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General discussion

No more Dells

Jul 31, 2005 12:34PM PDT

I've been buying Dells for home and office use for 10 years now. A couple of months ago, I upgraded my home computer to a new Dell. I did not install my HP printer for a few weeks because I was out of town etc.
When I did so, I opened the printers folder for the first time, and discovered to my horror/dismay that there were five printers installed and networked (The icons indicated networking and stated which "computer" the printers were networked to. They are ghost icons that do not work. The printers do not show up in device manager. Two were Epsoms and three were HPs, dating all the way back to a 370. I have never owned any of these printers; I have not networked this computer. I do not download, except from itunes, and download.com. I do not go on chat rooms or play network/internet games. I have no software for any of these printers. I run antivirus, antispyware and antiadware, updating weekly.
I called Dell and there is, of course, no explanation. I am told that no testing and installation of this kind ever occurs in the factory.
I have checked the back of the computer for a red dot, indicating refurbished, but none is there.
I do believe, however, that Dell sold me a refurbished computer as a new one, and somehow did not get the thing entirely cleaned up. I have trusted Dell for ten years. No longer. Can anyone help with any kind of explanation of how this happened, other than a refurbished computer being sold as a new one.

Discussion is locked

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more info on your system...
Jul 31, 2005 12:38PM PDT

well some ppl have good experiences with dell while others dont...dats life. i sympathize with you.

so what are you planning to do with the dell? send it back?

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i'll deal with it.
Jul 31, 2005 12:42PM PDT

My 30 day return has run out. The printer icons appear to be doing no damage. I have thought about a complete system restore to the day I set up the computer to prove to Dell that the thing came this way, but it is hardly worth the trouble of re installing all my own software, etc.
So I'll continue using the computer and never buy another Dell. I do wish that someone could advise me with any theories about how/where this happened. It certainly did not when the computer has been in my possession. Also--as a postscript: I am the only person in this household of two who uses the computer.