poly_tldr

Current Mood: sad

):

I feel like the worst person in the world posting here again so soon after joining, but I have encountered a big problem.

Somebody dropped my laptop while I was off at class today, and now the screen is cracked. So, basically, my computer is broken for an unknown amount of time.

I'm not calling an official hiatus, because I do have access to other computers, but I'm not going to be as active as I'd like to be, so, I guess I'm calling a semi-hiatus until my problem is fixed or until I get long term access to another computer.

Incidentally, does anybody know if a cracked screen and the damage caused by that is fixable/covered by Dell warranty?

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I believe the warranty only counts as long as the damage occurred on its own and wasn't caused by an outside source, i.e. someone dropping it.

You could TRY for saying that you opened it one day and the screen was cracked, I suppose?

I know in the past my dad has had to buy entirely new screens for laptops and that could be an option. Search for a cheapish replacement on eBay and then google how to install it. I don't think it's that difficult because my dad worked it out before.

....s-sob, I am very used to broken computers, you might have noticed.

D: The worst part is this comes 3 days after my computer had to be completely reset due to a virus, and I was just getting everything back the way it should be...Oh, irony.

I just did a google search for repairs for this, so I'm gonna look around and see what I can do...hopefully, this isn't the most expensive problem in the world to fix, because it can turn on and it acts like it doesn't know the screen is oozing ink all over the inside.

D: I understand your pain, Mister Master. I really do.

I'm not 100% sure about it but... I think unless you have drops covered in your warranty or some kind of insurance, cracks caused by drops probably aren't covered, because it was damage done by you rather than something that went wrong with the computer on its own. At least that is what Dell has told me in the past when things have gone wrong and they determined they were because of something I did. But if you do have that covered in your warranty then you might be okay. Dell is and always has been the hardest company to deal with when it comes to customer service, at least in my opinion.

LIKE I SAID, though, I am totally not an expert, and there is a good chance someone knows better than me. I hope you get it sorted out soon though :(

D: I swear, after all the trouble I've had with my Dell computers, I'm switching to macs, just because.
I doubt that my telling Dell that I personally didn't drop or damage it wouldn't matter, huh.

I may just have to pay to get the screen replaced, though...Is that even possible?

<:) Thanks for the support. Really, it means a lot.

I've said that before in the past, but every. single. time I get a new laptop, it always ends up being a Dell, despite the fact that I hate them. I think I just hate Macs more.

I think that's possible. I've had to get a new screen for my laptop before and it was definitely possible.

Don't mention it at all. Broken computers suck.

That's exactly what happens to me!! I say its because Macs don't have all the sims 2 expansion packs, but really, I think it's just my illogical fear of them...

Yeah, apparently Geek Squad will fix it, and if you buy and bring in your own screen they can do it for pretty cheap...so I may just bypass Dell altogether and go to them.

They really do, don't they?

Bummer! Is there some kind of customer service line that you can call to check? If it is within warranty they should be able to help you out...I think.

I hope it all works out!

I think it's still in warranty until at least next month, so hopefully that'll cover the cost to replace the screen...if not, I'll get geek squad to do something, because dealing with Dell customer support is like pulling teeth.

:D Thanks!!

I'll try and poke Heather

harrysbackup later to look at this post. She may be able to give you some advice there.

Is the screen cracked and thus the laptop just isn't turning on or working?

I'm not a huge fan of Dell so I know very little about them. Even less than I do my own laptop. But what type of warranty do you have? I think the complete one covers accidental damage. Here.

Some links about fixing screens.

Although unless you're someone who would know what they're doing I kinda wouldn't suggest that. I hope you can get it fixed soon though!

Well, I'm gonna take it in to Best Buy tomorrow to get a price check by the Geek Squad...if it's reasonable, my mom and I are gonna split the price to fix it. I hope its less than 1000 bucks...

D: Thanks, hopefully this won't last more than a week.

~~Excuse the journal that has nothing to do with this game. I'm so lazy~~

I think it'd be like I dunno 500 or so at Geek Squad. Maybe you can figure something out though!

Good luck~

:D Hopefully we'll reach some sort of smart plan to get the best deal.

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childoflimbo.livejournal.com - 2010-03-25 00:26 (UTC) - Expand

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manofgnee.livejournal.com - 2010-03-25 00:32 (UTC) - Expand

When you do talk to Dell, try doing so over their computer/chat support? That's all I've got as far as advice. Ever since I've started using that, I've never had a problem with them- they seem remarkably nice about stuff there. I've also never had a cracked screen, but yeah....since you weren't the one to drop it, just tell them you opened it up and found it that way?

Good luck, and sorry to hear about your computer. :/

D: Whenever I've delt with them, we've never gotten anything done in a timely manner...so I'm bypassing them and going straight to the Geek Squad.

You're so smart XD

(psst, I work for those gaiz!)

:D Sweeet, that's kind of an awesome job. So, you would know how exactly they go about fixing cracked screens? Everything else in the computer is working, but the screens got big ink blotches and rainbow lines...which came as a result of the crack, I assume. It's like when my iPod screen cracked.

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that, broken computers are the worst! :( I think your idea to bypass Dell and head for Geek Squad is the best bet, but before that maybe give Dell a shot anyway. Who knows, when companies think they're about to lose a customer, sometimes they pull strings. :3 Maybe go to a Dell store directly and talk to someone, in my experience people seem a lot more inclined to help in person than on the phone.

Good luck bb!

Random threadjack for endorsing the company I work for \o>

>:D Geek Squad for the win...but the Nerd Herd has a cooler sounding name.

Fo sho, Geek Squad has saved my day more than once. ♥

Well, there's a reason out tagline is "Go ahead, use us!"

Do not pass Dell, do not collect 200$.

:D Thanks, with any luck I'll be back on properly in a week or 10 days or so.

Oh, God, that sucks! It is fixable, yes. Is it covered under warranty? No. The manufacturer considers that accidental damage and won't fix it.

You're probably looking at around 250 to 300 USD for repair (this is coming from a Geek Squad Agent, hai)

:O Holy, that's completely reasonable!! 300 bucks? I could do that!! Does that include new screen, all knowing Agent of the Squad of Geek?

That includes the screen, yes. Here's the problem: In-store techs at the Squad aren't allowed to repair them in-store.

what I recommend is this: do you know anyone who can replace a screen, like a local computer shop, if you supply the part? If so, I would recommend purchasing a replacement screen from Dell (probably run you about 200) and taking the unopened screen to them to replace it.

If you take it to Geek Squad, we can do it, but it'll have to go out to service and will run you around 400 for part and labor. Not to mention, you'll be without your machine for about 2 - 4 weeks.