Dell 6100 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit, Before You Call, Dell Contact Numbers

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:

1.Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.

For the telephone number to call, see “Dell Contact Numbers” later in this chapter.

2.Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describ- ing the reason for the return.

3.Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indi- cating the tests you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell diagnostics.

4.Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software diskettes, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.

5.Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.

Include return shipping expenses. You are respon- sible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell Com- puter Corporation. Collect on delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.

Returns that are missing any of the preceding require- ments will be refused at our receiving dock and returned to you.

Before You Call

Keep a record of your diagnostic and troubleshooting activities by photocopying the Diagnostics Checklist in Appendix A and filling it out whenever you experience a problem with the computer system.

NOTE: Be sure to save the checklist in Appendix A as a master, so you can use it to make copies as needed.

If you need to call Dell Computer Corporation for assis- tance, you will be able to inform the support technician of the actions you have taken to resolve the problem. If you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, a technician will

assign a Return Material Authorization Number. Record the number on the checklist, and include the completed checklist in the shipping box.

Dell’s technical support staff uses computer-based diag- nostics to provide fast, accurate answers to your questions. When you call, the technical support staff refers to records regarding your specific Dell computer system to better understand your particular question.

If possible, turn your system on before you call Dell for technical assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer system. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps pos- sible only at the computer system itself.

Make sure the computer system’s user documentation is available. You should also have a flat-blade screwdriver or a quarter-inch nut driver available.

WARNING: The power supplies in this computer system produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the computer covers and access any of the components inside the computer.

Dell Contact Numbers

When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone num- bers and codes provided in Tables 11-2 and 11-3.

Table 11-2 provides the various codes required to make long-distance and international calls. Table 11-3 provides local telephone numbers, area codes, and toll-free num- bers, if applicable, for each department or service available in various countries around the world. If you are making a direct-dialed call to a location outside of your local telephone service area, determine which codes to use (if any) in Table 11-2 in addition to the local num- bers provided in Table 11-3. For example, to place an international call from Paris, France to Bracknell, England, dial the international access code for France fol- lowed by the country code for the U.K., the city code for Bracknell, and then the local number as shown in the fol- lowing illustration.

Getting Help 11-5