Dell Computer Hell Continued
The next day...
It was time to deal with another problem, getting Outlook Express to work properly. Comcast Broadband and I spent an hour trying to solve this. Comcast then contacted Microsoft (since it was their software) and Microsoft "graciously" offered to trouble shoot for $50 OR since Outlook Express came bundled on the Dell, I could call Dell and trouble shoot with them. With a knot in the pit of my stomach, I called Dell. This Tech, Ziggy, was in the Philippines call center. I'm not trying to be insensitive but at least I could understand Ziggy and we spent ANOTHER two hours, finally uninstalling Norton Security (bundled in the Dell) that refused to let Outlook Express receive e-mails. The Outlook Express problem solved, I added a new case number and new e-mail from Ziggy to the stack. Ziggy had read my growing log and asked about the "Blue Screen" issue but video editing was the last thing on my mind right then. This day had already consisted of one hour with Comcast, and two hours with Dell. A life outside of this Dell computer would have been nice.
Moving on to computer security. All Comcast subscribers get free McAfee, an internet security program. Tried to download. No dice. Back on the telephone with Comcast who tells me to call McAfee.. (big sighs...) McAfee pulls up Comcast records and says there is a "free McAfee trial" bundled in the Dell and we have to uninstall the "free trial" before downloading the free Comcast subscription. More time wasted uninstalling...reinstalling and now the Inspiron had security.
Procrastination over, it was time to resolve the dreaded "Blue Screen" computer crash issue. I really didn't want to call Dell again. Instead, I contacted Sony for information on the Handycam and software. (They never responded.) I e-mailed Pinnacle Support. They tell me to look on their website. Well...that was unhelpful! Sent a response to the Dell e-mail to say I'm still getting "Blue Screen" errors. Do you think they care? Do I hear from anyone? Is the good fairy coming this year? In your dreams....
Now I start questioning every computer expert I know. Talk to Best Buy and their Geek Squad. Go on-line and read forums. Drive my sons crazy. The latest concensus is that the 128 video card isn't powerful enough and I should have bought a different sytem. Well...allrighty then....
I spend the next two days gathering up the strength to contact Dell Technical Support on this 6-day old computer. The new Dell Tech and I talk. He agrees that the video card isn't sufficient for my needs. I'm transferred to Customer Care (Dominick), and ask...no fight...for a supervisor and get Arvin...who transfers me to Sales (Dan). Dan puts me on hold, talks to the Tech Department and we all decide that a 256 video card is necessary and they'll ship it for free BUT I have to pay $197.61 for the card. You can buy less expensive video cards elsewhere BUT it would void the wonderful Dell warranty. (Sarcasm) There is no choice. Fine, I don't care anymore...just ship the damn card, charge me and let's get the M/F'ing system to work. Dan promises two-day delivery. By Wednesday, I should be back in business.
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