My college daughter has an i8600 that is still under next business day
warranty for another 150 days. She's home now and I want to have some
warranty work done on it. There are three things that need fixing, and I
was wondering about them...what Dell would cover, and what they would not
cover.
First, it's had that old frame cracking problem (lower left) for about a
year or more. I assume that'll be covered.
Guess while I'm at it, I should mention to Dell about the hinge, which
isn't cracked, but it doesn't seem to hold as tight as it used to.
Sometimes the lid, depending on the angle it's open at, will slowly shut.
Second, a couple of the keys (the same ones) keep coming off. I've tried
many times to get them back on securely, but no luck. I don't know if
it's because I'm doing it wrong, or if the kbd is unable to hold them on
anymore, and that's why they came off in the first place. Do you know
what Dell would do about this? If they won't fix that, I imagine I can
replace the entire kbd myself.
Finally, the machine has two USB ports in the back, one on top of the
other. On the upper one of the pair, the black plastic 'tongue' that
forces proper alignment when you plug in a USB cable has snapped off. As
a result, one of the copper blades in the port has bent, or curled,
inward. Of course, it's now unusable. I suspect that Dell would claim
abuse, and wouldn't fix this. If they did fix it, would that involve a
new motherboard?
Also, what's the best way to get warranty service? I've done it over the
phone before, and that was a fiasco. I've heard many of you say that
email is the best.
<Boris> wrote in message
news:Xns9A0F8EC212EBFBorisinvalidnet@216.196.97.13 6...
> My college daughter has an i8600 that is still under next business day
> warranty for another 150 days. She's home now and I want to have some
> warranty work done on it. There are three things that need fixing, and I
> was wondering about them...what Dell would cover, and what they would not
> cover.
>
> First, it's had that old frame cracking problem (lower left) for about a
> year or more. I assume that'll be covered.
>
> The crack connects a to b.
>
> ||----------------||
> ||----------------||
> || ||
> || ||
> ||-a--------------||
> ||-b--------------||
>
> Guess while I'm at it, I should mention to Dell about the hinge, which
> isn't cracked, but it doesn't seem to hold as tight as it used to.
> Sometimes the lid, depending on the angle it's open at, will slowly shut.
>
> Second, a couple of the keys (the same ones) keep coming off. I've tried
> many times to get them back on securely, but no luck. I don't know if
> it's because I'm doing it wrong, or if the kbd is unable to hold them on
> anymore, and that's why they came off in the first place. Do you know
> what Dell would do about this? If they won't fix that, I imagine I can
> replace the entire kbd myself.
>
> Finally, the machine has two USB ports in the back, one on top of the
> other. On the upper one of the pair, the black plastic 'tongue' that
> forces proper alignment when you plug in a USB cable has snapped off. As
> a result, one of the copper blades in the port has bent, or curled,
> inward. Of course, it's now unusable. I suspect that Dell would claim
> abuse, and wouldn't fix this. If they did fix it, would that involve a
> new motherboard?
>
> Also, what's the best way to get warranty service? I've done it over the
> phone before, and that was a fiasco. I've heard many of you say that
> email is the best.
>
> Thanks.
I've used their e-mail support for small issues and it works, but I always
feel like I'm throwing the e-mail into a hole until I get a response.
From what you've described, I'd say they'd happily replace the keyboard and
the system board. I'm not so sure about the loose hinge ('normal wear') but
you should absolutely mention it as they might fix that as well (if you
don't mention it....they won't).
Regarding the crack in the "frame" (trying to envision it from your
diagram), I'd mention that as well. If it is a known design flaw, maybe
they pick that up as well.
On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:02:40 -0600, Boris <Boris> wrote:
>Guess while I'm at it, I should mention to Dell about the hinge, which
>isn't cracked, but it doesn't seem to hold as tight as it used to.
>Sometimes the lid, depending on the angle it's open at, will slowly shut.
I don't want to duplicate what Stew said so I'll only address the
hinge question. Dell should handle that under warranty. I have had
loose hinges on several of my Dell laptops, and had sent them in for
service. Eventually though I looked at the manual that shows how to
tighten the screws for the hinge and was able to do it myself.
I don't know about the 8600, but on the Inspiron 630m / 1405 it was
even easier than what the manual showed -- all I had to do was "peel
off" the rubber cover from the bottom corners of the screen near the
hinge to reveal screws which could be tightened to make the hinge
tighter.
On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 19:23:33 -0600, Journey <journey@merr.com> wrote:
>On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:02:40 -0600, Boris <Boris> wrote:
>
>>Guess while I'm at it, I should mention to Dell about the hinge, which
>>isn't cracked, but it doesn't seem to hold as tight as it used to.
>>Sometimes the lid, depending on the angle it's open at, will slowly shut.
>
>I don't want to duplicate what Stew said so I'll only address the
>hinge question. Dell should handle that under warranty. I have had
>loose hinges on several of my Dell laptops, and had sent them in for
>service. Eventually though I looked at the manual that shows how to
>tighten the screws for the hinge and was able to do it myself.
>
>I don't know about the 8600, but on the Inspiron 630m / 1405 it was
>even easier than what the manual showed -- all I had to do was "peel
>off" the rubber cover from the bottom corners of the screen near the
>hinge to reveal screws which could be tightened to make the hinge
>tighter.
Journey... did I thank you for this info? When I installed the 2 gigs
memory (duo channel) in my E1405's, I had to tighten one of the
screens and used your info and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
The ram under the keyboard and under the laptop was a breeze too to
install tho I proceeded cautiously under the keyboard since it was my
first time under there.
"S.Lewis" <NVRambo@techie.com> wrote in
news:NvDbj.36856$rc2.9276@bignews1.bellsouth.net:
>
> <Boris> wrote in message
> news:Xns9A0F8EC212EBFBorisinvalidnet@216.196.97.13 6...
>> My college daughter has an i8600 that is still under next business
>> day warranty for another 150 days. She's home now and I want to have
>> some warranty work done on it. There are three things that need
>> fixing, and I was wondering about them...what Dell would cover, and
>> what they would not cover.
>>
>> First, it's had that old frame cracking problem (lower left) for
>> about a year or more. I assume that'll be covered.
>>
>> The crack connects a to b.
>>
>> ||----------------||
>> ||----------------||
>> || ||
>> || ||
>> ||-a--------------||
>> ||-b--------------||
>>
>> Guess while I'm at it, I should mention to Dell about the hinge,
>> which isn't cracked, but it doesn't seem to hold as tight as it used
>> to. Sometimes the lid, depending on the angle it's open at, will
>> slowly shut.
>>
>> Second, a couple of the keys (the same ones) keep coming off. I've
>> tried many times to get them back on securely, but no luck. I don't
>> know if it's because I'm doing it wrong, or if the kbd is unable to
>> hold them on anymore, and that's why they came off in the first
>> place. Do you know what Dell would do about this? If they won't fix
>> that, I imagine I can replace the entire kbd myself.
>>
>> Finally, the machine has two USB ports in the back, one on top of the
>> other. On the upper one of the pair, the black plastic 'tongue' that
>> forces proper alignment when you plug in a USB cable has snapped off.
>> As a result, one of the copper blades in the port has bent, or
>> curled, inward. Of course, it's now unusable. I suspect that Dell
>> would claim abuse, and wouldn't fix this. If they did fix it, would
>> that involve a new motherboard?
>>
>> Also, what's the best way to get warranty service? I've done it over
>> the phone before, and that was a fiasco. I've heard many of you say
>> that email is the best.
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>
> I prefer to *try* to get support via Dell hardware chat first-
> depending on your schedule.
> http://support.dell.com/support/topi...t/chat/en/hard
> ware_chat?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
>
> I've used their e-mail support for small issues and it works, but I
> always feel like I'm throwing the e-mail into a hole until I get a
> response.
>
>
> From what you've described, I'd say they'd happily replace the
> keyboard and the system board. I'm not so sure about the loose hinge
> ('normal wear') but you should absolutely mention it as they might fix
> that as well (if you don't mention it....they won't).
>
> Regarding the crack in the "frame" (trying to envision it from your
> diagram), I'd mention that as well. If it is a known design flaw,
> maybe they pick that up as well.
>
> Good luck and Merry Christmas,
>
> Stew
>
>
I used the online chat, and Naveem_163319 is dispatching a new display
frame, a new kbd, and a new hinge assembly. A technician will call to
schedule once he gets the new parts.
Dell won't fix the USB port, claiming it was accidental damage, and the
entire motherboard would have to be replaced. I argued a little, but I
knew I was on the loosing end. Maybe I can fashion a plastic tongue
myself and epoxy it into the port to support the blade contacts. I'd
also have to uncurl one of the blades. Worth a try. I really don't want
to take the board out and try desoldering and resoldering, plus I don't
know if I could get the part separately. Otherwise, I'll just have to
use a USB hub with the one USB port that still works so I can keep a
mouse and a printer connected.
We did get disconnected 20 minutes into the chat, but he had taken my
home phone number earlier so he called me back to finish.
Try escalating the case to a supervisor. The fan in the PS of my XPS 410
started running at high speed all the time two days past the one-year system
invoice date but less than one year before I had actually received the
computer. The first person during the day said no. I tried later that
evening, the on-line chat was with a different service center and they said
OK.
Rich
<Boris> wrote in message
news:Xns9A1076B40FF6CBorisinvalidnet@216.196.97.13 6...
> "S.Lewis" <NVRambo@techie.com> wrote in
> news:NvDbj.36856$rc2.9276@bignews1.bellsouth.net:
>
>>
>> <Boris> wrote in message
>> news:Xns9A0F8EC212EBFBorisinvalidnet@216.196.97.13 6...
>>> My college daughter has an i8600 that is still under next business
>>> day warranty for another 150 days. She's home now and I want to have
>>> some warranty work done on it. There are three things that need
>>> fixing, and I was wondering about them...what Dell would cover, and
>>> what they would not cover.
>>>
>>> First, it's had that old frame cracking problem (lower left) for
>>> about a year or more. I assume that'll be covered.
>>>
>>> The crack connects a to b.
>>>
>>> ||----------------||
>>> ||----------------||
>>> || ||
>>> || ||
>>> ||-a--------------||
>>> ||-b--------------||
>>>
>>> Guess while I'm at it, I should mention to Dell about the hinge,
>>> which isn't cracked, but it doesn't seem to hold as tight as it used
>>> to. Sometimes the lid, depending on the angle it's open at, will
>>> slowly shut.
>>>
>>> Second, a couple of the keys (the same ones) keep coming off. I've
>>> tried many times to get them back on securely, but no luck. I don't
>>> know if it's because I'm doing it wrong, or if the kbd is unable to
>>> hold them on anymore, and that's why they came off in the first
>>> place. Do you know what Dell would do about this? If they won't fix
>>> that, I imagine I can replace the entire kbd myself.
>>>
>>> Finally, the machine has two USB ports in the back, one on top of the
>>> other. On the upper one of the pair, the black plastic 'tongue' that
>>> forces proper alignment when you plug in a USB cable has snapped off.
>>> As a result, one of the copper blades in the port has bent, or
>>> curled, inward. Of course, it's now unusable. I suspect that Dell
>>> would claim abuse, and wouldn't fix this. If they did fix it, would
>>> that involve a new motherboard?
>>>
>>> Also, what's the best way to get warranty service? I've done it over
>>> the phone before, and that was a fiasco. I've heard many of you say
>>> that email is the best.
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>> I prefer to *try* to get support via Dell hardware chat first-
>> depending on your schedule.
>> http://support.dell.com/support/topi...t/chat/en/hard
>> ware_chat?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
>>
>> I've used their e-mail support for small issues and it works, but I
>> always feel like I'm throwing the e-mail into a hole until I get a
>> response.
>>
>>
>> From what you've described, I'd say they'd happily replace the
>> keyboard and the system board. I'm not so sure about the loose hinge
>> ('normal wear') but you should absolutely mention it as they might fix
>> that as well (if you don't mention it....they won't).
>>
>> Regarding the crack in the "frame" (trying to envision it from your
>> diagram), I'd mention that as well. If it is a known design flaw,
>> maybe they pick that up as well.
>>
>> Good luck and Merry Christmas,
>>
>> Stew
>>
>>
> I used the online chat, and Naveem_163319 is dispatching a new display
> frame, a new kbd, and a new hinge assembly. A technician will call to
> schedule once he gets the new parts.
>
> Dell won't fix the USB port, claiming it was accidental damage, and the
> entire motherboard would have to be replaced. I argued a little, but I
> knew I was on the loosing end. Maybe I can fashion a plastic tongue
> myself and epoxy it into the port to support the blade contacts. I'd
> also have to uncurl one of the blades. Worth a try. I really don't want
> to take the board out and try desoldering and resoldering, plus I don't
> know if I could get the part separately. Otherwise, I'll just have to
> use a USB hub with the one USB port that still works so I can keep a
> mouse and a printer connected.
>
> We did get disconnected 20 minutes into the chat, but he had taken my
> home phone number earlier so he called me back to finish.
>
> Basically, I'm satisfied (so far).
>
>
>
Actually, that was going to be my next step. I even told Naveem_ 163319
that I'd call back another time (probably once these other items are
fixed) to try to get the USB port fixed, even if it required a new
motherboard. I said it's not possible that this could have been broken
accidentally. After all, it's not as if the plastic tongue sticks out
and could be bumped and broken. The only thing you can do with a USB
port is to plug a USB cable into it.
"Rich" <Rich_NoSpam@ptd_nospam.net> wrote in
news:zcmdnbpAfcEqje3anZ2dnUVZ_hGdnZ2d@ptd.net:
> Try escalating the case to a supervisor. The fan in the PS of my XPS
> 410 started running at high speed all the time two days past the
> one-year system invoice date but less than one year before I had
> actually received the computer. The first person during the day said
> no. I tried later that evening, the on-line chat was with a different
> service center and they said OK.
>
> Rich
>
>
> <Boris> wrote in message
> news:Xns9A1076B40FF6CBorisinvalidnet@216.196.97.13 6...
>> "S.Lewis" <NVRambo@techie.com> wrote in
>> news:NvDbj.36856$rc2.9276@bignews1.bellsouth.net:
>>
>>>
Big snip
>>>
>>>
>> I used the online chat, and Naveem_163319 is dispatching a new
>> display frame, a new kbd, and a new hinge assembly. A technician
>> will call to schedule once he gets the new parts.
>>
>> Dell won't fix the USB port, claiming it was accidental damage, and
>> the entire motherboard would have to be replaced. I argued a little,
>> but I knew I was on the loosing end. Maybe I can fashion a plastic
>> tongue myself and epoxy it into the port to support the blade
>> contacts. I'd also have to uncurl one of the blades. Worth a try.
>> I really don't want to take the board out and try desoldering and
>> resoldering, plus I don't know if I could get the part separately.
>> Otherwise, I'll just have to use a USB hub with the one USB port that
>> still works so I can keep a mouse and a printer connected.
>>
>> We did get disconnected 20 minutes into the chat, but he had taken my
>> home phone number earlier so he called me back to finish.
>>
>> Basically, I'm satisfied (so far).
>>
>>
>>
>
>
If you call in the evening (Eastern or Central Standard time) you sometimes
get a tech center in North America. I had a problem last year at 10PM and
was talking to someone in Canada. I don't know where the guy was who let me
have the refurb PS but it may have been Canada again.
Rich
<Boris> wrote in message
news:Xns9A107C515A83Borisinvalidnet@216.196.97.136 ...
> Actually, that was going to be my next step. I even told Naveem_ 163319
> that I'd call back another time (probably once these other items are
> fixed) to try to get the USB port fixed, even if it required a new
> motherboard. I said it's not possible that this could have been broken
> accidentally. After all, it's not as if the plastic tongue sticks out
> and could be bumped and broken. The only thing you can do with a USB
> port is to plug a USB cable into it.
>
> "Rich" <Rich_NoSpam@ptd_nospam.net> wrote in
> news:zcmdnbpAfcEqje3anZ2dnUVZ_hGdnZ2d@ptd.net:
>
>> Try escalating the case to a supervisor. The fan in the PS of my XPS
>> 410 started running at high speed all the time two days past the
>> one-year system invoice date but less than one year before I had
>> actually received the computer. The first person during the day said
>> no. I tried later that evening, the on-line chat was with a different
>> service center and they said OK.
>>
>> Rich
>>
>>
>> <Boris> wrote in message
>> news:Xns9A1076B40FF6CBorisinvalidnet@216.196.97.13 6...
>>> "S.Lewis" <NVRambo@techie.com> wrote in
>>> news:NvDbj.36856$rc2.9276@bignews1.bellsouth.net:
>>>
>>>>
>
> Big snip
>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> I used the online chat, and Naveem_163319 is dispatching a new
>>> display frame, a new kbd, and a new hinge assembly. A technician
>>> will call to schedule once he gets the new parts.
>>>
>>> Dell won't fix the USB port, claiming it was accidental damage, and
>>> the entire motherboard would have to be replaced. I argued a little,
>>> but I knew I was on the loosing end. Maybe I can fashion a plastic
>>> tongue myself and epoxy it into the port to support the blade
>>> contacts. I'd also have to uncurl one of the blades. Worth a try.
>>> I really don't want to take the board out and try desoldering and
>>> resoldering, plus I don't know if I could get the part separately.
>>> Otherwise, I'll just have to use a USB hub with the one USB port that
>>> still works so I can keep a mouse and a printer connected.
>>>
>>> We did get disconnected 20 minutes into the chat, but he had taken my
>>> home phone number earlier so he called me back to finish.
>>>
>>> Basically, I'm satisfied (so far).
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
I would call Dell, explain the various problems and see what they have to
say.
On my Latitude D800, the top half of the D/Bay connector was broken out. Of
course, it was impossible to put the connector in the wrong way, but the
pins were hanging in free air and the plastic "guide" that had once been
part of the connector came out. It still seemed to work fine, but I cringed
a little bit every time I went to use it. (It seems that D/Bay units are
made of unobtainium. They don't show in the Dell store. I got mine in a lot
of parts on eBay.)
I didn't do anything to cause that, and Dell repaired it when I sent the
system in.
I arranged to have my system repaired over the phone. It went perfectly
well. The rep that I spoke to was located in Canada and he was very polite.
Will Dell Cover This Under Warranty? 
Linear Mode
