[Cialug] OT-Dell tech support & Windows 8 hell

[Dan Hockey]

This hell all started when I'd try to dual boot my new dell 660 with win8
and ubuntu. I have an old P3 dell dual boot running win8 preview and ubuntu, other than being slow this setup works just fine.

The problems starts with the OEM partitioning, why do they need to have so damn many extra partitions?, some are even hidden!. Long story short I did make room by deleting an empty unused/unformated partition.

The real fun came when I discovered my recovery discs and flash drive, made from the pre-installed backup/recovery software, refused to do anything but restore the disc back to the factory cluster f*** partitioning! It would not install win8 back to a smaller partition.

I filled out dells media request form thinking I might get a *real* disc that would me to do what I wanted. This last email says I need to transfer
the software/computer from the vendor I bought it from i.e costco. WTF?!

I'm about fed up with this run around, below is the last email I got.
Would it be a waste of time if I tried to call and take to a real person?

btw, what country is dell's tech support located?
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Dear Dan,
 
Thank you for contacting Dell Technical Support.
 
My name is Rajat and I would be glad to assist you with your Dell Inspiron 660 system Service Tag (xxxx) with Windows 8 Home as the Operating system installed on it.
 
I have reviewed your email and understand that you need CDs for your system.
 
However, I see from the records that the system is still registered on the Retail vendor?s name from whom you purchased this system. 
 
I would be glad to get the ownership of the system transferred on your name. We would have to fill an ownership transfer form for that. I would request you to confirm the following details for the same:
 
A) Details of the current owner:
 
1. Full name under which you want us to Transfer Ownership of the system.
2. Phone number (On which you want us to Transfer Ownership).
3. Shipping address along with the Zip code (On which you want us to Transfer Ownership).
 
B) Date of purchase of the system from the Retail Vendor 
C) Current Ship to address (Should be a valid physical address. Please do not provide PO Box address.)
 
I hope you would understand that we must verify this information to ensure that an unauthorized party does not obtain information about your account.




Dan, as you have also mentioned in your email, you also need support for Dual Boot setup, I will request you to get in touch with our specialized software department i.e. Dell solution station who have expertise on advanced software issues.
  
I want to update you that Dell?s Hardware Warranty Support provides troubleshooting assistance for hardware defects in Dell-branded products under the Limited Warranty and installation and configuration support for select factory-installed software.  In the past, we often did provide our customers a best effort in attempting to resolve virus/spyware issues and other software concerns just like in your case, even though we had no obligation to do so. Due to the broad range of products and their complexity, we've created a group of specially-trained technicians to assist you with this type of issue. 
  
I apologize, but Dell's Hardware Warranty Support does not cover troubleshooting of virus/spyware and other software issues. We understand that our customers sometimes need help for issues that are not covered by our limited warranty and hardware support. That's why we created the specially trained group of technicians who staff our fee based Solution station service. 
 
You can call our Dell Solution Station Support on 1-800-624-9896 Ext. 4545455 between 8:00 Am CST- 1:00 AM CST or at 1-888-236-3355 / 1-877-409-3272 for any help related to this issue.




Dan, as you were originally shipped with Windows 8 Home, I would be only able to ship Windows 8. If you need Windows 7 Professional I would request you to please contact Dell Sales. 




 
We value your patronage and wish to continue serving you in the best possible way.
 
The service request number for this interaction is 869571930. 
 
I would like to inform you that my supervisor would call you back between 03:30 PM and 05:30 PM CST on 31st December, 2012 to confirm ownership transfer details and if there is any other support that you require from Dell. This would be a very short call and I thank you in advance for your cooperation.
 
Dan, I have gone through your records and I would like to inform you that the system warranty is valid till 11-29-2013.
 
We value you as a customer and your satisfaction is important to us.
 
I appreciate the opportunity to assist you with this issue. Have a Good day.
 
Thank you for choosing Dell.
 
 
Regards,
Rajat Sharma
Dell Technical Support.
Timings: 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM CST
Weekly Offs: Saturday and Sunday.