Resolved External hard drive require format.

There have been millions and millions of Dells sold over the years so unfavorable reports are to be expected. But generally, they have been very good computers - as long as you didn't want to upgrade them. And for several years, they used a lot of proprietary parts even in their PCs - which gave them a lot of bad press, at least from those of us who repair PCs, as it made replacement parts harder to find, limited in choice, and therefore more expensive.

There's a lot of good sense in that. For one, most local shops will custom build a PC for you. And as you note, it is nice to go locally if there are problems - especially during the first year when they have to provide Windows support too.

 

Final topic, like the prodigal son, HD at fault has returned, well for the time being.