Optical Drive Issue

I hope that'll be the end of it.

I also hope that I never have to go through anything like that myself.

Hi Jerry,

I echo the sentiments of bobkn and A Guy and would be cautiously optimistic.

I have no experience with Dell's in-home services but over the years my brother has and depending on your tolerance of intrusion to your home life it could be a good or bad thing, in my brothers case they were all good. The main problem is if you have the time and can co-ordinate this time with the tech to get the work done, if your retired it's usually not a problem.

Be aware;

• Dell may ship the drive (HDD) separately or the tech may bring it with him/her.
• The tech should call to set up a time, if anything disrupts this timing on your end you need to contact the tech asap, in turn the tech should reciprocate but this is not always the case. Keep all contact numbers.
• I read in one of the related links that you need to have an accessible work area so you may have some housekeeping to do.
• On the subject of housekeeping and this is my paranoia showing, but; Even though the tech may be from a local reputable firm and or bonded, wandering eyes have a way of observing personal information, if you feel uneasy about this do a walk-through from door to where you keep the PC and move personal info to a temporary location until the service call is finished. Check for identification and stay with the tech from start to finish. S/he may be personable and the two of you may get along from the start, just make sure your BS meter is working and judge the encounter accordingly.
• Make sure you have reliable power including but not limited to power strips. I read in "Onsite 60 Minute PC Install & Orientation"
  6. Ensure that the required power outlets and cables have been installed close to the installation area. You may require up to 5 power outlets depending on your system and the number of peripherals to be installed.
• You may be able to discuss the problem you've had in this thread but let the tech initiate any solutions or it may incur an added service charge, if s/he would look into it ask if it might.
• To familiarize yourself to what is required of you and Dell's responsibilities be sure you read all of the three related links especially the Customer’s Responsibilities sections of the .pdf's . Depending on how you have your PC/browser set they may open in a new browser tab or you may have to download them to read.
• Remember the 5p's: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

These service calls usually go well, if you have questions or concerns about the finished work don't be afraid to ask the tech, above all be courteous.

Related Links, all from Dell:

• Service Description: Consumer In-Home Hardware Service
• Service Description: Onsite 60 Minute PC Install & Orientation
• Service Description: Consumer Installation Services with Orientation