0x015769AA, 0x8F340C68, 0x00000000):
Another point where the Dell hangs on startup, the BIOS splash screen:
Dell:
The error message that you have sent me, can probably be related to the memory modules.
Because of this I would like to ask you to test each memory module separately, and run the system
with each memory one by one to detect if there is really a faulty memory in your system.
Klevstul:
OK, so I'll test the system with one memory module at the time. Can the memory modules also be
related to the system hanging on startup? It's almost impossible to restart the system. It either
hangs on the BIOS splash screen, or the Windows XP startup splashscreen. See attachments.

Dell:
I cannot 100% be sure that the memory modules are responsible for the system hangs, like you
mentioned, but testing the memory modules should give us a closer and better look on this case.
If it turns out, that any of the memory modules causes the issue, we can replace those for you.
I hope, the Information I´m sending to you, will help you.

Klevstul:
OK. Now I've done some testing with the memory modules. I didn't get any bluescreens when I
used only one memory module, no matter which it was. However I didn't test for more than a few
hours so I'm unable to know this for sure. The bluescreens happen once in a while. What I'm 100%
sure of though is that it didn't help on the system startup problems. This machine is getting worse
and worse, and I fear that it's going to be impossible to restart it very soon. I often need 5 - 20
retries before the system starts up. Another thing that occurred when I restarted was the CHKDSK
running. Additional, when I restart one of the DVD-ROMs seems to have problems. Once in a while I
get "Drive 5 not found" error (see attachments). This XPS system is seriously ill...

Dell:
I would like to ask you to send me your address and phone number, so we can send you a
technician, who will replace the faulty parts in your system.
Klevstul:
Thanks.
My address:
xxx
Phone:
xxx
Is it possible to order the technician for this coming Friday?

Will a new reinstallation of the OS be done?

Dell:
I have already written the Service Call with a new Motherboard, Processor and Power Supply.
Technician should contact you on 14.10.2008 as you asked for, between 8.00 and 10.00 AM to
confirm the exact time of the call.
Klevstul:
Thanks a lot. (I assume you're meaning 14.11.2008).

Dell:
Sorry for the confusion. Yes that was what I meant.

Another issue that has started happening is the "Data Execution Prevention" triggering a lot.
It might be due to SVN / Tortoise so I've now uninstalled that sofware.
The Dell technician came today and changed the motherboard, the processor and the power
supply. This guy, from Unisys - that has a deal with Dell, knew what he was doing (in
comparison to the previous technician that came). In less than 1 hour had had changed
everything and the machine was up and running again. Note, the first time the machine was
started we saw an "PBR error" (Partition Boot Record). This was fixed by turning on RAID
for SATA0 and SATA1 (the C disk is on those hard drives, using RAID).
We restarted the machine twice, no hanging on splashscreen.
Dell:
We want to insure us that the realized service intervention has solved the problem you contacted us
with and the system works fine now.
If it is so, we are glad and we would like to ask you to let it us know via a reply to this E-Mail.
If the service intervention did not solve the problem, please send us an answer to this E-Mail, that
we can undertake further steps.
Dear customer, you will be possibly invited to take a part on a customer satisfaction e-survey
during the next days.
The survey aims the personal support, which the agent delivered to you. We thank you in advance
for your participation because it´s very important for us.
We thank you and we look forward to hear from you soon.

Guess what happened when I tried starting the machine this morning. Yes, freeze on
Windows splash screen. Needed three restarts before the login box showed up.
Klevstul:
I'm sorry to say that the "freeze on Windows splash screen" still is a problem. Haven't used my
computer a lot since the parts was replaced, so unable to say if the other problems are solved.
And today when I started the hopeless Dell system the same old "Drive 5 not found: Serial
ATA, SATA-5" error showed up...
Klevstul:
Obviously the replacement of the hardware didn't improve my system at all. It still freezes on
startup, it's still issues locating drive 5. Three times you've sent me replacement equipment, and no
improvement of the system has been made. Obviously Dell's sold me a product that didn't work in
the first place, and that Dell is unable to repair.
Email to Norwegian Customer Support:

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/emailcustomercare/emea/index.aspx?c=no&l=no&s=gen
Jeg bestilte en Dell XPS maskin av dere i februar 2007. Siden dag én har det ikke vært annet enn
problemer med denne maskinen. Jeg har vært i kontakt med XPS Support opptil 10 ganger pr
måned. Jeg har blitt levert nye deler tre ganger, det har kommet teknikere to ganger, jeg har
reinstallert operativsystemet to ganger. Alt dette til ingen nytte. I følge kjøpsloven kan jeg, når dere
har solgt meg et produkt som ikke fungerer og som dere heller ikke klarer å fikse, kreve pengene
tilbake.
Jeg lurer på hvordan dere vil kompansere for alle problemene jeg har hatt. For all tiden jeg har
brukt, og for all frustrasjon dere har påført meg.
Jeg har en utrolig god sak for både TV2 hjelper deg, samt Forbrukerrådet.
Om jeg ikke hører noe fra dere, eller om dere ikke nå tar denne saken seriøst kan jeg garantere
dere utrolig dårlig PR i en av landets største aviser...

Dell:
Please excuse the delayed reply.

We are envisaging increased amount of customer E-Mails last days. Although we are doing our
best, we are not able to reply on all E-Mails on time.
We are very sorry for this and hope you have comprehension with it.
I?m really sorry that your problem is still not solved.
Could you please describe the current situation with your system? Are there any changes in the
problem description?
Since the hardware has been changed in your system it is possible, that the operating system might
be affected by the previous errors, so I would like to ask you to reinstall your operating system.
Also please disconnect your optical drives from the motherboard and power supply if possible,
because usually the optical drivers are connected to the 4 and 5 port so it might be the cause of the
issue locating drive 5.
In case you have added any hardware to your system, please remove it and try the system. Please
remove all add-in cards as well so we can make sure the problem is not caused by any of them.
Thanks for the comprehension

21st of November 2008

Klevstul:
My system is still unstable. Sometimes it hangs on the BIOS-splash screen, sometime it hangs on
the Windows start-up splash screen, sometime it's unable to locate my DVD-ROM.
You have to explain me how the operating system can cause a freeze at the BIOS-splash screen.
You have to explain me how the operating system can cause the system not finding the DVD-ROM.
I've been through all this before, I've gotten a new DVD-ROM, I've re-seated it, I've swapped
SATA-4 and SATA-5. I've had issues with this system since day 1. The Dell computer is the worst
system I've even experienced. Now I've contacted Dell Support 33 times and Dell has
replaced parts in my system 3 times. I've spent far too much time on these issues already. I
can't continue like this for any longer. This is by far unacceptable. I give you two options: 1) You
can replace my system with a new and better system 2) You can give me my money back.
I'm now taking my case to the customer's council here in Norway.
Time to take this case further, I'm contacting the customer's council in Norway
(Forbrukerrådet):
Til: ForbrukerrådetDitt navn:Frode KlevstulDin epost:xxxxxxxDitt tlf:xxxxxxxDin beskjed:Store

problemer med Dell
Hei. I januar 2007 kjøpte jeg Dell sin kraftigste PC, til en verdi av nesten 50.000 kr. Siden dag 1
har det vært problemer med denne maskinen. Totalt har jeg kontaktet Dell kundeservice 33 ganger
angående problemene jeg har hatt. 3 ganger har deler i maskinen blitt byttet ut. Alt til ingen nytte.
Hver gang jeg rapporterer om problemene ber de meg gjøre nye tester, reinstallere Windows, ta ut
deler av maskinen etc etc etc. Jeg mener dette er en helt uholdbar situasjon. Når jeg kontakter Dell
i Norge om dette problemet får jeg ikke noe svar. Jeg lurer på om dere kan hjelpe meg med denne
saken. Jeg har dokumentert all korrespondanse mellom Dell og meg.

Dell:
Please excuse the delayed reply.
We are envisaging increased amount of customer E-Mails last days. Although we are doing our
best, we are not able to reply on all E-Mails on time.
We are very sorry for this and hope you have comprehension with it.
There is one more thing we could try. We could replace your memory modules and hard drives. If
this will still not solve the problem, than we can replace your system with a new one.
I hope you will have comprehension for this solution.
Please let me know if it is OK with you and then send me your address and phone number, so I can
check it with the one in our database and send you a technician.
Klevstul:
Yes I'm willing to try replacing the memory modules and hard drives as well. I really hope that will
solve the problems.
Can you please order an technician for this Friday, the 28th of November?
Dell:
I will arrange the service call for Friday.
Also you might have already received an e-survey regarding my service delivered to you. If you did,
I would kindly like to ask you to do not answer on it until we solve this case to your fully
satisfaction.
Thank you for your comprehension.

Klevstul:
Did it go well arranging the service call for this Friday?
Dell:
I have already written the Service Call.
Technician should contact you between 8.00 and 10.00 AM to confirm the exact time of the call.
Answer from the customer's council / Forbrukerrådet:
----
Vi gjør oppmerksom på at vår e-post svartjeneste er ment å være en kortfattet
rådgivningstjeneste, slik at vi av den grunn ikke kan konkludere i din sak,
men gi deg innledende råd og veiledning. Vårt syn er basert på din
fremstilling av saksforholdet, andre opplysninger vi eventuelt ikke kjenner
til og som kan være relevante, vil kunne medføre et annet resultat.
----
Jeg forstår det slik at du har kjøpt en vare som har gått i stykker, og lurer
på hvilke rettigheter du har. Det er forbrukerkjøpsloven som gir deg
rettigheter i slike tilfeller. Det er to vilkår som må være oppfylt: a. Varen
må ha hatt en mangel på det tidspunkt du kjøpte varen b. Du må ha klaget
(reklamert) til selgeren innen de fristene loven setter. a. Er det en mangel
på varen? Det er en mangel når varen ikke er i samsvar med de krav til art,
mengde, kvalitet, andre egenskaper og innpakning som er forutsatt ved kjøpet.
Det vil være en mangel når selgeren har gitt uriktige eller villedende
opplysninger om varen. Det er også en mangel hvis varen ikke er i
overensstemmelse med sikkerhetskrav og forskrifter som er fastsatt av
offentlige myndigheter. Problemer som skyldes normal slitasje, ytre påvirkning
eller feilbruk fra din side, vil på den annen side ikke være en kjøpsrettslig
mangel. Forhold som skyldes manglende vedlikehold, feil bruk eller uhell i din
eiertid er altså ditt eget ansvar. b. Har jeg reklamert innen fristen? Når du
oppdager at noe er feil med en vare du har kjøpt, må du klage- til selgeren
innen rimelig tid. Det vil alltid være tilstrekkelig at du klager innen to
måneder etter at du oppdaget feilen, men i praksis vil både du og selgeren
være tjent med så rask tilbakemelding som mulig. I tillegg til at du må
reklamere innen rimelig tid, er det noen klare frister for hvor lenge en
selger er ansvarlig for et produkt han har solgt. Hovedregelen er at du må
klage senest to år etter at du overtok tingen. Fristen er imidlertid fem år
hvis tingen er ment å vare vesentlig lenger enn to år. Dette gjelder for
eksempel dyrere varer som møbler, biler, radio/tv-apparat, mobiltelefon, pc,
og byggevarer. Hva kan jeg kreve? Hvis det foreligger en mangel ved et
produkt, kan du ha krav på følgende: 1. Reparasjon, eller 2. Ny vare, eller 3.
Prisavslag, eller 4. Heving av kjøpet, og/eller 5. Erstatning § 29 i
forbrukerkjøpsloven bestemmer at det i utgangspunktet er forbrukeren selv som
kan velge mellom å kreve reparasjon eller ny vare. Valgretten er begrenset i
de tilfellene hvor for eksempel kjøperens krav på ny vare er umulig å
etterkomme (for eksempel på grunn av varens art) eller kravet påfører selgeren
urimelige kostnader. Etter gjeldende rettspraksis er det antatt at dersom
omleveringskostnadene er betydelig høyere enn reparasjonskostnadene, må du
trolig akseptere at selgeren reparerer varen. I øvrige tilfeller vil det bero
på en konkret vurdering av om kravet vil føre til urimelige kostnader for
selgeren. Du kan be om at selgeren dokumenterer at det vil bli vesentlig
dyrere å gi deg en ny vare sammenlignet med reparasjon. Selgeren må sørge for
at omlevering eller retting skjer innen rimelig tid, og det skal skje uten
kostnad for deg. For standard hyllevarer, kan vi gå ut fra at innen rimelig
tid normalt vil være omlag 2-4 uker. Forøvrig vil hva som er rimelig tid, bero
på en skjønnsmessig vurdering. Du må for eksempel regne med lengre tid når det
er snakk om spesialvarer fra utlandet, sammenlignet med vanlige hyllevarer.
Dersom reparasjonen tar mer enn en uke, har du som hovedregel krav på en
lånegjenstand. Dersom selgeren enten ikke lykkes i å utbedre mangelen innen
rimelig tid eller samme mangel oppstår mer enn to ganger, vil du kunne kreve
prisavslag tilsvarende reduksjonen i varens verdi. Dersom mangelen ikke er
uvesentlig, kan du i stedet for prisavslag kreve å heve kjøpet. Du må da
levere varen tilbake til selgeren, og selgeren må betale tilbake kjøpesummen
pluss forsinkelsesrente fra det tidspunktet du reklamerte på feilen. Dersom du
har hatt et økonomisk tap, kan du i tillegg i en del tilfeller kreve
erstatning fra selgeren. Du må da kunne dokumentere tapet. Merk deg at du
plikter å begrense tapet, og at du ikke får erstattet tap i næringsvirksomhet.
Hvordan går jeg frem når jeg skal klage reklamere? Dersom du etter dette mener
at varen har en mangel, og du og selgeren ikke kommer til enighet muntlig, bør
du raskt sende en skriftlig klage til selgeren. Dersom du ønsker hjelp til å
fremsette et krav og skrive en klage (reklamasjon), kan du gå inn på
forbrukerportalen.no, KLIKK & KLAG, som er Forbrukerrådets klageveileder. Se
http://forbrukerportalen.no/klageveiledersider/bokmal/391/klageview Her finner
du oversikt over rettighetene dine, og gode råd for hvordan du går frem når du
skal skrive en klage. Du finner også standard klagebrev som du kan fylle ut
med dine egne opplysninger, skrive ut, undertegne og sende til selgeren. Ta
vare på en kopi av brevet. Dersom du ikke når frem med kravet ditt til
selgeren, kan du klage saken inn for Forbrukerrådet. Mer informasjon om vår
klagesaksbehandling finner du her: http://forbrukerportalen.no/Emner/klage Du
kan lese mer om rettighetene dine ved forbrukerkjøp på våre internettsider:
http://forbrukerportalen.no/Publikasjoner/1023824302.54/1025782287.59
The Dell technician, from Unisys, came today. Even though Dell told me that they should
replace my internal hard drives and the memory modules he brought with internal hard
drives and new graphic cards. Being confronted with this he admitted that something had
gone wrong while ordering the parts, so graphic cards was ordered in stead of memory.
Hence he replaced the disks only. The funny part was that the technician was the same guy
that was here the first time as well. This time he managed to open the chassis. Changing
the hard drives took a few minutes. However the process or installing the OS was harder.
Located in the XPS system there are four disks. Disk 0 and Disk 1 is on stripe (RAID 0), this
is where the OS is installed. Disk 2 and disk 3 is two 500GB disks where I store all my
personal stuff. The technician had to reinstall the OS four times before he managed to name
the disk partition "C:" (first times it was named "G:" or "K:"). He asked me if I cared. My
answer was "of course I do". Eventually he managed. However when the OS was reinstalled
Disk 3 and Disk 4 was unable to access. After calling Dell Support for almost an hour I was
told the only option was to reformat these disks. With no backup of those disks that would
be crisis. Luckily I managed to find a solution myself, "testdisk" was the name
(http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/Main_Page). With that tool I managed to locate the disks
and change the startup partition to "Primary". Upon restart the disks was located nicely by
Windows XP. In total the Dell technician spent almost four hours changing drives and
reinstalling the OS.
testdisk 6.10: Create -> Proceed (chosing the 500GB disk) -> Intel -> Analyse -> Quick Search -> No Vista ->
Continue -> using arrow keys change to "Primary" -> Enter -> Write changes to disk
Changing the hard drives didn't do much good to the XPS system. It still hangs on BIOS.
The Dell technician experienced this as well, and reported it to the Dell support center.
Since this didn't help, and since Dell forgot the memory modules they wanted me to try and
change these as well. I was told the modules would be delivered by UPS. Honestly I reckon
Dell has gotten enough chances. Time to get a new machine.
Klevstul:
The technician was here today. However something wrong had happened when the parts was
ordered. He came with new hard disks but didn't bring any new memory (he had brought new
graphic cards though). Anyway. After changing the disks and reinstalling the OS the problems still
occur. The technician can confirm this as well (he called Dell Support Norway and reported this).
As agreed this was the last try. If this didn't work I was promised a new machine. What machine
will you send me in stead? I want to read about it and see if I accept it. If I want to I can require to
get my money back (according to the customer's council which I've sent this case to), so if it isn't a
new and much more stable machine I'll do the latter.
1st of December 2008

UPS came today and delivered four new memory modules. However I've given up the
machine. I'm more than fed up dealing with the system's issues. I'm not spending any more
time on trying to fix the issues. It's time for a new system.
After the delivery I received this email (UPS-SCS):
Dear Customer,
Regarding this service support intervention from Dell, please be advised that you are required to
return the defective part to Dell. Please place the faulty part in the original packaging of the
replacement part you received and make ready for collection by UPS. If you are required to return
multiple defective Dell parts, please do not put more than one defective part in each package.
If the faulty part is not returned, Dell will reserve the right to invoice you accordingly.
N.B. For all corporate customers, please ensure that you make available your defective unit at the
reception/goods receiving area where possible.
DELL
The shipment is handled by UPS-SCS
I'll return the the exact same parts that I received, unopened...
I also received a new email from Dell XPS Support:
Dear Mr. Klevstul,

Thank you for your mail.
I have already initiated the swap process for your system. You should be contacted before the new
system will be shipped. I?m sorry, but I?m not able to let you know what system you will receive. It
will either be the same as you had or maybe better.
The swap process can take up to 2-3 weeks. The reason why takes so long is, that a new system
will be built just like when you purchase one, so I have no possibility to speed up this process.
However, it is possible, that during this time you will receive an E-survey invitation regarding your
satisfaction with my support.
I would kindly like to ask you to do not answer the invitation till we do not solve your issue to your
fully satisfaction.
If you have any other questions or quires I could help you with, please feel free to ask.
Many thanks for your comprehension.
Klevstul:
I have to say I'm looking forward to receiving a new system. I'm very frustrated with the current
one.
I find it strange that I can't be informed of what system I'll receive. An order has to be placed to get
the system built, so the specifications has to be made. Anyway I expect the system being better
than the current one, as that doesn't work too well.
Thanks for your assistance.
2nd of December 2008

UPS never came back to pick up the memory modules again, as promised. Crap... (update:
it was picked up a couple of days later)
Dell:
The reason why I?m not able to let you know the system configuration is because it will not be
handled by technical support. I just write a request on a swap process and from there it is not in my
hands, but it is handled by our Customer Care department.
I hope, the Information I´m sending to you, will help you.
Klevstul:
OK, I understand this. Thanks a lot for your help Viktor.
3rd of December 2008

Dell:
I would like to ask you, once you will receive the system or will be contacted by anyone from our
company, to let me know.
Thanks a lot for your comprehension.
Klevstul:
OK, I'll keep you informed!
9th of December 2008

Dell called me today to try to make me upgrading my machine so that they could earn more
money. No upgrades are free they told me. Suckers.
Klevstul:
Update:
I was contacted by a Swedish guy from Dell today. He called me and informed me that my system
will be specified now. He informed me that I will receive a new "Dell XPS 730x H2C". I'll receive the
specifications for the system on email in a couple of days.
Dell:
Thank you for letting me know.
If you have any other questions or quires I could help you with, please feel free to ask.

Klevstul:
One week ago I was promised that I would be sent the specifications for the new system to be built.
However this has not happened. To make it clear: I do NOT accept a downgrade, in other words the
"Dell XPS 730x H2C" is the system that has to be sent me. This is also the system I've been
promised. But please make sure that I get the specifications. I remind you that I can require to get
my money back if I'm not happy (according to Norwegian law), and if I don't get the specifications I
will do this as I then suspect you're trying to hold back the information. The only reason for doing
this must be you trying to give me a system below my expectations.
So to make it clear: make sure the specifications is sent me before I receive the system.
Dell:
As I already mentioned in my previous mail, once the swap process is started it is not in my hands
anymore. There is nothing else I can do about it. I would like to ask you to contact the person who
already provided you with information you already have.
If you do not have any exact number, please contact the solution center at +358 (0)2 4122 802.
Thank you for your comprehension.

Received the new system today. It was a "Dell XPS 730" and NOT the "Dell XPS 730x H2C"
as I was promised.
Klevstul:
Just an update:
Today I received the new system. Despite me having tried getting the specification for this system
no one at Dell seems to be able to help me. Everyone I've talked to say the same that you do, that
the swap process is out of their control. Strange that no one at all seems to be in charge of build
new systems.
Anyways, even though I was promised the "Dell XPS 730x H2C" I received the "Dell XPS 730". Can't
say I'm too happy about it. It seems like there is no option for me than to take this case to the
customer's council here in Norway. I've contacted them once before about this case.
Anyways, since this now is out of your control, thanks for the help on trying to solve this.
Klevstul:
Klage på kjøp av Dell XPS 710 H2C, kjøpt 5. feb 2007

Viser til ovennevnte kjøp, og vil i den forbindelse fremsette følgende reklamasjon.
Etter min mening er varen mangelfull. Dette vil jeg begrunne på følgende måte:
Det har vært problemer med systemet fra dag 1. Jeg har vært i kontakt med kundeservice mere
enn 40
ganger. Fått tilsendt nye deler to ganger, fått besøk av Dell tekniker tre ganger og fått ny maskin
en gang.
Den nye maskinen jeg fikk skulle vært av "Dell XPS 730x H2C" (ble lovet dette), men det viste seg
at den
billigere maskinen "Dell XPS 730" ble levert i stedet. Mao. en nedgradering i forhold til mitt
opprinnelige
H2C system.
På bakgrunn av mangelens omfang og art anser jeg den som vesentlig, og mener at det gir
grunnlag for å
kreve heving av kjøpet. Så snart det foreligger en aksept av hevingskravet mitt, stilles varen til
deres
disposisjon mot tilbakebetaling av kjøpesummen med tillegg av renter. Jeg forutsetter for øvrig at
hevningsoppgjøret skjer i samsvar med forbrukerkjøpslovens bestemmelser.
Jeg ber om at dere tar stilling til reklamasjonen min så snart som mulig, og gir meg en
tilbakemelding
innen 14 dager fra dags dato. Dersom jeg ikke skulle høre fra dere, eller motta en tilbakemelding
jeg ikke
kan akseptere innen fristen, vil saken bli vurdert oversendt til Forbrukerrådet eller Forliksrådet for
videre
behandling.
Hilsen
Frode Klevstul

Called Dell and asked to send me the specifications on the new system. I received the
specifications shortly after. Comparing the new system to the old one I saw that both the
hard drive and the optical drive was downgraded. No wonder they didn't want to send me
these details in the first place.
I reckon it's crazy how Dell are rude enough to send me a cheaper system than my current
one after all the issues I've had. I sent an answer to the nice Swedish girl, Sara - that sent
me the specifications, at Dell's support.
Klevstul:
Hei igjen.
Har nå gått igjennom spekken på den nye maskinen.
* For det første ble jeg lovet maskinen av type "XPS 730x H2C" men mottok altså kun "XPS 730".
* Jeg har mottatt en tregere optisk drive på den nye enn det jeg hadde (ny: 16x, gammel: 48x).
* Hard disk på ny maskin er tregere (ny: 7200 rpm, gammel: 10.000 rpm).
* RAID er fjernet fra ny maskin.
Mao. så har jeg mottatt et nytt system som er nedgradert på en rekke punkter. Etter å konstant
hatt problemer med det gamle systemet, fått tilsendt nye deler to ganger, fått tilsendt tekniker som
har byttet ut deler tre ganger og totalt vært i kontakt med kundeservice over 40 ganger så blir jeg
jo skuffet.
Håper du kan hjelpe meg med denne saken.
Shortly after I received a new email. Finally this case escalated to a higher level in the Dell
system.
Dell:
Ordrenummer 601950291/ Referansenummer 629187493
Kære Frode
Vi takker for at du tog dig tid til at henvende dig til os vedrørende ovenstående ordre. Det er vigtigt
for os at få tilbagemeldinger fra vores kunder så vi hele tiden kan forbedre vores service. Vi i Dell
forsøger at give den bedste kundeoplevelse som muligt.
Jeg har gennemgået din sag og kan kun beklage at du har fået en nedgradering ved ombytning af
din computer, desværre har du fået de bedste vi har til denne model på nuværende tidspunkt. Da
jeg godt kan forstå at dette ikke er tilfredsstillende vil jeg tilbyde at tage din ordre retur og give dig
pengene tilbage.
Ovenstående gælder under forudsætning af at Dell modtager skriftlig bekræftelse på at accept af

tilbuddet(mail er tilstrækkeligt), samt informationer om på hvilken adresse vi skal hente ordren,
samt hvor vi skal returnere pengene til. Vi skal bruge Bank navn, kontonummer og gerne swift
koden.
Når vi har modtaget bekræftelsen, vil vi sætte returen igang og sørger for du bliver kontaktet af
vores fragtfirma, med hensyn til at aftale ophentning. Mere information omkring returen vil du
modtage på mail.
Dell håber at informationen her er tilstrækkelig, men har du yderligere spørgsmål, er du velkommen
til at kontakte os på mail: Consumer_Executive_Escalation_Nordics@dell.com
Med venlig hilsen/Kind Regards
Tina Jørgensen
Nordic Executive Escalations Manager
Dell A/S
Cvr.no. 18296799
Arne Jacobsens Alle 15-17
2300 København S
Home & Small-Medium Business, Nordic
Klevstul:
Jeg kan bekrefte at siden det foreligger en aksept av hevingskravet mitt så stilles varen til deres
disposisjon mot tilbakebetaling av kjøpesummen med tillegg av renter. Jeg forutsetter for øvrig at
hevningsoppgjøret skjer i samsvar med forbrukerkjøpslovens bestemmelser.
Adresse for henting av varen:

Frode Klevstul
Folke Bernadottes vei 7c
0862 Oslo
Norway
Kontoinformasjon for tilbakebetaling av penger:

Bank: Sauda Sparebank
IBAN: NOxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BIC: DNBANOKK
Frode Klevstul
xxx
xxx
Norway

Dell:
Ordrenummer 601950291/ Referansenummer 629187493
Kære Frode
Jeg bekræfter hermed, at jeg har lavet en retur på din ordre og arrangeret afhentning.
Vi har bedt fragtmanden om afhente din computer og skærm, tirsdag d. 23 december 2008 mellem
kl 8 og 16 så vi vil bede dig om, at have produktet klar til afhentning i forsvarlig emballage, Da vi
ikke kan garantere at fragtmanden har en kasse som computeren kan puttes i.
Du bedes venligst foranledige, at alle kolli klart og tydeligt er mærket med adressen til Schenker
samt retur nr. 12020450609
Schenker A.S.
Alnabruvn. 15
N-0614 Oslo
Retur nr. 12020450609
Når chaufføren ankommer for afhentning, er det vigtigt, at du modtager et afhentningsbevis, som
du selv skal beholde som dokumentation for, at du har afleveret produktet.
Du vil hurtigst muligt indenfor 30 dage, have pengene tilbage på aftalt konto.
Dell håber at informationen her er tilstrækkelig, men har du yderligere spørgsmål, er du velkommen
til at kontakte os på mail: Consumer_Executive_Escalation_Nordics@dell.com
Med venlig hilsen/Kind Regards
Tina Jørgensen
Nordic Executive Escalations Manager
23rd of December 2008

Schenker came today to pick up two collie with a total weight of 25 kg. When the driver
realised I had three colli with a total wight on more then 50 kg he got pissed off. He was
really fed up with Dell. He told me that he never got any information on what to bring or
what to get from Dell in advanced. He had a Dell computer himself, that he have had heaps
of trouble with. He told me that Dell sucked big-time and that he would NEVER by a Dell
again. Just like me, hehe...
Dell XPS730 - More Hell with Dell - or...
First I thought Dell would come and pick up the XPS730. However that never happened. I
guess they gave it to me so I would keep my mouth shut. Well, Dell should (by Norwegian
law) also have paid me interest for the original amount I bought the system for. They never
did that, I guess the new system was the missing interest. Anyway, to be sure an email was
sent:
Klevstul:
I'll inform you that since you've only picked up the old system (XPS710 H2C) and not the new
XPS730 I assume that has been given to me. Hence I will start using it. If that is NOT the case you
have to inform me ASAP. Then I will also pursue the outstanding interest you owe me.
Dell:
Silence..........
The new machine came with Vista. First time I'm on Vista, even though I do prefer XP I
reckon it's not too bad. Used a couple of days getting the new Dell up-to-date with
miscellaneous software. The system ran smoothly as well, until today. The hell broke loose
when I tried changing the LED colours. Using the NVIDA Performance tool I adjusted the
lights and save the profile. Then I started watching a film, suddently the system froze. I had
to manually reboot it. On restart the following error message came up: "Alert! Ambient
Temperature Sensor Failure or Cable Not Connected". After some Googling I realised it was
my attempt to adjust the LED lights that had caused the problem. Ref:
http://www.ihatedell.net/forum/phpBB2/my-isolated-dell-experience-so-far-
t12394,start,45.html . I went back into the NVIDA Performance tool trying to restore the
changes. Doing that the software froze a couple of times. I tried adjusting the setting and
rebooting a few times. The system now started freezing the same way as the old one did,
on the BIOS splash screen and while loading Windows. The "Alert" message finally
dissapeared but the fan speed seemed to be stuck at 100%. The system was as loud as a
Boing 737 taking off. Luckily, after several retries of restoring everything (including a
system restore rollback) the Dell Hell seems to be over for this time.
The moral is: NEVER ADJUST ANY BIOS SETTINGS, you might up ruining your Dell. The new
system seems even more fragile than the old one.

After I managed to reset (well, the LEDs are still red, as I wanted them to be) the BIOS
settings the machine has worked well. And since Dell hasn't replied my last email or picked
this one up I'll continue using it. The new XPS730 might not be as bad after all...
15th of January 2008

Something very strange happened to the graphic card (?). One of my monitors stopped
getting any output, when I tried changing the monitor settings the machine froze. Upon
startup both screen where white and nothing happened. I had to disable (remove the
monitor cable) on of the screens. Then I managed to start the system again. When I tried
enabling both screens later on it worked. Weird...

Again my Dell Ultrasharp 24 inches monitor went white. Turning the monitor on and off
there was nothing but corrupted output (pixelated / unreadable system text on a black
screen). Testing another monitor the display came up perfectly, which meant the monitor
and not the computer has a failure. Called Dell and they're sending me a new monitor.
Dell (or Dell's postal service partner) tried delivering the monitor but I wasn't home.
Amazing that getting a new monitor took less than 24 hours.

Got the monitor. Going to be interesting to see if this one works. I still have the 730XPS.
Doesn't seem like Dell wants it back. I've received the money back for the old system, but I
never got any other compensation nor the interest. Hence I reckon it's fair to keep the new
system as a compensation. The new systems seems to be working quite well, at least
compared to the old one.

There is something weird with the sound on the system. Quite often the sound disappear,
after a few seconds of crackling sound. Not sure if this is because an error with the system
itself (like the soundcard) or the OS / drivers.
Cracling sound update

Disable "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device"
24th of July 2009
Several months since my previous post, and the "To be continued (like a never ending
story)..." from the bottom of this document can finally be replaced with "The End". Yes, this
story has come to an end, and a great one too. However, first some update on the XPS730.
The XPS730 was not too bad at all. Yeah, it had some issues, some minor things that were
common with the XPS' from Dell (like being extremely noisy). But there was one bigger
problem: Windows Vista. The longer I used Vista the more I disliked it. It's just a horrible
operating system that should have never been released. So about a month ago I decided to
take the big move, to swap the PC with a Mac. That is the wisest thing I've done in ages.
Mac OS X is a wonderful OS, and my new and shiny Mac Pro is AWESOME.
So thank you Michael Dell and Bill Gates. Thank you for introducing me to Steve Jobs.
Without your help I would never had opened my eyes and seen the Mac Pro from Apple.
Finally, life is beautiful...
1st of November 2009
I've had the Mac Pro for several months now. No problems at all, what so ever. It's a dream
compared to the horrible XPS systems. I love Mac!
The End

Hell With Dell: Dell XPS710 H2C - Dell's Trouble Machine

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Hell With Dell: Dell XPS710 H2C - Dell's Trouble Machine

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Hell with Dell

Dell XPS710 H2C - Dell's Trouble Machine

1st of May 2007

CS_SystemLabel XPS/Dimension XPS 710 Europe

It would be advisable to run diagnostics on your system.

Switch the machine off.

Restart the machine and immediately start tapping F12.

The system enters Boot menu

Insert the 'drivers and utilities' cd into the drive.

Go to cdrom option and press enter.

Now run the Dell 32 bit diagnostics on the system.

2nd of February 2008

8th of March 2008

14th of March 2008

29th of March 2008

4th of April 2008

Please Clarify your issue by answering the following questions:-

8th of April 2008

Dear Mr. Klevstul

12th of April 2008

14th of April 2008

Dear Mr. Klevstul

22th of April 2008

1st of May 2008

7th of May 2008

And new response from me:

12th of May 2008

13th of May 2008

19th of May 2008

OK, shutting down in 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1..[silence : 20th of May 11:30 pm]

Ahhhhh, back to life again [20th of May 11:55]

25th of May 2008

26th of May 2008

Dear Mr. Klevstul

28th of May 2008

29th of May 2008

Dear Mr. Klevstul,

9th of June 2008

*Boot in safe mode.

10th of June 2008

Dear Mr. Klevstul,

14th of June 2008

16th of June 2008

Dear Mr. Klevstul,

Dear Mr. Klevstul,

21st of June 2008

23rd of June 2008

Dear Mr. Klevstul

9th of August 2008

19th of August 2008

20th of August 2008

Thank you for contacting Dell Hardware E-Support.

24th of August 2008

25th of August 2008

I do have the latest version of the BIOS so nothing to update there.

1) Your computer has 6 SATA ports,

Port: SATA-0 SATA-1 SATA-2 SATA-3 SATA-4

Sony CD-RW/ DVD-

Capacity: 160 GB 160 GB 500 GB 500 GB

RAID BIOS RAID BIOS SYSTEM BIOS SYSTEM BIOS

28th of August 2008

31th of August 2008