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metamorphosis
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April 3rd, 2005 20:00
Dell Computer from Ebay Tampered With Before Shipping?
I bought a new Dell 8400 on Ebay. Two days later Ebay informed me that the seller was no longer registered to sell urging me to stop payment for the item. I called the bank, but the next day payment had already gone through. Fortunately I got the computer. I have all the reason to believe that it is new. The package does not appear to be tampered with, and the tape on the box was still sealed. I won the bid on the item 3-24-2005. The service tag indicates that it was shipped from Dell to him on 2-17-2005. When the computer boots up, I hit F2 and I notice that on 3-24-2005 on Event Log that "Post Error memory size different" with a date of 3-24-2005. Does this mean that someone changed the memory on the 24th? The memory comes up with the software as it was advertized. I had to go through Dell's setup procedure when the computer booted up for the first time, so this indicates that it really was new.
metamorphosis
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Posted April 3rd, 2005 21:00
Where can I find his express service code? If he could provide me with a copy of the invoice showing where Dell shipped it too this would make him look clean. I purchased a refurbished Dell directly from Dell. I noticed that the invoice (in blue type) was mailed to me in a plain envelope - I think it used to be included in the packaging. People throw some of those things away. There are a couple of addresses and phone numbers that he uses that are in different parts of the country that indicate some suspicion.shesagordie
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Posted April 3rd, 2005 21:00
metamorphosis.Lift up the flap over the front USB ports and there should be a label with the computer's Service Tag and Express Service code.The last owner has to fill out and submit the form in the link I gave to transfer ownership to you.Bev.metamorphosis
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Posted April 4th, 2005 17:00
I would think twice before buying from Ebay again. In the first place shipping is $80 to $100 with Dell it is free. Why so many people bid high on some computers is beyond me. You really can't tell what versions of HD's are in it until you get it. The one I bought from Ebay has a Seagate HD in it. This may be why Dell has weekly specials for a Dimension 8400 for $800 or so. Many don't have "a" floppies or modems in them - more savings for Dell. I still got a good deal even if I have to upgrade the HD, and I installed an "a" floppy from my old computer. I personally don't think he swapped parts. I only got 2 CD's one for the operating system and another for WordPerfect. When I bought my first Dell seven years ago it had a Maxtor HD in it. Every component was the best or close to it. Dell has had to curtail it's costs. You can download graphics cards drivers something that Dell used to include with the package. By the time the computer is shipped they have come out with a new graphics driver anyway.- ON NO, another ebay wonder. Don't ever-ever buy a computer off ebay. Especially used. Too many things can go wrong and you have no recourse. Even if the seller is honest, it's too much of a hassel to deal with.With the dell deals, I don't see how anybody can justify a ebay buy or even an electronic chain purchase.the only way I buy something off ebay is if it is bullet proof:smileyhappy:
robkelly13
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Posted April 5th, 2005 12:00
Don't ever buy a Dell computer off ebay. All you are buying is someone elses problems.
Dell is known for their poor quality. Buy a compaq, next time.
davexps350
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Posted April 5th, 2005 19:00
Bev said:Lift up the flap over the front USB ports and there should be a label with the computer's Service Tag and Express Service code.The last owner has to fill out and submit the form in the link I gave to transfer ownership to you.===This is incorrect, the last owner does not fill out the form. You will fill out the form, but you need the full name of the original purchaser. I bought a Dell on eBay and had no trouble with it, it arrived new and I transferred the warranty over to my name without a hitch. Maybe I was lucky, I don't know.Daveshesagordie
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Posted April 5th, 2005 22:00
davexps350.You have to use the exact name that's listed on the packing slip/invoice on the transfer, hence the reason for the having the previous owner to complete the form and yes, you were lucky.Bev.
shesagordie
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Posted April 3rd, 2005 20:00
Message Edited by shesagordie on 04-03-2005 05:11 PM