Oh well. One final suggestion (that you may have tried)....

What's the BIOS version? Have you tried the A09 (last) version dated 10/5/2001? Maybe it'll straighten out whatever the problem is. Check [link|http://support.dell.com/us/en/filelib/results.asp?sid=DIM_PNT_P4_8100&lang=EN&lib=1&os=WNT5&searchtype=filter&devid=308|here] on Dell's site.

A post is archived in Google's USENET archive say that Dell machines often act better on using a generic version of Win2K - e.g. [link|http://www.experts-exchange.com/Databases/MS_Access/Q_20097662.html|WarrenGlass's comment] - so going to Dell's version may not be an answer.

If you're running the latest BIOS, then maybe small claims court is an option.

Dimension 8100s on ebay are going for < $500-$600 or so with no OS.

If she just needs a Win2K machine there must be a cheaper and less aggravating way to get there. Perhaps buying a < $250 barebone mini-chassis boxes from NewEgg (if her expansion cards will fit), or this [link|http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2078637553|Compaq Presario with WinXP] for $299 ("buy it now") or less on ebay. (I've had good luck with Compaq Presarios running Win98 and WinMe but I know they have bad reputations.) There may be some other machines on ebay that already have Win2K and reasonable prices, but none came up in my quick checking.

Having a friend with computer problems who isn't able to spend any money to solve them really bites. :-(

I hope you get it figured out. That's about all I can suggest. Good luck!

Cheers,
Scott.

Yes, I think BIOS version is earlier than that - so this is next obvious change to make. That was on list to ask a Dell tech, if we could find a way to phrase the question w/o triggering a Dell s/ware purchase-only impasse.

I'll try signing in with her S/N later (they won't let in random browse, I note). Certainly we have to confirm with latest BIOS Rev - whether her court claim would be based on nondelivery of On-Site Service or.. something also more sinister concerning the 'merchantability' of the machine.

I note that the problems at your eXpertsXchange link seems ~ in her build time-frame, so maybe it is all about unintended BIOS glitches

There'll be a lawsuit in any event though, unless Dell reverses all previous behaviour and pays a claim for at least refund of the unfulfilled Service Agreement (etc). We'll ask a pro for some legal hints.

Thanks again, Scott for the germane suggestions. It may come to a bare-bones machine, though with enough moxie to run her GeForce2 Ultra, etc. In fact, with the new HD loaded with ME, peddling it may be next best relief.

re eBay: I noted long ago that they do whatever M$ 'suggests', concerning sales of even unopened legit. sealed s/ware. I stopped following the debate over their M$ policies, as the management is intentionally fully insulated from "The Community\ufffd" -- and has been for a couple years. As they become a virtual monopoly of web auctions - they emulate the Leader more and more. Of course.

Anyway, I'll have to see this through - maybe even via Presario or a sl. more fancy e-Machine than my own. Like most of us (I suppose) - I'll hekp until it becomes 'expected'.. the start of that familiar slope \\.

Ashton

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