Welcome to RCF - WHF

fishead · Feb 09, 2005

Sound off - Here is why I get so upset at companies:

My Cd burner needs replaced.
I go to HP and sign in and have my pc model number etc.
I try to find where to order parts, and do;
They want the CD burner product number. I do not know what it is, so I can't order a new CD rom.

The only way to get the cd rom number is to remove the drive, and I do not want to remove the drive just to get the dammed number. I am getting upset. They know what computer I have, dumn ;oqjweho;;'

Ok, forget that, I want to email them but I can't since I got broadband, I lost my email outlook express. When I try to dial up and use it it doesn't work. I checked and can't find how to make it my default internet for A MINUTE or two. So I no longer have email that works in HP. Now I am going to take a break and try to relax. I am dealing with,....... nonsence.

I do appreciate when things work good, and the computer is unbelieable what it can do. but its this stupid stuff that bugs me. They know what pc I have, why be so particular, I just want the same dam cd rom, its a one of a kind and only fits in my model.

I guess its certain companies that make me mad. They could have made some money if they didn't force me to tear my pc apart top get a stupid model number when they already know only which one goes in my model pc, which I furnished. I refuse to remove the cd rom just to get a number they don't need. stupid.

Nightrider · Sep 25, 2004

Yes, there are certain companies that make me mad too. They include M$ and HP/Compaq. Neither offer good customer support, nor good and reliable products. It's a shame that so many customers reward companies like these by purchasing their products and services...

violent1

fishead · Feb 09, 2005

I did manage to find the cd rom going a different route. Guess how much it costs? $350. Maybe I can use a different kind, it doesn't sound like it according to HP, but I think I should be able to.

I bought that scanner last week and asked if it was going on sale soon, and they said no, but if it did I could get some refunded, and today I saw the ad, its on sale so I should get $25 back.

rb2d2 · Sep 25, 2004

What's the model number of your PC, fishead? I put a generic CD ROM in both a HP and a Compaq and they worked fine, however, don't know about a DVD burner.

In one of these PCs, don't remember which, the face of the drive didn't match the contour of the case's face because HP sometimes use custom made CD ROMS with faces that curve with the case. However, it didn't look bad, just that you could tell it was replacement.

$350 is too much to pay for a burner unless it's an especially great one that also washes the dirty dishes and make the beds.

sunny

rb2d2 · Sep 25, 2004

Fishead if you don't already have it you might want to install a free program called Belarc. It "audits" your PC when you run it and shows you, in pretty good detail, just what is installed on your PC and the name and location of all your programs.

That isn't done online, you download the program to your PC and then run it, your informations doesn't go anywhere else

Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit

Here is a part of what it says about my PC:

Bobby · Dec 31, 2004

Fishead, if you go to MajorGeeks.com you will find a list of free programs that you can download that will give you a complete list of hardware and software installed on your PC. When you get to the MajorGeeks page look ont list on the left-hand side of the page and click on "System Info". It will bring up a list of programs. AQida32, Belarc Advisor and Everest Home Edition are all good free programs. $350 is far too much to pay fpor a new drive. I just bought a CD/DVD Burner for less than $200. I buy from TigerDirect.com but there are several good sites to buy from. NewEgg.com is another. If I can give you any more information just ask.

fishead · Feb 09, 2005

I can't remember how i did it but I did find the part number and price as mentioned. My pc 864 media center has that front you mentioned rb, it will have to be removed and left off if I was to get other but I don't care about looks.

The old still works, just won't open when drive is empty, no cd, but when cd is in there it opens everytime. I just have to push the buttom more and more, now maybe ten times I have to hit button yo get it to open. I could just use my dvd drive, but don't want to wear it out. .

rb2d2 · Sep 25, 2004

That makes me mad when they design the front of the PC in a way that you HAVE to install their brand and design of hardware!

There is another option, an external CD ROM, set it on top of your PC and connect to a USB port.

Here is one

I'm sure there are others. Type "externl CD ROM" into Google and check out all the results.

sunny

rb2d2 · Sep 25, 2004

That's too bad about the email account. Have you tried calling your broadband provider? They should be able to talk you through any new settings that are necessary to fix your problem with Outlook Express. OE seems to be awfully finicky.

As for your dial up, fishead, are you still paying for it? To use the service you need to still be subscribed. I kept my dial up provider and when RR goes down I have no problem using the old dial up utility and I don't remember ever changing any setting for it. I just click my dial up icon, get the box for my password, fill that in and press connect. OR might you be talking about a dialup that the broadband provider has set up for you? Either way I would contact them for help in solving your problem.

If you would like to set up a nice email program for your POP3 mail you might want to try Thunderbird. You will even be able to import your address book, settings and email from Outlook Express.

http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/

I don't think I would import the setting from Outlook Express however until you get the settings resolved with your broadband provider.

sunny

fishead · Feb 09, 2005

Thats an idea, the external cd rom, I did look at one the other day at staples. Maybe I should work on it, its only the door that won't open, otherwise it works fine. I don't understand how the cover button works, there is no wire but there is no mechanical connection that I can see, but there has to be one or the other. I really don't use the CD rom much, i'll try to get by.

I fixed the outlook express, that was new to me, didn't know I could use outlook and my broadband company's email both and at same time opening same emails, they are very simular. I am using outlook now, it has all my adresses etc.