IdeaStorm
Over 19,060 ideas submitted. 741,206+ votes. 98,015+ comments. 537+ ideas implemented.
Better Info on which version of OS is preinstalled on system
May 29, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
I recently bought an xps 8500 system with win 8 64 bit installed not realizing there is an edition of the os with certain capabilities removed such as gpedit.msc, secpol.msc , among other capabilities which in all your media it's only stated as being windows 8 while at the same time extolling all the virtues of the new os with no mention of the different types of the os.This system is marketed as a premium performance sytem but is sold with a bastardized version of windows 8. This same issue also shows in the wifi card installed. When customizing for wireless networking add ons all three types of routers listed are dual band and 300+300 capable. Remember this is supposed to be a top of the line box so customer assumes this package would be cutting edge but lo and behold the wifi card installed is useless for the premium routers offered since card is only single band. Dell should offer all options of os to be procurred with a sytem thereby avoiding customer dissatisfaction and avoiding added cost for all involved in return of sytems and loss of loyal customers. Now off to customer service for an RMA and then reorder another sytem to correct the inaccuracies of a marketed top of the line homesystem that is hobbled in key areas.
Categories: Operating Systems, Service and Support,
Windows 8 Reinstallation Media Request and Download Link [Revised]
Dell should force Microsoft to provide a direct link to a Windows 8 .iso that is available free of charge for everyone. Microsofts current online distribution mechanism for Windows 8 is awful. It firstly requires the user to have a functional previous version of Windows installed. Next it does not allow the user to select 32 bit or 64 bit only downloading setup files which correspond to the bit of the previous version of WIndows. Finally it requires the user to pay for an additional product key. It should be noted that users already have a product key with preinstalled Windows 8 but it is hidden within the system's BIOS. They cannot use this product key to download a Windows 8 .iso. Right now everything is downloadable except for Windows which is required to run everything else Dell have available to download. The .iso would allow users to download everything they require for clean installation of Windows which is necessary to resolve many software issues including complete corruption of the Operating System due to Viruses/Malware and also allow users to get back on their feet after common hardware failure such as the hard drive failing. The Windows 8.iso would also allow users to perform StartUp Repair and to repair installations. Moreover a clean Install of Windows offers vastly superior performance to the Dell factory settings especially after Service Packs are released and is documented in my worldwide adopted Windows Reinstallation Guide: http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/ In addition there are alot of software issues including out of box experiences, the inability to make recovery media using Dell DataSafe which could all be resolved with a Windows Reinstallation DVD or USB. Note with the Windows Reinstallation USB it should be identical to the Reinstalaltion DVD and not have any bundled drivers or software not present in Microsoft retail Windows DVDs. Otherwise it is as useless as the factory settings. Due to the new product activation in the OEm version fo Windows 8 a generic Windows 8 .iso could be used to Clean Install Windows 8 without the need for phone activation. Users should be able to: Download a Windows 8 .iso from Microsoft. Procure a Reinstallation DVD or USB with the system at the time of purchase. Dell used to be great at user customisation but their software options have become increasing limited. The reinstallation DVD or USB is an example of this. The current method of getting a Reinstallation DVD or USB is waiting for the system to arrive and then having to contact Dell Technical Support. This forces users to use the factory settings until the DVD or USB arrives. In which case there can be alot of software issues, the XPS 8500 had alot of user out of the box bad experiences which could have been easily resolved if they had the Reinstallation DVD or USB. Bare in mind also there is only a limited time the user has to send back the system and if they are diagnosing an out of the box experience time is lost waiting for the Reinstallation DVD to arrive. There should be an online form to procure Reinstallation DVD/USBs from Dell for customers outside the US. The US form is here http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1&DoNotRedirect=y HP for instance have the ability to request media via an online form in the US, Canada, most European countries and elsewhere http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=uk&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=bph07143 however the HP Recovery Media are equivalent to the Dell DataSafe Media (i.e. factory settings). There has been many a user dissatisfaction for Dell users requesting recovery media in this poll here: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/4677/t/19476992.aspx This would improve Dells software services significantly.
Categories: Desktops and Laptops, Operating Systems, Service and Support,
Clarify Original Configuration Parts List
May 23, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
I'm a long time Dell tech, and having recently retired, I've got a small business buying up broken Dell machines andrepairing/refurb'ing, putting Linux on them and reselling.. I specialize in D-series Latitudes and especially look for oneson Craigslist/eBay with the Nvidia video options. My suggestion is to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE clarify the "system configuration/original configuration" parts list. Currently, reading it, is like trying to read swahili. Since I request the service tag from the selller prior to buying the broken system, I use it to *try* to determine the original configuration of the machine, ie: video adapter, hard drive size, etc... I'm sure Dell employees understand all of the abbrieviations used in the parts list, but the rest of us do not.....
Categories: Service and Support, Small Business,
Ability to purchase small replacement pieces (Laptop Keys) for laptops directly from Dell.
May 22, 2013
4 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
Recently a key broke off from my fairly new laptop. The warranty had just expired days earlier. I was shocked when I called the dell service desk, and they said the only option would be to send in my laptop and spend $170 for a replacement keyboard. I had done research before I called, and found websites that sold the keys (Keys, the plastic support piece, and the rubber cup) for around $4. When I told the Dell rep that I was going to peruse this other website for the replacement piece, he got angry and said "There is no website in the world that you can buy individual laptop keys from". I ordered the key, and it came a few days later. Worked like a charm.I find it hard to believe that it is impossible to buy the laptop keys from dell. I understand that older models would not be available. I would have much rather purchased this from dell, over some random website. In the end, this website came through like a champ, and I came away with a sour experience with dell.
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Dell Web Site, Service and Support,