Problems with my new computer

[Vash01]

Some of you may recall that I bought a Dell computer with Windows 10 couple months ago. It was doing OK until last Sunday/Monday.

It kicks me out of the internet if I click on a link (e.g. one posted in an fsu post) or if I try to switch to a different website. I have to shut down the computer at the point and restart it. Not only is this annoying but it shouldn't be happening with a brand new computer that wasn't even used for a whole month.

I checked for customer support on Dell's website, but it was hopeless. No contact information; just fix it yourself type instructions that didn't address this problem.

One thing that I have not done yet is say yes to an upgrade. I keep clicking on 'Remind me later'.

This computer is so new that I feel Dell should replace it with a new computer but I am not sure who to call or how. Right now this feels like such a waste of money!

Any ideas?

 

[Japanfan]

We bought our new computer at Staples, and had the option of getting help from one of their techs if we needed it. I had to call him once - it had to do with some sort of security code and I didn't know where to locate it - which resolved the issue at hand.

There were ongoing issues for a weeks after installing the new system, but Mr. Japanfan worked through them by googling the question. These were mostly issues related to Word 2013, but we found that other people were having the same problems we were. In some cases, videos were posted on You Tube about how to work through the problem.

Aside from that, the only thing I can think of is to go back to the seller - which, if you bought it online, might not be possible.

A new computer should not be kicking you off the internet - it makes no sense.

Good luck with it Vash01!

 

[AxelAnnie]

VASH... I just Google Dell Support and got several numbers to call. I have always had good luck with them

 

[Wiery]

Our Dell XPD desktop died twice, so we had to ship it back to the manufacurer for repair-twice. I will never buy another Dell computer.

I suggest either trying a different web browser to see if it is a computer or browser issue, and perform the updates.

 

[Aceon6]

@Vash01 It's still under free support. Call, the number on the warranty card.

 

[Vash01]

Our Dell XPD desktop died twice, so we had to ship it back to the manufacurer for repair-twice. I will never buy another Dell computer.

I suggest either trying a different web browser to see if it is a computer or browser issue, and perform the updates.

With Windows 10 I have to use Edge although I have heard that I could install Mozilla Firefox or Google chrome.

 

[Vash01]

We bought our new computer at Staples, and had the option of getting help from one of their techs if we needed it. I had to call him once - it had to do with some sort of security code and I didn't know where to locate it - which resolved the issue at hand.

There were ongoing issues for a weeks after installing the new system, but Mr. Japanfan worked through them by googling the question. These were mostly issues related to Word 2013, but we found that other people were having the same problems we were. In some cases, videos were posted on You Tube about how to work through the problem.

Aside from that, the only thing I can think of is to go back to the seller - which, if you bought it online, might not be possible.

A new computer should not be kicking you off the internet - it makes no sense.

Good luck with it Vash01!

Thanks. I bought it on line so I can't go back to the seller. I will try calling those support numbers others have suggested. Also it was not kicking me off the internet 6 weeks ago, so I don't know why it's doing it now.

 

[Tesla]

Are any of the links in this search helpful?
https://www.google.com/search?q=mic...8&oe=utf-8#q=microsoft+edge+crashing+internet

 

[Vash01]

Are any of the links in this search helpful?
https://www.google.com/search?q=mic...8&oe=utf-8#q=microsoft+edge+crashing+internet

I am at work. I will need to try those at home later.

 

[acraven]

This sounds like a software issue to me rather than hardware (unless a modem issue could cause this?). Definitely call Dell. Perhaps you need to reinstall some of your software, and Dell should be able to walk you through that.

 

[LilJen]

Virus??

 

[Vash01]

Virus??

I hope not. Can't rule out the possibility though.

I will take the advice of several posters here and call Dell for help.

 

[GarrAargHrumph]

Yes, sounds like a software issue to me, too. Let us know what you learn after you speak to the folks at Dell.

 

[Spun Silver]

Are you still within your window for returning the computer to your vendor? I think with Amazon it is three months. I personally would not want a computer that was acting up so soon regardless of the reason (unless you know you did something to it that could have caused the problem).

 

[Prancer]

Virus??

That would be my first guess, especially since it was working fine until Sunday or Monday.

 

[Vash01]

Are you still within your window for returning the computer to your vendor? I think with Amazon it is three months. I personally would not want a computer that was acting up so soon regardless of the reason (unless you know you did something to it that could have caused the problem).

I think I am within the 3 months window. If Dell agrees to replace the computer with a new one, that would be my first choice.

 

[Prancer]

I checked for customer support on Dell's website, but it was hopeless. No contact information; just fix it yourself type instructions that didn't address this problem.

Call 1-866-203-6875 for immediate support

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/dhs

If you call them, they will tell you how to give them access to your computer so they can run diagnostics.

But I will bet you an FSU one-year membership that it's a virus or malware of some kind (which they can also check).

 

[Really]

Chrome runs just fine on Windows 10.

My bet would be a virus or malware too.

 

[vesperholly]

By "kicks me out of the internet," do you mean the internet disconnects? Have you tried restarting your modem or wifi router?

I got a Chromecast last Christmas and my old wifi router couldn't handle it. At least 75% of the time, I would lose internet connection on my laptop if I was casting a video/streaming site to my TV (ruined my skating streams + FSU plan!). Last month I upgraded to a brand spankin' new router and Verizon FIOS instead of cable and haven't had a problem since.

Maybe download another internet browser like Firefox to see if the problem is Chrome.

 

[Vash01]

My computer sucks. Today I discovered that it lost its sound. I tried various things to watch speeches on yt but everything remained mute. I wish I had never bought this computer. It has been nothing but a headache. I will call Dell support tomorrow. It's annoying that these things happen.

 

[Japanfan]

Sorry for your ongoing trials with the computer, Vash01. Hope you resolve the issue easily.

 

[Aceon6]

My computer sucks. Today I discovered that it lost its sound. I tried various things to watch speeches on yt but everything remained mute. I wish I had never bought this computer. It has been nothing but a headache. I will call Dell support tomorrow. It's annoying that these things happen.

It's not the computer, it's the Windows 10 update from Microsoft. It should fix itself, but if it doesn't, you can use Control Panel / Sounds to diagnose and repair it.

 

[Karina1974]

This is why smart consumers purchase a tech support plan when they get a new computer. When I bought my Dell laptop 2 years ago I purchased an in-home tech support plan. I've only had to use it twice, but it was $$ well-spent.

Also, what does the warranty cover?

Some of you may recall that I bought a Dell computer with Windows 10 couple months ago. It was doing OK until last Sunday/Monday.

It kicks me out of the internet if I click on a link (e.g. one posted in an fsu post) or if I try to switch to a different website. I have to shut down the computer at the point and restart it. Not only is this annoying but it shouldn't be happening with a brand new computer that wasn't even used for a whole month.

I checked for customer support on Dell's website, but it was hopeless. No contact information; just fix it yourself type instructions that didn't address this problem.

One thing that I have not done yet is say yes to an upgrade. I keep clicking on 'Remind me later'.

This computer is so new that I feel Dell should replace it with a new computer but I am not sure who to call or how. Right now this feels like such a waste of money!

Any ideas?

 

[Vash01]

This is why smart consumers purchase a tech support plan when they get a new computer. When I bought my Dell laptop 2 years ago I purchased an in-home tech support plan. I've only had to use it twice, but it was $$ well-spent.

Also, what does the warranty cover?

Sorry that I am not smart like you. If I am stupid, I have no control over it.

I do have a GeekSquad subscription (for a different computer, but I think this one is covered under it too). I will call them in the next day or so. I tried to fix it myself today (afterall I happen to be a highly qualified engineer) and I don't see any way to turn on the sound (this was suggested by a helpful poster here)

 

[Vash01]

By "kicks me out of the internet," do you mean the internet disconnects? Have you tried restarting your modem or wifi router?

I got a Chromecast last Christmas and my old wifi router couldn't handle it. At least 75% of the time, I would lose internet connection on my laptop if I was casting a video/streaming site to my TV (ruined my skating streams + FSU plan!). Last month I upgraded to a brand spankin' new router and Verizon FIOS instead of cable and haven't had a problem since.

Maybe download another internet browser like Firefox to see if the problem is Chrome.

It seems I didn't read this; it must have been about my old problem. I believe the problem is with my internet provider because with Cox cable I never had such problems. Only after I switched to CenturyLink this problem began. I had called their tech support and he said that everything looked OK. The odd thing is sometimes the internet tells me I am not connected and a few seconds later I get it back. The tech support guy said the system fixes itself. Similar things happen with my TV after switching to CenturyLink. It fixes itself but I never know how long it would be before I get my HD back. Once my 1 year contract is over with CL, I am going to leave them.

 

[Japanfan]

Sorry that I am not smart like you. If I am stupid, I have no control over it.

Outlets that sell computers should routinely offer their customers a tech support plan. We got our computer at Staples last fall, and the person who sold us the computer included the plan in the package.

TBH I didn't know that such a plan even existed, as we managed with Mr. Japanfan stepping in as tech guy for the many years we had our last computer.

 

[Vash01]

Outlets that sell computers should routinely offer their customers a tech support plan. We got our computer at Staples last fall, and the person who sold us the computer included the plan in the package.

TBH I didn't know that such a plan even existed, as we managed with Mr. Japanfan stepping in as tech guy for the many years we had our last computer.

I think I have had this computer for less than a year, so I should be able to get free tech support from Dell. Otherwise Geeksquad could help me out (I do pay them annually).

 

[rjblue]

Does your computer recognise that it has a sound card in its devices? The guys I work with are always having problems with no sound for various reasons. My order for trouble shooting is :
-check the sound cable, if there is one
-check the physical volume buttons, if there any
-check the software volume controls-sometimes there are several places, also make sure I try sound with several different programs to make sure it isn't the program they are running
-with everything turned on, reboot the computer
-then I check the sound card in control panel/devices, but in almost 30 years and a hundred or so computers it's only been a failed sound card once, and rarely even a driver issue.

 

[Prancer]

I think I have had this computer for less than a year, so I should be able to get free tech support from Dell. Otherwise Geeksquad could help me out (I do pay them annually).

It's not the computer, it's the Windows 10 update from Microsoft. It should fix itself, but if it doesn't, you can use Control Panel / Sounds to diagnose and repair it.

If Aceon6 is correct, then the problem has nothing to do with the Dell computer and it's not likely that Dell will be able to do anything for you. The Geek Squad could fix it, but it's really something you should be able to Google and fix yourself.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/windows-10-how-fix-sound-issues-after-upgrade-1513693

 

[michiruwater]

My computer sucks. Today I discovered that it lost its sound. I tried various things to watch speeches on yt but everything remained mute. I wish I had never bought this computer. It has been nothing but a headache. I will call Dell support tomorrow. It's annoying that these things happen.

Have you ever learned how to use a restore point?