[ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Or so Evesham tech support say... Here's what happened: Whenever I switched my computer on, it would switch off within five seconds or so. If I switch it on again, it will switch off again even more quickly. It doesn't even get to detecting disk drives, let alone booting an operating system. It even does it with all of the disk drives unplugged. I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested -- Alec Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Does that surprise you? Anyways what machine are you running? What are the problems? Regards, Daniel -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alec Wright Sent: 01 November 2007 14:56 To: ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com Subject: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer! Or so Evesham tech support say... Here's what happened: Whenever I switched my computer on, it would switch off within five seconds or so. If I switch it on again, it will switch off again even more quickly. It doesn't even get to detecting disk drives, let alone booting an operating system. It even does it with all of the disk drives unplugged. I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested -- Alec Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Hi, I'm calling back. Your tech support guy told me to re-install Windows, but the PC is switching off before it starts the install... M. Alec Wright wrote: Or so Evesham tech support say... Here's what happened: Whenever I switched my computer on, it would switch off within five seconds or so. If I switch it on again, it will switch off again even more quickly. It doesn't even get to detecting disk drives, let alone booting an operating system. It even does it with all of the disk drives unplugged. I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 14:55 +, Alec Wright wrote: Or so Evesham tech support say... Here's what happened: Whenever I switched my computer on, it would switch off within five seconds or so. If I switch it on again, it will switch off again even more quickly. It doesn't even get to detecting disk drives, let alone booting an operating system. It even does it with all of the disk drives unplugged. I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested -- Alec Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check that your CPU fan is spinning, then try using the CMOS reset jumper, or take the battery out, then try removing/swapping ram, then try taking out the video board, then try phone back and act like you have never heard i of linux, but it doesn't even get to the starting windows screen -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Hi Alec On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 14:55 +, Alec Wright wrote: I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested I had a similar issue some time ago. I have a Dell XPS laptop which started to exhibit some screen corruption during the boot screen (the Dell logo you see before the OS starts). I called Dell and the guy told me to re-install the video driver. I told him that the problem occurred prior to the OS loading. Despite me explaining that this problem happened before the drivers were loaded they still had to follow their script. I hung up and called back a while later and told them that I had tried a different driver (which I had - I tried the nv driver rather than the nvidia driver in xorg). I also took photos and made them available on my website to show that the issue isn't a software one. They eventually invoked maintenance and I got an engineer out to fix the machine (which involved replacing the video card on the laptop). I have also reported a problem with my Mesh desktop PC which were hardware problems. They also asked me to do windowsy type things which I either refused or lied about. The fact is that these people are not setup to support Linux. As such you sometimes need to be creative and very very careful what you say. http://popey.com/My_Sick_Dell_Inspiron_XPS_Gen_2_Laptop Cheers, Al. signature.asc Description: This is a digitally signed message part -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Totally agree... it's like being asked to check your dial-up networking settings when complaining that your router can't connect to the internet... It's like duh! it's a router... -- this may have improved now, seeing as many ISPs are now promoting routers rather than the old Alcatel Speedtouch default, but it is quite galling when one has been working in IT for 20 years to be given complete and utter twaddle, normally at fairly expensive call rates, from completely untechnical first line support... I know what the problem is, I've done the diagnostics... I'm sorry, Sir, but before I can put you through to second line support we just have to check your windows sett.. I'm connecting through a router and it's gone down. I haven't changed anything. I appreciate that, Sir, but we have to rule out.. I'm using Windows and Linux and neither will.. Sir, let's check your windows settings... But the windows is connecting via. RJ45 and I can see the router so I know... Click 'Control Panel' ARRRGHH! Sean -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Yes usually do not volunteer information, and agree when they say something, I they say to try something then take some time and then say you tried it, usually if you keep saying it doesn't work whatever they say then they will send out an engineer. The only time you have problems is if they ask for error codes, most of which can be obtained via the bios or system partition (if you didn't delete it). You should always play dumb, don't act like you know more than them (all though more often than not you will) usually they will get it repaired quite easily. Regards, Daniel -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alan Pope Sent: 01 November 2007 15:21 To: British Ubuntu Talk Subject: Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer! Hi Alec On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 14:55 +, Alec Wright wrote: I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested I had a similar issue some time ago. I have a Dell XPS laptop which started to exhibit some screen corruption during the boot screen (the Dell logo you see before the OS starts). I called Dell and the guy told me to re-install the video driver. I told him that the problem occurred prior to the OS loading. Despite me explaining that this problem happened before the drivers were loaded they still had to follow their script. I hung up and called back a while later and told them that I had tried a different driver (which I had - I tried the nv driver rather than the nvidia driver in xorg). I also took photos and made them available on my website to show that the issue isn't a software one. They eventually invoked maintenance and I got an engineer out to fix the machine (which involved replacing the video card on the laptop). I have also reported a problem with my Mesh desktop PC which were hardware problems. They also asked me to do windowsy type things which I either refused or lied about. The fact is that these people are not setup to support Linux. As such you sometimes need to be creative and very very careful what you say. http://popey.com/My_Sick_Dell_Inspiron_XPS_Gen_2_Laptop Cheers, Al. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 15:03 +, Mark Harrison wrote: Hi, I'm calling back. Your tech support guy told me to re-install Windows, but the PC is switching off before it starts the install... Suggested that to my dad (whos making the calls now) too Thanks -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 15:34 +, Dougie Richardson wrote: It may be worth reading this http://www.dti.gov.uk/consumers/fact-sheets/page38311.html carefully so you know all your rights before going any further. From the warranty terms and conditions: 1. Cover provided by this contract: ... (e)Unless otherwise agreed specifically in writing by the company in relation to a particular item, the company has no responsibility under this contract in relation to any of the following items, namely: (i)Software, storage media, data retrieval ... --So that seems to say that what OS/software is on my computer is none of their business :) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 16:01 +, Pete Stean wrote: That Slashdot article is certainly worth a read btw, although it doesn't help the OP. Yep I read it quite a while ago. That's where i got the inspiration for the title of this shred - one of the new articles about the hinge was titled Linux broke my laptop's hinge! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Quoting Alec Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Or so Evesham tech support say... Here's what happened: Whenever I switched my computer on, it would switch off within five seconds or so. If I switch it on again, it will switch off again even more quickly. It doesn't even get to detecting disk drives, let alone booting an operating system. It even does it with all of the disk drives unplugged. I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested -- Alec Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] Last time I found something like that it was a faulty motherboard which the temperature sensor was reporting the CPU (a Duron 700) was running at 199 degrees! I'd say they're fobbing you off somewhat. Funny, I remember the days when Evesham stood for quality. Does it not stand for that now? Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Quoting Alan Pope [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Hi Alec On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 14:55 +, Alec Wright wrote: I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested I had a similar issue some time ago. I have a Dell XPS laptop which started to exhibit some screen corruption during the boot screen (the Dell logo you see before the OS starts). I called Dell and the guy told me to re-install the video driver. I told him that the problem occurred prior to the OS loading. Despite me explaining that this problem happened before the drivers were loaded they still had to follow their script. I hung up and called back a while later and told them that I had tried a different driver (which I had - I tried the nv driver rather than the nvidia driver in xorg). I also took photos and made them available on my website to show that the issue isn't a software one. They eventually invoked maintenance and I got an engineer out to fix the machine (which involved replacing the video card on the laptop). I have also reported a problem with my Mesh desktop PC which were hardware problems. They also asked me to do windowsy type things which I either refused or lied about. The fact is that these people are not setup to support Linux. As such you sometimes need to be creative and very very careful what you say. http://popey.com/My_Sick_Dell_Inspiron_XPS_Gen_2_Laptop Cheers, Al. It's so frustrating that they go through these lists. I've often called Dell with problems and they've asked me to do all sorts of tests, as you say Al, just lie about it. Considering the amount of Dell machines I've seen exactly identical problems on I'm wise to what they ask me to do. You'd think these companies would get some more clued up tech support staff though and not treat us like complete dummies. Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
Rob Beard wrote: Last time I found something like that it was a faulty motherboard which the temperature sensor was reporting the CPU (a Duron 700) was running at 199 degrees! I'd say they're fobbing you off somewhat. Funny, I remember the days when Evesham stood for quality. Does it not stand for that now? Rob The corporate sales side of their business started going downhill in about 1995 when they fired Hans Retz. The best store used to be MK, particularly when Stuart Moore and Chris Fella were working there on Saturdays :-( I bought about 500 PCs from Evesham over the space of three years in the early 90s (as part of my job, obviously - I don't have THAT many PCs at home :-) ) I've not used them since about 2000, since I'd seen them progressively get worse. M. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer!
What about the startup beeps, presuming of course that the BIOS supports them? Can you get into the BIOS before shut down? Mind you first thought was a faulty PSU especially if it cuts out quicker the more times you sequentially try to re-start it. E -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Michael Holloway Sent: 01 November 2007 15:20 To: British Ubuntu Talk Subject: Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux mysteriously broke my computer! On Thu, 2007-11-01 at 14:55 +, Alec Wright wrote: Or so Evesham tech support say... Here's what happened: Whenever I switched my computer on, it would switch off within five seconds or so. If I switch it on again, it will switch off again even more quickly. It doesn't even get to detecting disk drives, let alone booting an operating system. It even does it with all of the disk drives unplugged. I phoned Evesham tech support, and they immediately said it was a windows driver problem. When I told him it didn't have windows on it, but had Linux on it, he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he got back, he told me that he couldn't fix the HARDWARE problem because it runs Linux. He told me to reinstall windows and phone back... Well that's gonna be fun when it cant stay on for more than five seconds... Just thought you guys might be interested -- Alec Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check that your CPU fan is spinning, then try using the CMOS reset jumper, or take the battery out, then try removing/swapping ram, then try taking out the video board, then try phone back and act like you have never heard i of linux, but it doesn't even get to the starting windows screen -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
