Optiplex 790 and Dell ProSupport - 8 64-bit

[CAWJames]

Good morning all,

 

I am test running Windows 8 on our Optiplex 790's.

 

On installing Windows 8 or 8.1 64 bit, it crashes to the point of static screen, not even getting to the smiley screen of death.

 

We have ProSupport on all these, so I thought I would ring them and see if there was a solution.....

 

The man from Dell basically said as the system shipped with 7 32-bit, the computer itself and its drivers were only for 32-bit and they couldn't support my configuration, even after I pointed out that the 790 is Windows 8 Certified and they offer 64-bit drivers in the support section!!

 

That sounds like cobblers to me, but what do I know, I built my first PC in the early 90's and am quite adept 20 odd years later, and have never heard of a modern PC being shipped/locked to 32-bit!

 

Anyone had any problems with these Dell models and 8/8.1?

 

I am now grabbing 8.1 32-bit to install, so hopefully it will crash again and I can then get support!!!

 

Thanks

 

James

[mattpant]

I'm sure you probably have, but have you checked to see if there's a BIOS update?

[CAWJames]

First thing I did, up to 18, newest on support for this model.

 

Thanks

 

James

[fairm010]

Never installed 8 from scratch here but have you checked what SATA mode your BIOS is in? IDE, AHCI etc? I'm sure it has to be AHCI.

[ICTDirect_Dave]

It's an odd one for sure! Those 790s should be just fine with 8.1.

 

Hell I've popped 8.1 64 bit on a Dell 755 just to test it!

[FN-GM]

We have a large number of 790's and are testing Windows 8.1, nearly ready for roll out. I will test on one of ours and report back.

[Michael]

Any reason why you can't install Windows 8.1 32Bit on these machines (if that's the only way)?

[FN-GM]

Hi @CAWJames I have just imaged a 790 USSF With Windows 8.1 and it worked a treat

[AngryTechnician]

The man from Dell basically said as the system shipped with 7 32-bit, the computer itself and its drivers were only for 32-bit and they couldn't support my configuration, even after I pointed out that the 790 is Windows 8 Certified and they offer 64-bit drivers in the support section!!

He's an idiot. Ask for the case to be escalated.

[CAWJames]

I have gotten another 790 out of its box and that one works fine, 10GB RAM, and dual 5000 series Radeons with triple screens later and still no crashy crashy!

 

So looks like it is a faulty 790, which Dell still will not support unless it is running the shipped OS!! So now I have to install 7 Pro 32 and hope it crashes so I can get the computer fixed.

 

And they wonder why we now go to VeryPC!!

 

Thanks for the replies, the saga continues...

[FN-GM]

I have gotten another 790 out of its box and that one works fine, 10GB RAM, and dual 5000 series Radeons with triple screens later and still no crashy crashy!

 

So looks like it is a faulty 790, which Dell still will not support unless it is running the shipped OS!! So now I have to install 7 Pro 32 and hope it crashes so I can get the computer fixed.

 

And they wonder why we now go to VeryPC!!

 

Thanks for the replies, the saga continues...

 

Make something up and pretend something else is wrong with the motherboard. That way you will get it swapped out.

[CAWJames]

That may be the next plan, but I can neither confirm or deny that's what I will do.... (backside covered..ish )