I Don’t know where to start or to end my troubles with Dell all I know is that they have been constant and their so called world wide excellence in customer service has steadily declined and declined and declined, no longer resolving the simplest issue is straight forward and this is gaining on more and more % of Dell customers.

Anyways since my last issue with the bezel I have had more graphic card failures and repairs on my M1730 including motherboard exchange and one or two displays replaced, the graphics cards fail the 8800GTX being a 90nm process of manufactory mean they put out a lot of heat and they are certainly not appropriately cooled. the failures so far have been constant, eventually one of the Graphics cards will die and disappear off of the system including bios leaving only the other card (this is a double graphic card system SLI capable). this has happened so many times that eventually the laptop ceased functioning completely. Well After 3 or 4 phone calls and getting the case escalated further and further I finally got to someone I had spoke before and this guy is one of the few decent Support managers. My system was recalled for investigation and because I need the laptop and because I had/have a rapport with this Manager he decided to exchange it for a brand new system, exactly like for like. It all seems too easy to be glitch free. I'll never have what I paid for.

I must remind you guys that I have next day on-site repair contract until 2012. None of my issues  till this date were ever resolved next day within the repair contract terms, I’m not amused. They cheat, lie, promise one thing deliver another and squirm their way of taking ownership of the issues  when they take ownership they hung up on you and stick to their lies like if it was the gospel. TBH Im not a racist guy but does anyone working for some  so calles "support" organization in any Country is really going to respect the Customer Rights and the  Retail Law of the country that is UK? Yea sure and I'm Batman on my spare time... Not so far let me tell you. its just a big koke on you and your Money that you decided to part with in search of a decent working Laptop in my case.

When I received the new laptop it was missing the bluetooth module it took me a month and a half and two letter to get that resolved when I thought that was all of it, I find out that my warranty until 2012 was not existent anymore it took me another 2 months 3 email several letters to get that finally resolved. See the new laptop show inherit the old ones warranty but someone decided not to make it so. If you bother to read that is a direct breach of Dells own terms and conditions UK nr 11.2 Dell shall accept liability for reasonably foreseeable losses arising as a direct consequence of breach by Dell of its statutory duty. However Dell shall not be liable in certain circumstances for example where the causes or potential causes of the loss:

11.2.1 were not reasonably foreseeable by both parties; &/or

11.2.2 were known by Consumer to the exclusion of Dell at the time that the Agreement was entered into; &/or

Well this was reasonable and foreseeable for both parties since its process and procedure of Dell to ensure the old warranty is passed to new machine which was well know by myself and Dell. Took me an untold amount of time and issue is still unresolved its been now 4 or 5 months, I have written to US and no one seems to realize within Dell they have not only breached their service contract but they have also breached own terms and conditions. Incredible. The amount of time and money I lost so far with Dell I could have bought 10 M1730 I joke you not.

Latest one with my current new machine, had screen replacement 2 weeks ago for some reason screen was perfect then suddenly when colors were mixed at some website e.g. my blog header amongst a few was completely unreadable. i got that replaced now I have a great working Samsung display. I hope that lasts. Anyways I reported issue 3 weeks after I found fault since I did every single trouble shooting I could including re-install windows and run diagnostics. When I was sure and had the time and patient I reported it.

Same week I had that replaced the video cards that each core is supposed to run at 500mHz is now running at 200Mhz  (not tehe new drivers fpower setting at fault they should jump to attention on any 3D action and they did not do so) no amount of trouble-shooting has revealed any faults with video card except it 100% clear its faulty I also included speaker troubleshooting since my right speaker is crackling when on on voice/video conversations. Anyways its now going into a week and I have Managed to get a agreement to exchange and repair the issues and I was accepted to get a different video card. the 9800GTX SLI DELL part number 1GNV98X. Now instead of the dual 8800GTX 1GB DDR3, and the proised card I got the 9800GT... Oh boy... the fuckers!!

See the current 9800GT’s besides bearing the same G92 Chipset their offering in UK at the moment is the 8800GTX exact same GPU’s different flash and cooling enclosure same old balls and will no doubt cause same issues since its the same card. it will over heat it will fail like all other 8800GTX’s. nVidia is doing that as a trick to sell off the last of the 800GTX chips.

There are many sites telling you that the 8800GTX is 90nm and others saying that its 65nm, all I know its that it's 90nm chip. maybe one of the latest version is 65nm but lavalys Everest says 90nm at the 8800GTX's and its saying 65nm at the 9800GT but Im not happy that I didnt get what I was promised, thats a direct breach of the agreement Dell and I made and further infractions to their terms and condition not to mention my UK Customer rights.  

I have my contacts within nVidia unfortunately for Dell this person has provided me with all the info I need but I cannot disclose their identity for obvious reasons. if you put the specs of the 9800GT and 8800GTX side by side you will see that its is the same card remanufactured. this is a fact that is splatterred all over the net.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_8800m.html

http://www.nvidia.co.uk/page/geforce_m_series.html

and then that all the info/specs technical info you can find, is that not a bit odd to begin with? Why hide all the geeky info? There’s only one reason it occurred to mind, that when they remanufacture a chip the average Joe is none the wiser.

Because nVidia know if you put the specs side to side it will be obvious they made it difficult, I have requested this specific info from within nVIDIA Vaults and so far nada zip, ziltch. 

A while back Dell was selling in UK M1730 with a new 9800GTX which funnily enough is a true and only 65nm process card and completely different chip.

I’m still waiting on DELL going on a week to resolve both my video card issues and my right hand side speaker crackling issue which I decided to leave for last because its not that exciting even though they are obliged over the next business day contract to resolve it.

Speaking of which out of all the service calls I had only 3 calls which were resolved next day so so much for not breaking the contract  clauses you pay a fortune for.

Enjoy shopping with DELL and good luck. to your sanity and all!!

If I missed something ill update this later there’s so much I’m bound to have done so even though I re read this a few times before hitting the post button. this is a relatively small post to the amount of issues I’m going through I hope I did not fail in capturing the essence of the case (s).

Until next time.

P.S. I think I may have to write in to Dell this time as well to get this sorted… Oh Joy!

While contacting Virgin Media support to get a killers deal on same Internet size L package I'm on and a Land-line for a £1 extra a month  just on the 11th November 2008 which was pretty sweet including some friendly discounts on the installation charge and other sweet talking about my 50MB web space the Support person let slip that indeed the upgrades will be going ahead as planned, so knowing this person clearly misunderstood my enquiry, I asked oh when? and the reply was the rollout was already in planning stages and it will happen soon and automatically for those on 20Mbps lines???? -cof what???

So I guess there will not be another service but an upgrade indeed, but not according to the official Virgin Media 50MB Speed Service Page  It's a New Service. What will that mean for the rest of us a more strict  speed capping? *unlimited downloads with a heck of a twist so much for fibre optic cable delivered Internet. they claim its to make all users not feel the system grind to a alt I understand but if you caps the speed then charge us less for that time we are capped??? How about that my Virgin? Oh I forgot all you see is money not customers. Its a common phenomenon amongst all companies that make too much money they forget about Customer service and a Fair deal. Boy I should refrain from contacting support I have to learn the lingo you know...

I feel excited but at the same time, I feel shocked at the speed caps and furthermore I feel outraged at the poor upload speeds come on... 50Kb pretty much the same or worst the when I was on 4Mbps!!!

512kb apparently according to Virgin Media what the supply to us the customer say that  the upload speed is dependant on the site receiving it? a sec that's archaic view not to mention IMO wrong! I would gladly sacrifice 1Mbps from the down stream and have it passed to the up stream... NO says Indian Support that cannot be done sir!... er! you mean you don't know how to do it right? or Better yet you could do it but really Neither Virgin Media understands that Not Only Downstream is important as is also Upstream's speeds. In Fact you cant even buy a customised service at same competitive prices © ... Ermm Mr. Branson that's my idea and though you cannot patent ideas, This is my blog and ideas here suggested are my copyright.

Anyway's thanks a lot Virgin I have to wait more than a month for my add-on service and after being with this same company for 7 years or more I feel like you know give us some more up power that's what it means sharing content over the Internet with your family wake up!! What comes down must go up. That's Newton's law... or was it the other way around, see Virgin you've confused me.

Unlimited Downloads eh?? You mean?

*Unlimited time waiting for it to download... At always maximum price. isn't that fair guys?

I think that would be more than fair if a user gets capped for 5 Hours so the price should you pay for your services Drop to match that capped speed offer after all we are not paying for half speed and limited downloads we are paying for the full speed and unlimited downloads. That's only fair or is it?

I read the TOS especially the part that addresses this issue of fair usage whilst I see on the downloading part and still not totality agree the amounts specified we look at uploading restrictions which are impossibly ridiculously low, not only in data amount but speed try working from home as or actually dare to want to upload a party video or anything else above the mere 700MB for the 15:00 to 20:00 as it is for me and a 75% cap I mean what???

So I guess I have to work on uploads at snail pace Start from from 6 AM so I don't get affected.  when will we ever sleep, I'm Planning personally on not only starting my own projects which will mean pretty close to that upload rate at any time but also since Its gfx we are talking about in this case forget it I best find me a best compressing tool ever... Anyone up to designing a compressor decompression for the .tib format? I guess Ill have to then... 

And another no new news thrilling shock.

Ok now you own a Dell XPS M1730 Laptop its a beast alright but like everything in life it has its good sides and bad sides.

When you having issues because your video card's are not working so well or your WIFI card is under performing or even you onboard NIC you expect DELL to keep up to date with latest developments in software and drivers for your machine let me give you the news you probably already know... Who you gonna call? No no no! Not the Ghostbusters they cant help you with this they way to busy fighting ghosts and stuff...Iand With Dell at permium service for software service, erm, its never going to happen this is why I hope this is going to surprise you and of course bookmark these links I'm going to post... or probably you all already beaten me to it hardly surprising  though some places I've seen not kept up to date like this one, since all you need to do is be able to Google and read. Of course some hardware knowledge and some wider computer experience in various components is advised so you don't end up frying your £4000 laptop. that part I kinda removed from the equation a serving it up as a guinea pig. not much of a challenge when who designed this is invariably never going to re-code it just because... This is why were able to take advantage of things like this and Dell got hopefully slapped with a massive bill for being so, so... ah who cares they very useless are they not?  

Software & Drivers be sure that you double check your downloading the correct drivers (e.g. OS XP or Vista) on the links provided and or look for the right drivers on there I don't have an issue with recommending these and I use them myself because I demand the best performance and stability I can get and Dell wont give it to us. Some are installed via normal installer some are done manually.

BASC: Broadcom Advanced Management Suite if that link doesn't work this is where to find it Version is ATM v11.3.13a plenty to keep a check and run some proper diagnostics though this is not a necessary software, unless your a geek like me.

WIRED NIC Vista: 32 bit NetXtreme Drivers or 64bit  NetXtreme Drivers for XP same page can be used to obtain these. far superior version and way more stable just look for them they are there 1.100 ATM

INTEL 4965AGN: Also other WIFI cards supported many one driver set will support a few cards in fact almost all if not all cards supplied in this laptop are supported by same set of drivers but just double check... for any OS this page is best there are no restrictions on the OEM vs RETAIL CARDS on this its all a pull over your eyes business keep us all in the stoopid box... cof, cof

Synaptic Pad latest drivers can be found here. Look in Forum if not latest than DriverVer=06/04/2009, 13.1.3.0

For the Ricoh you have to look no furter than on its simbling (NOT) AlienWare M17X Ricoh, Believe it or not it's the same chips :), install them have driver type.

I'll update more if I find them. or leave your own suggestion on post. 

One of the best addition to this laptop was that gaming LCD screen over the Keyboard once again looking at it from Dell point of view another major blunder and we have to suffer with half baked solution that provide least option and not updated as regularly if your familiar with the Logitech Keyboard G15 the software is not only better but more complete and supports a few other options that the Dell supplied software does not. The XPS LCD GAMING LCD: Software that will make your nasal overgrown hair curl and it works a charm since its the same exact technology and accessed the same way. This is far more customisable and supports a wider range of options overall as it should have been shipped besides you can go black on with or white on black background cool eh! Completely compatible...

SLI Video Drivers: I recommend a trip to Nvidia site for this task more up to date and definitely working way better that the OEM drivers. Nvidia has released CUDA 2 which really allows other GPUS to handle tasks as well as GFX really and in short the solution for math crunching using GPUS are like CPUS on steroids hand in hand and in the event your really bonkers mad about performance then there's only one place for "better"  (lottery draw on this one) drivers then what I suggest you stick to just in case your GFX cards are misbehaving there's also this great community of very smart people who dedicate their time and expertise to improving your experience. They are LV2GO I found them one time a few years back recommended by Nvidia support themselves, go figure! I just use the Modded inf with the latest released Nvidia drivers with excellent results.Outstanding job! Completely recommended. but I proceed with care I always backup my computers, laptops with Acronis True Image just in case I’m always covered.

AGEIA PHYSIX: Well Driver wise makes not much difference for the driver is the same in any software version so far,. The Software which in turn supports the latest games, Remember not all games currently are designed to take advantage of this magic hardware and don't be disappointed to find the card cant perform magic on its own however no better place to find these precious gems at the moment than at the place where they pull them out of the hat The Great 3DGURU Community! You will also find that Nvidia site is also by 3 weeks delay serving up the same software version as I post this. so it up to your where you get it from look further down on that page for the link Nvidia Physix System Sofware. 

You will need the latest DirectX to get that Ageia Physix/Cuda Sofware and drivers working at peek efficiency so remember to regularly update your DX components, still dont know why Nvidia still makes a big secret of the new software but its the best its ever been. Just hope they update the drivers soon.

I was not able to source better Bluetooth drivers yet but when I do I will post them here or if anyone finds them first please post them here as well over the comments and I will add it to the post.

I cant be bothered with support tools for dell they just fill up the drive with crap like the quickset for example who designed that? In total contrast the video camera was well though about the software included is great and the results are spectacular... Surprising they do some things right.

Disappointment so far are mostly with over heating issues due to yet again Dell being to stubborn to provide a decent cooling control for the laptop and while ATM there is no software designer out there that can make a miracle like the famous I8KfanGUI the source code is out there waiting for a talented coder and I have it on good authority Mr Diefer does not intend to let that project die, but it is anyways!

The Dock itself is a cheap knock off of the Stardock's object dock but I can live with that though the Dell Dock is buggy and the Stardock Object dock is not half as bad.. I also recommend Lavalys Everest for several reasons though not free it can monitor and use your LCD over the keyboard to display any information like temperatures GPU clock speeds CPU clock speeds and an massive 4 pages of useful stuff on the go... Monitoring your PC takes a whole new meaning...

Get Dell Media Direct 3.X including 3.5 Update recreate ISO and update file from multiple rar there are 11 files total burn the iso to Disk and keep update on your HDD. I am NOT providing instructions in how to upgrade or install this on your laptops. This Media Direct may not be compatible with other laptops but the DELL XPS M1730

Before you procede I STRONGLY suggest you backup your PC's Main HDD including all partitions with a Software like Acronis True Image 2009 my recommended form of backup. These Guys develop one of the best if not the best Backup/Restoring technologies in a most flexible. I have used it for so many years that even my customers have started using it.

Any contributions with further or updated software/drivers of other then the ones I post here is very welcome from any of the readers post your information as a comment and I will add it to main post with reference to the contributor = you! so post your name or alter ego name... hehe!

Dell Customers with Support issues

This Topic is a brief compilation of my experiences and knowledge of local law I acquired throughout many years of professional and personal experiences I will post links to legitimate UK agencies where you can find more information about your issues and confirmed for yourself the information here contained in regards of legality. This is only intended to provided guidance in how to better you complaints procedures, not take legal action against Dell. Such actions are up to individual choices not my own)

I have been a Dell customer for more than 10 years only assume such posture of posting this because in total or in part Dell;

A) Failed to resolve any issues or problems brought to their attention in a timely manner causing me great expense both financially and extreme time consuming in this year alone on two issues I spent 3 more or less months dealing with these (overall even though issues were resolved ultimately by following the 5 steps below and the only resolution was only after I wrote to Dell because people made promises and delays and more delays occurred and nothing ever happened.

B) Repairs carried out by Banctec which resulted in  damaged parts not covered by  in warranty by engineers inspec machine before you sign paper. 

C) In UK it has been my experience that none of the online solutions have worked since last year e.g. email, unresolved issue and support chat has to my experience never worked.

It would be worth while as well as following these 5 guidelines to contact a Dell Liaison via PM regarding your case. DELL™ Forums are Governed by US Law and mainly meant for main support to DELL™ US Customers though other customers from other countries are welcomed there.

A Dell Liaison is the closest you have in this user to user forum to help bridge your concerns and raised them with their contacts at DELL™

GENERAL GUILINES HOW TO PROCEED

These Guidelines should apply to any country points 1 trough to 5

1. In the event of any claim or support request Make note Of any case reference numbers Or ask for a reference number if you do not have one and keep a note of any Dell representatives name(s) or ID. Be sure you make note of dates and what method you contacted Dell e.g. Phone, email, Chat or by letter to the closest Dell Office in your area. Also keep all emails or other communications to and from Dell. These are your basic Resources or "weapons".
2. I would advise you before or after you buy a Laptop/Desktop or any machine or services (example of services would constitute extended repair warranties and accidental damage cover) from Dell or from any company to obtain from any government agencies who will provide you with information regarding Trading Standards and applicable Retail Law in your Part of the world or similar agencies as found in UK. This information is often easily found via websites and describe examples in plain English that may apply or are similar to your situation. This is perhaps your most valuable "resource or "weapon" in which to give you a better insight in how to better deal with unfortunate situations.
3. When you contact a support member via phone and don't receive the adequate support you expected, always kindly and politely but firmly request to speak (be escalated to or) with a Floor Supervisor or Manager, there is always one or both on duty in any shift. Remember the tier 1 or level one support are very limited (not authorized) by what actions they can take depending on the situation you maybe facing at that moment. When you are escalated to the Floor Supervisor or Manager explain your situation calmly but firmly and politely providing him/her with all the information about your situation. A Floor Supervisor/Manager is authorized to A) give you a call back if you request it B) escalate your case higher if they cannot resolve it themselves. If escalated higher make notes of when (day of the week and time) your expected to be contacted by a most Senior Member of Dell, It would be wise to specify a more convenient time for being contacted by Dell (we all have more to do in live then to deal with these issues). Please remember at all times the first rule its very important).
4. Perhaps the most important and valuable effort you can make to ensure success, is your determination, persistence and relentless contact with Dell until your issue as been resolved entirely to your satisfaction, in any case this course of action may be stressful but remember your already in stress because your facing an issue that probably as not been resolved for days, weeks and in my personal experience months. I guess what I'm trying to say is never ever give up. If you do they win you loose.
5. This is for sure a most recommended method of approach when all previous efforts fail, do not despair (if you do, you loose the will to go on and remember rule one and rule 4) type a letter down use a public library computer if necessary remember rule 1? Good this is the best time to make use of all the "intelligence" information Please remember at all times the first rule its very important) you been making notes of make the letter very official and start with a brief (1 small sentence) that sums up your issue and then start typing away to your hearts content be polite and don't loose your cool but don't be afraid to use words like e.g. Useless, incompetent and other that may be appropriate and occur to you. On this letter go trough the notes you taken describe reference numbers, names, dates promises made and not fulfilled by any member of  DELL at any time and of course by all means vent your frustration and make them understand that you will never back down. Make full use of rule 1 and never forget any of the rules at any time during your letter writing session. When your done post it as registered and signed for and keep proof of that posting slip/invoice from post office personnel together with a copy of the letter and all your notes. How to complain in writing.

I addressed my letters to: UK Customer Relations Management/Complaints Department
                                           

Dell House
The Boulevard
Cain Road
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 1LF

These are part of your consumer rights your fighting for. There may be times where you loose because in some cases you may not have grounds in which to sustain your claim (mainly because of not knowing what to/say/write do and how to do it)but this is very rare, I assure you Dell is a helpful company however the bottom support tier as in my opinion degraded considerably, if your attention to detail and notes and you followed the advice here contained you are very, very likely to get what you paid for. I can't make you a personal guaranty that your case will be successful following these rules I gathered by my own experiences throughout the years and my knowledge of Local Retail Law and Consumer rights in the UK (Great Britain). And no I'm not a lawyer I'm just the same as you only difference is I refused one bright Summers day to be taken for a ride.

UK Retail law only, places of Help & interesting Facts

Here is some useful information about any purchases you make in the UK if you happen to be from here, that still doesn't mean you know how to complain or ensure your rights are looked after. You Have the Citizens Advice Bureau, Consumer Rights Organization and Office of Fair Trading In these places you can get free help and information in how to pursue your case, the information you gather from these places can also be used by you in any communication towards any member of Dell. Consumer Rights Computer related information, Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999

I would also encourage people from all parts of the world to contribute with information and advice for local organizations that provide the consumer with advice in how to deal with your particular problem however the 5 rules outlined here are basic and should apply to any country in the world. Unless your country has no retail law or consumer rights organizations in that case following the advice here provided to the best of your abilities will ensure you get a better result than nothing at all.

>>>>Extended warranties information<<<

Please help provide Information/tips in your particular region! your efforts on this are greatly appreciated.

Help each other in this way as well I haven't seen any topics that outline this kind of help. So here is hoping you make use of it and help Provide in this topic with Links and information to similar agencies in your countries. As well as your own tips when you post you reply here.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I assume no legal or personal responsibility specified or implied by any users dissecting and misinterpretation in the whole or in part the advice provided in this post or other individual posts in this Dell user to user help Forum which the sole original remaining intention is to provide guidance and advice to other users in how to deal with issues and problems so users have a understatement of how Companies and their politics operate.

I expect that all users make good use of the information here provided and expect such users to provide further information kindly requested to help others in other parts of the world help themselves.

I also do not intend to embark on a mission to research on any members behalf any particular cases the information gathered here should on it own suffice and serve as a tool so you help yourselves.

No offense guys but you can Google just as well as I can.

I intend to amend or add more information to the original post. If such information is found and proved wrong and will endeavoured to correct any omissions that may be in the whole or in part of the original or modified TOPIC so that it conforms with both Forum regulations and other applicable points or remarks made ASAP. Please provide details which part(s) of information is wrong and suggestions so it complies with any applicable contracts/Laws. 

I will without any doubt and clearly stating that in no way, will I assume legal responsibility or otherwise found wrong in any third party links provided here for your benefit which, to the best of my knowledge is genuine. In any event these Links should contain contact information in the respective sites to which you should address you concerns to.

Again reminding you all that I am not a lawyer or legally qualified with some past professional employment and have researched the sites I hereby linked in UK to resolve many of my disputes with Dell and other companies.This may very likely apply for your country except the 5 Guidlenes not be the same in your Country.

While this text is in part meant for Dell Customers the same principles apply to other companies and products/services that are beyond the scope of this post though still relevant in said cases.

DELL™ is a big company with millions of customers do not forget that things go wrong it is not fair to expect perfection in every case, order or item you buy. It is reasonable however toi expect quick and painless ways to resolve your issues.

Regards and best of luck

X3

Someone within DELL™ Forums has removed this Topic from their forums claiming it was innacurate and against TOS but failed to provide information to which part was considered inacurrate and making it impossible for me to correct it. therefore I would not repost, Since DELL™ has failed to provide such information which is indicative of acting in bad faith. I have asked for such information and without it being provided I have decided to show it here instead. for weeks have past and no such information was ever provided.

DELL™ is a registered trademark belonging to Dell

On the 07/08/08 at 16:00 UK time I received a visit I was expecting to replace My 2 week old M1730 LCD which the screen was very dim. even on max back-light!

I work with very High definition gfx and 3D visualizations amongst other intensive and very time consuming jobs and my Job can take me sometimes for days sometimes months.

After the repair was completed I had so much work to do and besides I was leaving next day for a month and a half project. close the laptop lid and that was it until two days later 3000 miles away

So I arrived got laptop out which I always carry with me and I really concentrate on the screen I had no reason to distrust Dell Banctec service reps even though I have any many issues with many machines I bought from Dell I usually work so there's no sun pointing at the screen so I can see properly what it is I'm doing but when I opened the laptop there was a bit of sun and I noticed a bit of dust on the screen so I got a special cleaning cloth smother than the one used to clean glasses/spectacles a can of compressed air gave it a few jets to remove most the fine dust and this wiped gently the screen with the cloth all the way down cleaning the bezel and surrounding areas when I noticed it.

Below the Dell logo where the screen bezel starts to round up I noticed either side two cracks on the part below Dell chromed logo that creases and goes around the bezel at the bottom. I'm not permitted to use company phone for long distance calls public phones are expensive as well as that leaves my mobile and roaming charges I had once were way beyond £300 on one time my another laptop I was using before this one died.

Once I got back I pulled the Banctec paper work and emailed Banctec if you ever had a service call in UK by Banctec you know what the form looks like and what it says very clearly point out if you have any issues raise with Technician straight away or email us no terms and conditions or nothing implying any other legalities regarding any issue especial concerning time passed are implied described or brought to your attention at any time. 

Banctec replied to me on first email after I explained the issue that they were only a service partner and that they called Dell and ask them to call me regarding this or that I should call them myself. I was tired and went to bed never got any call form Dell. Next Day I again emailed Banctec and explained that this issue was cause by the replacement of the LCD for I never noticed it before they just said it wasn't their responsibility and dismissed me very quickly no concern was show and they clearly had no interest in resolving or helping or taking responsibility

Both emails were also forwarded to a senior member of Dell which had helped me through a previous incident with another machine she was very helpful and perhaps the only one that deserves her job and really looks after both the customers interests and the contracts that are legally formed between both parties.

Anyway I received a out of office reply from her mail I had to go out again on another job for 3 weeks but I emailed Banctec and this Dell senior person while I was away again regarding the issue, I never got a reply so when I got home I though well maybe she is on holidays or something I waited and waited and nothing.

you Must understand I never called Dell support because Bancted paperwork specifically asks for them to be contacted not Dell! Eventually I had enough and called Dell I don't have use for a landline so I used my mobile. £12 later two times put on hold and no where closer to getting a resolution even after speaking with the shift supervisor and eventually with the Customer Relations Manager who do not understand there is no legally binding document that I signed for this service call that specifies any time limit for reporting any issues resulting from a service call under warranty. This Senior Member and Customer relations manager Clearly had no interest in hearing what I had to say though he took some notes but still failed to understand there is no legal standpoint that Dell claims neither Banctec nor Dell are responsible for the technicians incompetence or just misfortune in my view because I didn't report it straight away.

This is now sounding absurd, having a lawyer in the family is indeed a helpful thing and not only that I have studied some retail law though I never really went in that direction. Essentially unless Dell can present me with legal documentation with my signature which specifies that I am indeed wrong in believing that Banctec should be held responsible and set this right they have no legal case. I would also expect such legal paper work to be produced by the Service company.

I Have submitted a request to speak to another senior manager and will request said legal paper work and because the only legal contract regarding the service which I signed is a legal document I am entitled to bill Banctec for the costs or the repair, the parts costs and any incurred cost that are reasonable like legal costs and my professional fees pro rata on time I spent dealing with this issue.

This is going on until then and this post will kindly be regarded by moderators and in which does not infringe any forum regulations and therefore also does not mention any names but I seriously advise every reader to beware of any repairs and examine your laptops under the microscope before that technician leaves your house and report any faults as you find them I would also urge people to take pictures of their machines previous repair in the presence of the technician and prepare a paper which will inform him those pictures are of the state the machine was before and you are entitled to ask him to sign that paper work and provide copies in a cd for him to take with him as well as the paper work.

As a personal observation to this ordeal I feel that when you spend thousands of pounds, there should be a little more regard for you as a customer and better service put in place I remember way back two years for another machine which I emailed Dell and then followed it up by unresolved issues and I still haven't received a reply.

Dell chat for sales service is prompt and within seconds dell chat for xps support is never available.

Now is that not funny and interesting.

Sorry I made it long... Wake up keep reading...

I recently needed a NAS enclosure and well I shop all over the Internet like most of us do I suppose, So I wonder off to my trusty http://svp.co.uk/ which amongst all the online retailers I ever visited hold a fair amount of gadgets at good prices and above all their Customer service so far is second to none. It as always been my number one reason why after so many years I still go back even when things go wrong. SVP is 5 STARS shame about their choices sometimes but hey we all make mistakes eh!

I decided to whack of my WD 1TB HDD sata II on one of their enclosures that had support amongst other things bitorrent they call it a EDATA 3500 NAS BT Nice built aluminium look durable but what about the rest, soon found screws missing to Hold HDD inside no Tools but me being a sort of resourceful guy that was not about to stop me but alarms started going off.

Well soon Find out the dammed thing kept coming on and off and after wrestling it for a while I managed to upgrade the firmware to no avail it still was not working properly, after wrestling with it for the weekend I decided enough was enough and got a replacement/exchange from SVP after letting them know what I found or not in this case (like the missing parts) and the list of issues as its recorded on the support tickets to SVP. I went for the DATASTATIONII JBOD I don’t know why I thought maybe hard luck the first time around it happens you know. A great design solid aluminium great detail again and I though that a company that has clearly invested on design would have put guts to support/match the design, besides that now this is now a NAS anymore it supports USB 2.0 and mean while I decided to get another sata II 1TB drive out and try out this JBOD on Both WRT350Nv2 and WRT600Nv1 Both with beta firmware not available to public quite yet since I am waiting for the bug reports I sent to be addressed and fixed before you guys have them as good as possible either way these support USB 2.0 mass storage devices and distribute via Network pretty much like a NAS. Even connected straight to PC performance to 1 Meter away sucks big time and JBOD is complete failure straight connection to PC as I start to create  Folders and well mapped a Network drive did some FTP tests and suddenly I’m only getting 1TB showing.

Just to make sure I wasn’t seeing thing I wacked a Western Digital My Book Premium 2TB USB 2.0 to see if its me again of what the heck is going on. Na not a site of any issues with the WD drives chugging away like a champ and then as if by miracles they spin down as the signal to the drives ceases... mmmmm!!! Interesting! I admit I didn’t break the 6 meg barrier but I wasn’t far off funny thing is that the First HDD on this Glossy shiny DATASTATIONII JBOD is exactly the same drive as WD uses on their boxes hell I could have taken the whole lot appart just to put my mind at rest and swap the drives with the WD enclosure but it was clear to me I don’t need any more evidence that I have another failure on my hands.

Tested the 2nd HDD just to make sure it was not a dud all things right as rain this drive is as healthy as the time it come off the assembly line Maxtor do provided half decent tools to test their drives and its was like I said a thumbs up.

JBOD was a no show corrupting drive number two by creating a random number of inaccessible partitions which was the oddest thing ever. So I decided to try out the separate disk features for a while and see how that performs after of course I recovered the drive which not only new was now ready to pack it in as was I to be honest.

Drives are always screaming, never spin down and the transfer rates are abysmal and well under the 3/5mbps Tsunamitech say they should on a spanking new giga lan cat6 wire and if that not all I decided to try their support... They never addressed the fact that the second enclosure fails to operate on JBOD mode and say they sorry that the product does not meet my expectations and that's it that and I quote "Different user has different expectation on different product, we are sorry that we cannot fully satisfy yours" Is expecting your product to work is it a reasonable satisfaction or expectation you say from any customer?? Hold on a second boys and girls ever heard of UK retail law? no it seems to me? Well I have! Guess what? You having this one back unfortunately via SVP whom I have advised to discontinue the sale of these clearly glossy products with not real clockwork inside and it will be my uneducated guess that you SVP will have a few of these back before its starts to loose patience and dump you like you deserve, no one with brains on Tsunamitech side to know about Customer Service/support or even their obligations to the customers... I don't know where Tsunamytech have been since 1994 but I hope you soon go back to that anonymity and get real... Also reconsider your internal processes and retraining your staff not to make absurd claims about technology they clearly know nothing about.. I wonder what trading standards would have to say about that, maybe if you like me to act a a Customer Service consultant and technical/product trainer advisor to your company, please leave a comment my services to the industry both on Customer service levels and technical expertise on general equipment clearly qualifies me to at least set you on the right track...

My advice to any of the readers is to steer clear of these glossy well design and poorly conceived products for a good year or two and go spend a few more pennies with brands like D-link (insert your favourite brand here) you know never going let you down and if you don't know have a good scour on the Internet and read the product reviews for whatever you want to buy, though most people talk crap there on some of the reviews I find there is one or another that know what they talking about...

TSUNAMITECH you been served what you served me... Named and shamed Your Products and your Company Stink!!! 1/10 I would have given you Negative points but I have to say the design is spot on unfortunatly Beauty is only skin deep with your stuff (the Two that I tried and failed), the rest a nightmare!! 

I hate jerks that get into business to make money off of the consumer and when things go wrong, tell them well tuff! Maybe this guy that read my email was having a bad day and the boss doesn't know either way sorry, I had to do it! A gave TsunamiTech two chances You pissed me off and then pissed me off some more with the reply email I got after I actual made an effort to explain what all the issues were...

Oh I saved the communication emails... Not that expect You be requesting my professional advice. Cleary another mistale you'll make. I could definitely show your staff a thing or two about customer service and maybe train them to have a better understanding of the finer technical aspects not only of your products but other products that actually interact with yours, possible uses based on products available on market today, etc... Shame a little better testing and and it could have been a better product... I blame the guy/girl that for the sake a few pounds rushed things out the door that otherwise could have made a really great products. there's always one lured into a false sense of economy and expecting the return rate will be below a expected rate of failure... And this is how you loose customers...

You can now follow this tutorial or download the official file finally released 4 months later at my other topic

So imagine that like me, you slipstreamed the latest Service pack onto your existing install disk to make a clean install of XP (insert your edition here) and found out like me that the LLTD while its on the list of updates included with SP3 its not really... Go figure... It happens really... or does it?

LLTD just makes it way easier for Vista to see XP in its network map and maybe even make it easier for you to get things working together dure goes help... I see it like a scaled down version of Cisco CDP... Moving on :)

Download the LLTD windowsXP-KB922120-v5-ENU.exe, running it will give you a error not allowing you to install it, but there is a way around it... Seriously! Keep reading!

I figured that since it was working when first tried SP3 via WU and I had this update already that there is no reason why this makes any sense... So I Googled as one does. I looked at this topic and quite honestly some idiot saying on thar topic that "All the KB's you mentioned were new features added to Windows XP after release of SP2.They would not be added to SP3, but instead be refreshed to install on SP3" makes me wonder why bother with comments like this... Clearly you need to do some reading Mr. whatever your name is... Sounds like something I wouldn't eat... Anyhow?! This is the advice someone as a MSFT title should provided regarding the LLTD...

A topic on Microsoft discussion group pointed towards http://support.microsoft.com/kb/828030 in how to extract a update to your HDD as part of the solution and then place these files on Windows Directory and system32 folder and then run the service... ok pretty easy eh? nope. What file goes where so here it is... you will also need to set folder options to view hidden files.

1. Rename the LLTD WindowsXP-KB922120-v5-ENU.exe windowsXP-KB922120-v5-ENU.exe to a simpler name e.g. 922120 and place it on e.g. C:\
2. Click Start button navigate to run prompt and type in cmd and press enter or click ok (a black window will open)
3. Type the following in the command prompt (cursor blinking)

Now you all done! Start the service by opening a cmd prompt window again navigating to directory by typing cd C:\Windows\System32 directory and issuing the following command once there on same prompt window.

    rspndr.exe -i (then tap enter duh!)

You should receive a confirmation that the service is installed and by opening your NIC card properties you will confirm by reviewing that there is a checked entry for Link Layer Topology  Discovery.

On another note maybe it would be better to rollup and add this and other missing KB's in the disk before slipstreaming SP3 and then maybe we could avoid it altogether. Or wait until Microsoft is good and ready to release yet another stream of updates to go on top of SP3 and fix this or similar issues. One can wait or do it himself.

erm feeling like XP SP4 anyone?