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Possible Hardware Faults with Laptops & Desktop PCs on CSCS Support

Possible Hardware Faults with Laptops & Desktop PCs on CSCS Support

Introduction to Dell Warranties

  • If you have pucrhased a dell laptop or desktop PC through the University suppliers then it will typically be covered with ane extended 5 year warranty

  • An “in-warranty” issue would include something like a failed laptop screen, the memory not working, where the hardware has become faulty

  • An out-of-warranty issue would be something like, where the device was dropped or had water split on it.

Note: laptop batteries only come with a 1 year warranty as standard & cannot be extended, even with an extended warranty.

  • Once raised with Dell, warranty issues are typically next-business-day for spare parts (when available) which can be fitted either by our CSCS team (who are Dell certified) or by a Dell engineer.

How do I find a Dell Service Tag and check warranty status?

 

What to do if you think your computer has a hardware fault?

Supported computers

If your computer is supported by us, please contact the Service Desk on (3)36261 or servicedesk@medschl.cam.ac.uk in the event of a hardware fault, so we can assist you. If the fault is preventing the computer from working, we can usually provide you with a loan machine to use.

Unsupported computers

If your computer is not supported by us, we recommend you visit the Dell website at http://www.dell.com/support/home/uk/en/ukdhs1 for support. For non-Dell computers, please seek support from either the vendor or manufacturer.

NOTE: If you have a computer that is on CSCS support, however it is no longer covered by the manufacturer's warranty, it won't be possible for us to support it & we would again recommend you visit the Dell website at http://www.dell.com/support/home/uk/en/ukdhs1 for support & for non-Dell computers, contact either the vendor or manufacturer.

When is a good time to buy a new computer?

Whilst in the past we may have replaced parts to extend the life of various laptops & desktops, as the devices get older this becomes harder as manufacturers no longer make the parts & in terms of security, they are not capable of running supported operating systems or anti-virus software, so this makes the devices & data on them less secure.

So we recommend replacing these devices that are more than 4 years old (over the next year or so) to reduce these risks. You may also find a quicker machine will help in your role.

With the move to hybrid/blended working, now is a good time to review what you have, as a laptop will suit many people’s requirements. With the growing focus on security, our older devices & systems are not as well protected as they should be, so we encourage you to review your current devices & look to start scheduling as soon as possible.

NOTE: We are aware that there may be some practical reasons why some may not be possible to replace, & if you're not sure, by all means contact us to discuss your options.

What specifications are needed for a computer to be added to our support service?

If you have an unsupported computer which you would like to add to our support service, the minimum specifications for a computer to be added to our service can be found at on our website at - https://cscs.medschl.cam.ac.uk/devices/computers-laptops/computer-support-service/