Whats with IBM!!!

[Scuzzzed]

Two weeks ago, I ordered a T42 that arrived with a “very, very” loose battery (believe me, I’m not the picky type). I spoke to an IBM and had a new one sent overnight. However, for the past few days I’ve noticed my wireless signal sporadically dropping down to zero. After speaking to tech support they said it’s most likely a software problem, and I may need to restore the computer to factory settings, I said ok!

So they kindly send me a set of Recovery CDs. After going through CD 1 and then 1-7, the installation halts just after rebooting following disk 7 stating that the “IBM Recovery and Rescue conversion process can not continue.”

So I go through the CD swapping process again, not once nor twice but four times, all ending up with the same error. I call IBM tech support again, and they tell me that the problem could be with the batch of CD’s sent and that a new set will be sent over. The next morning I receive a different set CDs, go through the process again...No luck!

Next IBM says the problem could be with the HD and send me a new one, that didn’t work….Now I’m left with a warehouse of IBM components, a non-operating Laptop and pair of sore hands…

Guys, any ideas what the problem could be. IBM seems to have no clue.
Could it be a conflict with the Recovery Software and the new bios. I even mentioned that to tech and they just brushed it off.

I really don’t want to replace the laptop - grown fond of it.

[sktn77a]

Don't know and shouldn't have to! Send it back and exchange it!

[Flightvector]

I am sorry to hear this, I am surprised IBM didn't send you a new mini-PCI wireless card since a good number of people had the same connection-dropping issue, and a defect of the wireless card was the culprit. At this point it seems it might only get crazier knowing how the depot people can be. Since you ordered 2 weeks ago, I would do nothing else than return it for an exchange, which should be a relatively simple process and much safer than waiting for repair and exceeding the 30 day return/exchange period.

I hear you on being attached to the laptop, but bringing it to the depot often leads to a laptop with a growing number of refurbished parts, and you'll be left with a machine that mostly isn't yours and isn't new either . I can't figure it might be anything other than the motherboard if you can't install the restore image. I am not sure about how restore interacts with the new BIOS, but that would seem like a very major issue that would not be left alone, given that it would render everyone's restore CDs as coasters.

[hershey]

send it back. why spend $2k+ for a machine that is not up to par with IBM standards. just makes sense :].