Windows Xp media centre problems?

Kantankrus_Mare

We replaced our old dell pc in September last year as it was beginning to run really slowly and we wanted to upgrade to a new version.

We had a little win on the lottery and decided to go for another Dell. but this time windows media centre.

We have had continual problems with logging onto AOL or swapping users and a few months ago it went caputt totally.

Husband rang Dell and they went through a few things and said the hard drive had gone

They sent another which was with us in a few days and talked husband through fitting it.

Still doesn't seem right to me and can take up to 20 mins to get onto AOL.

Anyone any idea why this is? It seems ok once you are online but say if I come off and son wants to log onto his settings.....it just doesn't do it. Sometimes you have to switch whole computer off.......then it runs through scan disk and then veryyyyyyyyy slowly loads AOL up.

Going to have to ring Dell again as there is obviously something wrong but thought Id just see if any techies could pin point something we are doing wrong or tell me if this is normal?

If it isn't what should I be asking for when I ring Dell? A few people said we should demand a new pc?

mar<

Can you try logging on with the network disabled/ pull out the lead? ..just to isolate the connection as the problem.

I've seen this slowdown many times caused by network problems. A network interface will search at length if there is no connection.

Is the internet connection/ AOL logon OK on another PC?

How is the speed of the PC otherwise? Does it boot to the login screen quickly? does it perform quickly once logged in/ signed into AOL?

What applications are you running? Are you sure it isn't one of those hanging?

It'd be rare for a second Hard Disk to go, but it could have. I presume the scandisk check runs because you've had to force the PC down when it hangs.

Companies do very rarely sell systems that are dogs, and are usually very reluctant to swap them out for new when they really should. Make reasonable effort to troubleshoot the problem but when you know you've had enough hassle, make a complaint strongle and insist on a complete replacement.