Dell XPS R.I.P
The prognosis appears to be terminal.
This started sometime back.
Everything was fine until I attempted to download Microsoft's Window's XP Service Pack 3.
My computer got hung up during the install and I was forced to do a hard reboot.
When I did I got a blue screen memory parity error.
From that point on, I was only able to boot in Safe Mode.
When I researched the problem I discovered that Microsoft was offering FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT for XP SP# issues until April of 2009! For those of you familiar with Microsoft, you know that this is unprecedented and indicative of their foreknowledge that they had a problem.
So I have been availing myself of this support for MONTHS. I'm even getting personalized, persistant, 2nd Tier technical support. They even sent me a bootable Windows XP CD so we can troubleshoot at the next level.
Unfortunately, my computer has since ceased to function entirely.
I came upstairs the other night to find my computer turned off. I never turn it off. When I tried to boot, the power light went amber for a few seconds, the hard drive light didn't blink at all and the computer went dead. Nothing.
I've tried some troubleshooting suggestions from Dell.com and they didn't help.
I tried cracking the case, cleaning the innards and wiggling stuff around. That didn't work.
So. I have some decisions to make.
Do I spend hundreds of dollars replacing component by component until I stumble across the right combination that brings my XPS back to life?
Do I yank the hard drive and send the rest to The Geek Squad and spend hundreds of dollars to see if they can fix the problems?
Or do I cut my losses, spend $400 on a new laptop that does 80% of what I need (email, blogger, twitter & HD porn) and cannibalize the 200gb hard drive and whatever else I can salvage from the XPS?
Your thoughts?
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11 comments:
Cut your losses and get a Mac.
emaw - Fuck that. Might have been good advice 20 years ago. But these days I hear just as many horror stories from stoner-hippie-Mac-users as I do from members of the MS-Borg-Collective.
I'm a member of a large internet discussion group and several members had trouble with this update. I don't know if their computers totally died, but I know several went through hell and high water.
If it were me, I would be "speaking" to Microsoft about them owing me a new computer or at least some contribution toward one. They caused the problem and they know it.
I'm a member of a large internet discussion group and several members had trouble with this update. I don't know if their computers totally died, but I know several went through hell and high water.
If it were me, I would be "speaking" to Microsoft about them owing me a new computer or at least some contribution toward one. They caused the problem and they know it.
I am typing this on a $400 laptop, it does 100% if what I need. I only added a wireless mouse to it, bought portable hard drive for $40 and doubled the RAM (didn't really need it but it was $20).If you bought your comp. less than 2 years ago on a credit card you still have warranty. otherwise cut your losses, sell as is on craigslist.
Have some one install XP, after you wipe everything clean. Treat the PC as a new pc, after you have someone transfer all of your key documents files over to an external hard drive.
Wipe it clean, install XP with SP3 on a clean PC. It sounds like you have something else going on.
I want to know where you guys are getting 400 dollar laptops.
ubuntu
MM,I bought mine at Best Buy last spring, keep and eye on websites like slickdeals.net, they always post links to cheap laptops and other stuff. i.e. I bought 2 DVD for two bucks yesterday.
Emaw, you know who else is using a mac -evil russian president.
I'm actually running Windows XP on a MacBook Pro and couldn't be happier.
On the flip-side - I had to take out a 15-year note to pay for it.
A laptop is the way to go if you don't like being tied to a desk. Keep in mind that you can't just crack open a laptop and fix it yourself though. You're also sacrificing speed and power for the convenience of mobility (unless you get the Mac of course...)
Circuit City is going to be clearancing a lot of their electronics now that they are closing the KC ones. I didn't ask my buddy that works there if it included computers. It may be worth looking into.
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