Epic Fail

[viridian5]

My computer arrived today but it doesn't work. It won't let me install software because it says two things are open... that don't exist so I can't shut them off. Also, it says that I can't get full functionality until I go through "System Wizard." There's no System Wizard on the hard drive. The date is coming in correctly but the time is utterly

Comments

[rosaleendhu]

T_T *snuggles*

[viridian5]

Thanks. It was an awful day even before this....

[amireal]

Did it come with windows CDs (and hopefully a CD with drivers)? If so do a complete reinstall. That should solve most of the problems, and just watch which 'company provided' bits of software you add.

[viridian5]

No CD. It had another copy of Windows inside the machine that I initially used to rewrite and reinstall at Acer's direction. That version did no good. They think the CD will be better.

[rivier]

What I emailed: if this one doesn't work, isn't that down to PC Connections to replace it immediately with one that does? You shouldn't have to be faffing with the software, that bugger should be up and purring straight out of the box.

[viridian5]

I just found PC Connection's customer service number. They're closed for now, but I'll call tomorrow and see what they say. I'm worried that this Windows error might be in other machines as well.

[viridian5]

I called PC Connection today. Technical support said they haven't had any returns on this model before but it's possible that they got a bad batch. The bad batch possibility makes me nervous about sending this back for another one of the same model. He thinks Acer is responding well to the problem (something I kinda disagree with given the 3-5 business days crap). He didn't offer any sweeteners over my stated anger at being given a computer that I can't load anything or use internet on.

So far I'm leaning toward getting the damned discs from Acer, giving them a try, and if they don't work raising hell. I'm currently pissed at Acer and PC Connection.

[bethbethbeth]

Oh, hon...

Also...what rivier said.

[viridian5]

I am a fly on the windshield of life these days....

I'm going to call PC Connection tomorrow when their office is open and see what they have to say.

[andmydog]

Did you end up getting a brand new laptop or a used one? What software came already installed on your computer, and what software came on a separate disc? What software were you trying to install when you had this problem? What had you done on your computer up to that point? Did you have it hooked up to the internet already?

[viridian5]

Brand new. It came only with Windows, Internet Explorer, McAfee, Microsoft Office trial. I installed Windows twice: once right out of the box and again after an Acer technician on my first phone call told me to use the OS inside the computer to wipe the C drive. One of the problems is that I couldn't get the modem to find a dialtone, and the local wifi is password secure only, thus no internet. I couldn't register to start up the McAfee or register my computer due to lack of internet. I tried to install AOL 9.0 from disc. The System Wizard, time problem, and aforementioned dialtone thing were there even before I tried to install the AOL.

[andmydog]

From what you've said, it sounds like the software that they installed for you was buggy. I would get customer service on the line, and have them walk you through the reinstall, either tomorrow or when the restore discs arrive. Even if the directions are totally clear, and you're 100% sure that you know what you're doing... they sent you buggy software. If the new software they're sending you is buggy, too, you need to be on the phone with them when you find that out, so that there's no question when you tell them that you're going to send the computer back, and when they reship it back to you, it will work, dammit.

[viridian5]

They said that when I receive the discs I should call them so they can direct me through it on the phone. If the restore discs don't fix the problem this machine is definitely going back. Between the notebook being buggy and Acer sending me the discs in the slowest mailing way possible in response, I am currently not feeling well disposed toward the company.