Dell...Dell...Dell...Please help!!!?

Question

Does anyone know where I might be able to get me Dell Inspirion 8500 Notebook repaired? Apparently, my hard drive is dead as the computer will not turn on. After working with the Dell technicians for a few hours it was suggested that I mail the pc back to Dell. I've looked into other sources for repair but apperently no one knows anything about Dell hardware parts. Please help...serious responses needed!!!!

Also, any idea what the cost will be?

Also, the warranty expired last year. This laptop was just purchased in 2003. Spent nearly 2K for it!!!!

Yes, it was suggested that it may be the motherboard. My only issue with paying for it to be replaced is will I have other issues after paying for repair.

The pc has absolutely no sign of life. None of the lights are working.

Answer 1

Sorry that you are having so much trouble. If you get it repaired, it might only last a few more years. In fact, it might crap out again soon. Laptops are rather delicate.

The Dell service is probably your only answer. I have shipped notebooks back to then, and I was surprised at how quickly it returned in working order. They ship you the proper box, you stuff it in and sign for it. It might be back THE NEXT DAY. It is simply amazing how they work.

Here is your choice,.
1. Take the chance that by spending $400 to get it fixed, that it will last you a while.
2. Buy a new laptop for about $1200.

Keep in mind that Dell uses their own parts, so a local guy can't really help you. He'd have to order parts, and it could take WEEKS.

For your next laptop, I recommend Toshiba. They also have excellent service, but their laptop is better made. Dell laptops have cheap construction, with keyboards and mousepads that fail. Of course, you heard about their EXPLODING BATTERIES last month. My second choice would be HP.

But I do recommend Dell Desktop computers. Their service and use of standard parts in their desktops make them a good value.

Answer 2

If your hard is dead that is not to hard to fix. If the computer doesnt turn on then you got a slight problem. That is a power issue. The power supply for laptops are built on a circuit thats integrated into the board. To fix that new motherboard.....But its not cheap. Best thing is save up and get a new one or dish out the money and get a new board installed by Dell.
The problem with Dell hardware parts is that its not easy to find. I sometimes can.
Does lights even come on or is it nothing?

Added
A refurbished 8500 motherboard base with warranty is about $275 bucks. Its a 15day warranty and must be proven that it was installed professionally by a tech if something was to go wrong with it.
Motherboard alone is around $199.
Search for Inspiron 8500 motherboard on ebay.

Good Luck

Added
Well if its got not life then its definitely the motherboard. Will that solve the problem.....it should. If you go through Dell then they will be able to test it for problems and maybe give you a warranty on it. If you go through a tech and they order the parts and have no warranty than you are taking a chance. (I advise people to deal with manufacture for laptops). If it was me I would go ahead take the chance and get a new board installed by DELL if it fits your budget.

Answer 3

Wow, I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 and my hard drive died too. I took it to a computer repair shop and they replaced the hard drive and were even able to save all of my programs and files from the other one. Cost me about $150 for the fix.

Are you trying to start it with a battery or with it plugged in? Mine hadn't completely crashed yet but would take nearly an hour to turn on. Yours could be a power problem, too. Do you have one of those flaming batteries? Mine gets really hot and I think that's why my hard drive got toasted.

Any reputable computer repair place should be able to fix it for you. Just call around until you find one. I paid $2K for mine too and wouldn't ya know it, it died about 6 months after the warranty expired.

Answer 4

You could pay someone to put a new harddrive in and run the restore disk that came with your Dell. But that will cost you money. If your Dell is still under waranty I would recommend that you send it back. Mostly because you don't know what else is wrong with it and things may get very expensive otherwise.

Answer 5

If it's just the hard drive it'd still boot up, it would just give an error. If you can't turn it on it sounds like something a lot more serious. Time for a new laptop. Dell will screw you on the repair costs.

Answer 6

Take it to a locally operated computer repair shop! Many will diagnose the problem for free and then discuss repair options with you. Dell hard disks are easily replaced.

Answer 7

If the hard disk has thrown its hand in and died then any PC repair shop will be able to fix it for you. Assuming you're out of warranty the hard disk is a standard 2.5 inch ide disk available from any supplier. They probably won't be able to get the same size disk but the replacement will be bigger, it's a simple job to swap them out and they don't cost much either.

Answer 8

yeah sending it back is the best way to go.

Hate Dell now, i also got a laptop recently.

now a wireless zero configuration thing doesnt work

i wont buy another dell again online that is

i hate talkin to the indian representatives

so i suggest send it back to them, which will probably take some time if u can wait.

Answer 9

I'm having the same problem with my Insperon B1300. (Press the on button, caps lock key blinks 10 times, machine turns off.)
If you decide to send it to Dell, make sure they know what is wrong with it, because I sent mine, and when it came back, i had the same problem.

Answer 10

Just send it back to dell that is ur best bet