[Ham-Computers] Dell Dimension 4700 problem.

[jeff]

Ken wrote:
> Hi Fellows,
> 
> My DVD drive on my Dell has not worked for some time.
> When I boot up, the DVD drive light flickers like normal
> boot up but then blinks 6 positive blinks about 1/2 second
> apart.  Is this some kind of error signal? If so, does anyone
> know what the signal means?

No, but if you go to dell.com and type in your computer's service code, 
you might be able to find out.


> I have hesitated calling Dell because almost always get
> some yokel in Indonesia or India or some foreign place
> who wants you to go thru simple simon tests on and on
> until you get thoroughly disgusted and hang up. That's
> what they want - they cannot diagnose just make you
> disgusted with the simple simon krappp until you hang

My business is almost exclusively Dell.  Last year they dropped the last 
of their commercial customer support in foreign lands.  Regardless, you 
can still get a yokel in Austin, although the accent is arguably easier 
to understand.

The techs, regardless of location, have a script of sorts to go through. 
  Don't knock simple - they may suggest the one step you missed!
It's this type of service that allows them to cover everyone from 
computer virgins on up.

If the website yields no pertinent info, they have blogs and user groups 
you can get to through the site also.  You can't be the only one to have 
had this problem.

Check the system under Windows (Hardware) to see if it registers any 
problems.  Try reseating the drive and connectors.  Reinstall the driver 
from the drivers disk that came with the pc (or dl new ones from the 
website).  While you're there, see if there's an upgrade for your firmware.


FYI, the Dimension series is the `latest and greatest' of everything. 
Unfortunately this means your 4700 doesn't have the same parts as a 4700 
made weeks later (or so).

If all else fails, call support.  They have to fix it if it's under 
warranty.


Good luck,
-jeff

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