Gateway Computer Reviews
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This file is filled with individuals' opinions and experiences with the Gateway, which sells a wide line of computers and products. The most recent experiences are at the beginning of this file.
If you have bought a computer from them and have not yet made your contribution to this list, simply fill out this review form about your experiences with this company and your review will be added to the top of this file. Thank you and good luck!
Other Experiences with Gateway Computers (Most recent first):
I make no warranties, expressed or implied, about the validity or accuracy of the above opinions or information and disclaim all liability resulting from them. Buyer Beware.
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Entry added: Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 15:25:38 (EDT)I bought a CX200X in early 2006. By mid 2007, 3 months after my warranty ran out it stop powering on. I check both of my power adapters, AC/DC. They were both ok. Gateway wanted $250 to analyze the problem. I never had it fixed, just pulled out the drive and made it into a portable USB drive. I would like to open the thing up. I work in electronics and feel like I could at least locate the power problem, if I could only open it up without completely destroying it. I can almost get it apart except for the disply. Can anyone help me with how to take this thing apart? Thanks in advance for any help I receive.
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Entry added: Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 09:10:06 (EDT)I bought a new Gateway Notebook in January 07 on line directly from Gateway. I used it in my home at a desk.. it was not dragged about or misused in any way. In April or May 07 I lost power to the unit. The adapter was receiving power as the light was on, but not the computer. My battery, which never held a full 2 hours of power could not be recharged (obviously). I was told I had to pay 45.00 for a shipping box and leave my cc# on file with them in case the charges for fixing it exceeded the warranty. I was also told my hard drive would likely be wiped clean. I had a lot of documents and family photos on it and hesitated. I was trying to get someone local to retrieve those files for me and it was only after a dozen correspondences with Gateway tech that I was told I could pop the hardrive out.. they didn't need it to fix the problem. So I was without the computer for about 4-5 weeks total. It did get fixed very fast when I sent it and at no charge (other than shipping). All was well until November 07 when the hardrive went. Again.. it took several emails and calls until I was sent a new one, but I had to return the old or I would have been charged. So this time, my files and photos were lost forever. NOW April 08 and the power coil is fried AGAIN. I was told that it would be fixed "out of warranty" at the tune of 300.00+ with no guarantee it wouldn't happen again. No amount of pleading would get them to see that this is obviously a factory defect. They have lost a 10+ year customer. I just ordered a Dell Inspiron. This was my 3rd Gateway and I am in the market for two notebooks for my graduating daughters within the next few months. I even wrote the head of customer service who begged to be allowed a second chance to give "excellent" service, but offered no solution to my current problem. I also asked several times if there was such a thing as battery with an external charger that I could buy so that I would always have a fully charged battery and not have to mess with the sketchy power coil. I got no answer... not even a "no". I ended every email with the same question and even asked why they weren't bothering to answer me. No answer. I am so glad I found this forum to vent and see that I am not the only one experiencing this.
Ric Carlotta from Atlanta, GA USA
Entry added: Sunday, April 06, 2008 at 19:41:49 (EDT)I bought a Gateway Notebook M6755 on March 21, 2008. This is my first laptop and I needed it because I am headed to Europe on business. Upon arrival on March 24, the machine worked fine. I didn't really need it for anything since I mainly use my desktop. Today, April 6, 2008, I decided to hook up my wireless mouse to it and found that the computer didn't work. I tried to power with the battery and then the powere cord. The light came onn, but nothing showed up on the screen. Then it wouldn't turn off. I called Gateway and they told me I would have to ship it to them becuase there is apparently a problem with the power switch. "This is a new computer, never used and it already needs a replacement part." I asked for a new omputer and was told that that was not going to happen. She said they would send me a box and I should have the computer back in 2 1/2 weeks. What a rip off! I just bought the thing, haven't used it, it is supposed to be newly made in February, obviously faulty, and they don't think that it is good customer service to send out a new computer. This company does not deserve to be in business. I wish I had bought a different brand. I am now waiting for the box to arrive and will be without my new "unused" laptop waiting for a part to be replaced. What kind of quality company has a policy like this? I am now concerned that I will not have my laptop in time for my trip to Europe in May. The tech service was anything but helpful. She stated that I should be happy that the support was at least coming from an American rather than someone in some foreign land. Although most of us have had negative experiences dealing with the plethora of foreign call centers, I am not sure I see any difference in this case. Bad service is bad service! No more Gateway products for me, and definitely no recommendations to others. My guess is that they will soon be out of business like the majority of the retail stores. Email me at Ricnfla@yahoo.com if you have had a similar problem with one of there laptops. This might be worth pursuing some legal recourse.
thecustomer1@yahoo.com from Honolulu, HI USA
Entry added: Monday, March 17, 2008 at 16:54:52 (EDT)I purchased a Gateway MX6956 computer on 11/28/2006 from Best Buy #302 Skokie,ILL. The unit worked without any problems until August 2007 when the Sprint Mobile Broadband PCMCIA card failed to power up. However, the same PCMCIA card as well as the Sprint Mobile Broadband service do work in my Toshiba notebook computer. I worked with Sprint Technical Support and Gateway Technical Support and it was determined that the computer would have to be returned to the Best Buy Store for service. I returned the computer to the store three different times for service. After each time I returned the computer it was out of service for 3-4 weeks, I was then informed that the computer was ready to be picked up and no trouble was found. However each time I returned to the store to pick up my computer I brought the Sprint PCMCIA card with me and had the personnel at Best Buy test the computer with the card, it failed each time. The card will not power up which was verified by the support staff at the Best Buy store . Each time they sent the computer out again for service after verifying that in fact there was a problem. Each time the computer was returned to me, the only service performed was that the operating system was reinstalled.
After receiving no satisfaction from Best Buy I contacted Gateway. The computer has been sent to the Gateway Service Center in LaVergne, Tn seven different times for service of the same problem, PCMCIA card slot will not power up. It is then returned to me as No Trouble Found, No Failure Claim Description Provided, even though I had spoke to Gateway Technical Support on the phone and provided a description of the problem prior to sending the computer in. It was determined by the phone support personnel through their troubleshooting procedures that the computer would have to be returned for service. The telephone support personnel had determined that the mother board would need to be replaced.
It was returned to me after the seventh time for service from Gateway and the computer continued to fail. I called Gateway and spoke to David, Employee GWNR107 and was told there was nothing else they could do to resolve the problem.They do not know what is wrong and cannot repair the computer. It was just my tough luck and I should not bother them anymore. Needless to say I was astonished at the poor quality of service provided by a representative of Gateway and asked to speak to a manager. I was then connected to Tiffany who refused to provide me with an employee ID. The conversation began very pleasantly and I was happy that I was finally going to get this problem resolved. After I had explained what had transpired, the tone of the conversation changed. I was informed that in the four months since I have been attempting to get this computer repaired that the warranty no longer covered the notebook. She told me that I did not have an extended warranty and that there was nothing Gateway was going to do, they are unable to determine what the failure is and I should just forget about the problem and not bother them anymore. End of conversation.
I believe that I have been more than patient in dealing with an arguably incompetent organization, Gateway. I now want a complete refund of the price I had paid in order that I may purchase a new computer of any other brand but Gateway. This was my first Gateway computer and most definitely will be the last. I will be able to provide documentation of the three service tickets from Best Buy and the seven different service tickets from Gateway, as well as sales receipts, upon request. I want to add that I am composing this email on my Toshiba Satellite notebook computer using the Sprint Mobile Broadband service PCMCIA card to connect to the network. The same PCMCIA card and service that will not work on the Gateway computer.
Dale Anderson from Madison, WI USA
Entry added: Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 00:59:51 (EDT)I have started a blog about my Gateway experience the first post is below. blogspot gatewaycomputerssuck
So I buy a top of the line Gateway Laptop M-6750 computer. Intel duo core WOW. 3GB of memory. MORE WOW. 250 GB hard drive. SUPER WOW.
Fast machine, I liked it. And then.....
I purchased the laptop from Best Buy on January 24, 2008. It ran great (except I did have some problems with the 802-N wireless card) for one month. Then it died on February 24, 2008. I take it back to Best Buy and they tell me they only have a 14 day return policy (even though the warranty is for one year). They explain I have to call Gateway to have it returned.
Since February 24 is a Sunday, I had to wait until Monday to call Gateway, they don't work on weekends, probably because they need the time off so the ringing in thier ears will from all the complaints will subside. So Monday rolls around, and I call Gateway and the nice tech says to unplug the machine, take out the battery, take out the memory and put it all back in and it will work..... yeah right. Nothing, no power. So he tells me that he will ship a box to me and I can send it to them. He said the box will take 2-3 days to get to me and 2-3 days to get to Gateway, and 3-4 days to get it fixed. AND he tells me to remember to back up the hard drive, as they cannot promise to not reformat the harddrive... DUH, how can I back it up if I can't turn it on??? He says to go to Best Buy and the computer geeks can do it. So I take it to the Geeks, at the store where I bought it, and they want $100 to take out the hard drive and back it up. AND I HAD JUST BOUGHT IT FROM THEM, NOT 30 DAYS EARLIER. I am not happy, a new computer and I won't get it back for at least 10 days. OH, but it gets better...
So Gateway gets the computer on March 3, 2008 (lets keep track - 8 days now with a dead computer). I call them on March 7, ( 12 days, no computer) Ok, I lied, I called them everyday for an update, but all I was told is that it would take 3-4 days in the shop and it would be sent back. On March 7 the 4th day in the shop, I call and I am told by the customer service guy in North Dakota that the link between him and the repair place in Tennessee is down and they can not get any word on what is wrong with the computer. Of course I was a smart ass and asked him why a computer companies computer system would be down. He had no answer other than to wait until Monday, maybe the system would be back up, and besides it can take anywhere from 7-10 days in the repair joint... NOW IT IS 7-10 DAYS??? What happened to the 3-4 days?
So I patiently wait until Monday March 10, 2008 ( 15 days, no computer) and call them back. This time a nice guy says the computers are still down - oh yeah I forgot they can't work on weekends - too much stress. BUT, he promises to call on March 11 with an update. I said ok, and of course did not believe him. Now I said he was a nice guy, and the reason I said it is because he actually did call me back on March 12 (16 days, no computer), but that he had no news, but PROMISED to call back when he did get some news.... Ok, I never did hear back from him.
So March 13 rolls around (todays post)(17 days, no computer) and since I hadn't heard from the not so nice guy again, I decided to call Gateway and ask where the hell my computer is. I got some nice girl who didn't know why it was taking so long, but promised to email the repair facility and would call me back as soon as she got a response. ( hold my breath for that one) Actually I could have held my breath, she called back within an hour. She seemed really nervous, and was kind of stuttering. I soon found out why... Ah, Mr. Anderson, your computer has a bad motherboard and we are awaiting a replacement..and the replacement should be in the repair joint on March 31, 2008. MARCH 31, what the FUCK??? She can't do anything so sorry, Goodbye. By the way, March 31 will be THIRTY ONE (31) DAYS WITHOUT THE COMPUTER. Oh I forgot, probably two days to fix it and two days to ship it back, best scenario is I will get the computer back on April 4, 2008 (or 35 days without a computer.
So I stew a little bit and decide to IM tech support ( if interested the IM is at the bottom of this page) IM tech support says they can not do anything, but I should call customer service. So I call customer service. I get Tavita badge # GWen0406. I explain my problem, as I explained above. I ask her nicely if instead of waiting for the replacement part, why not just replace the whole computer? She says she does not have that authority and besides it is Gateways policy not to give out replacement computers. I explained back that if it was a few days I could see there point, but at the moment it looks like it will be close to 40 days without a computer. I also asked why a major part like a motherboard is not sitting around at a repair facility, and why don't they have new computers sitting around to cannibilize.
Break time - I gotta admit that Gateway has trained the poor schmucks in customer service pretty well, every single customer service rep has the same fucking line and I quote " I understand your frustration and I will do all I can to help resolve this situation." LYING BASTARDS.
Back to Tavita now, she can't help because she is not authorized to give me a new computer. So I ask her if I can talk to someone with more responsibility. She says it will be a few minutes and I can talk to her supervisor. I am put on hold for a few minutes and Tavita comes back and says, sorry sir, but the supervisor is VERY busy and it may take a long time for him to talk to me, do I still want to hold?? Hell YES, I don't have anything better to do. So she puts me on hold again. ( Thought the long time on hold would get me to hang up) She gets back within a minute and says the supervisor will not talk to me but has authorized me to have the super secret number to the repair facility. The supervisor I guess must be some chicken-shit scaredy pants guy, afraid to talk with a CUSTOMER with a legitimate complaint.. Anyway that is all for now. I will keep this updated after I call the super secret number at the repair facility tomorrow. I am also going to talk with Gateway headquarters tomorrow. (The following is the IM with the service tech I had earlier tonight) Notice that he CLAIMS to have elevated the complaint, but even though I ask him TWICE who and what it has been elevated to, he does not answer......
QuestorCanuck from Vancouver, Canada
Entry added: Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 16:27:41 (EST)My only gripe with the 'corporate' Gateway is that they couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me which processors I could consider for upgrading the stock PD820. (Assuming they use the same motherboard in multiple machines, it should (presumably) have been an easy answer.) Still don't know, oh well...
The machine itself... WOW 835GM originally purchased by a friend from Future Shop, late December 2005, as a six month old floor demo. I got it about eight months later for a fraction of it's realistic value. (Hey, he set the price). It still has ALL it's original hardware plus I've added two more internal drives, two external 1394 drives (1.2TB total), added a wireless card, and another gig'o'ram. This brings me to the only piece that has no excuse to fail, the on-board video. It never once caused me grief nor did I ever find a game that I couldn't handle at high settings, so I killed it anyway and installed a Sapphire X1600Pro w/512MB and a TV tuner card. With two monitors, (one large, one small), it's now my primary home entertainment as all my music and movies are stashed on it now too. (winamp lives on the small) I'll never have to leave my couch.
If I'm expected to find fault with the machine, ok... The fans are a touch noisy for a 'Media Center' that's supposedly aimed at exactly what I'm asking it to do. (cheap, bulk, oem crap) Speaking of which, that pretty case makes it hard to upgrade the DVD drives.
Regen from Toronto, Canada
Entry added: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 16:20:50 (EST)Purchased a Gateway GT5056 from Futureshop back in April 2006. Everything was great until 2 months later it started acting up. I took it in to get it looked at and was told the hard drive has died. That should have been my first clue to what kind of Dud this Gateway was. It was under warrenty still so I got it replaced and everything was fine after that.
Fastfoward to about October/November '07. While playing a game I noticed the computer would unexpectidly crash from time to time. I natrually assumed it's likely the game and the downloads crashing so I deleted the suspect custom downloads for the game and it stoped crashing. I still have no idea if that was really the issue or not, but Since late November/December when I'd go to turn on the computer (I turn it off every night)it would have power and run, fans going but no beep, no Gateway logo on the screen. The screen would go into sleep mode cause there's no signal from the computer. Ummmm ok.
I got down under and checked all the connections, power bars and everything, turn it on again, it ran. This happened over the course of say 3 days getting progressivly worse. I'd turn it on, run again, turn it off via holding the power button for 5 seconds. I'd bugger off to do something eles, come back after a few hours, try it and it comes on agian.I figured its just being difficult or something and would forget about it until I turned it off and go to turn it back on the next day. After day 3 it wouldnt come back on at all. It would have power, blue light, fan runing but again no beep, no "Gateway" logo.
I gave up and decided to have it looked at by a tech. This was during the holidays so I didnt get to do that until recently. But before that, something told me to try it again. So I tried the power button and...."beep". It came on right up to the desk top like nothing ever happened. I deleted some things I figured were the problem and checked everything to make sure...everything ran fine.
I had a fear of turning it off, afraid I wont get it back on. I should have listened to it. I turned it off that night and that was it. Now it wont even run. No power..nothing.
I took it to a tech where I bought it, and was told not only is the power supply busted but so is the damn motherboard. I did a bit of a search on Google only to find Im not the only one. The computer is only 2yrs old and from what Ive read, gateway is difficult even when the computer is on warrenty.
The tech even suggested Id be better off buying a whole new pc seeing as it would be around the same price to replace the motherboard alone.
I wont be getting another Gateway nor would I recommend it.
Jenny M from MI USA
Entry added: Saturday, February 02, 2008 at 15:03:42 (EST)I purchased a Gateway GT 5412 Desktop with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor from Circuit City, and a Gateway 22" Widescreen High Definition LCD Monitor on March 2, 2007.
I am vey pleased with both the computer and the monitor. The computer is very fast and quiet, and Windows Vista Home Premium is simply awesome. It runs fast and efficient. The best OS yet!!
The HD Monitor is simply stunning. The picture quality is very clear and crisp, especially when viewing dvd's, gaming, and watching online TV. It truely is a high definition experience. Also the extra USB ports on the side of the monitor make it very useful when using my digital camera or camcorder.
I did change the Intel Graphics card out to an ATI Raedon card to be able to use a DVI cable to truely utilize the HD capabilities of the Monitor (which is simply stunning).
I had to call Tech Support in regards to a keyboard and speaker issue that I was having. It was handled in a very professional and quick manner. I was sent a new keyboard and new speakers within the week. I was completely satisfied with Gateway's quick response to taking care of my problem.
I have called them from time to time for general support, or questions regarding how to use certain programs, and have been very satisfied with their knowledge and support.
The tech support in North America is terrific. That is the main reason I purchased my Gateway "TECH SUPPORT IN THE UNITED STATES"
"TECH SUPPORT THAT SPEAKS ENGLISH WITHOUT LANGUAGE BARRIERS"
THANK YOU GATEWAY!!!! I HOPE SOMEONE FROM GATEWAY GETS TO READ THIS REVIEW!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
Sincerely, Jenny M, from Michigan
Kathy from USA
Entry added: Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 18:40:29 (EST)Bought a Gateway notebook because it had all of the MS software that I needed. One month later, the computer crashed, and needed a new hard drive. I took it in with the restore disk, and found that I didn't have any MS software included! They gave me a sticker as a certificate of authenticity for the software, but apparently the sticker is worthless, as it is not able to get me more software after their defective product caused me to lose it. The store I bought it from replaced the hard drive, but said I needed to contact Gateway for the software, because it is installed in the factory and they no longer include backup disks. After several phone calls, they agreed to send a disk for $20. When the disk arrived, it was the same exact restore disk I already had, without the MS software. After more phone calls and more waiting, and arguing with the tech guy about whether or not I actually did indeed have the software, he finally settled on, "You can buy that in a store." I continue to have trouble with the computer. The cord stopped working and had to be replaced, one of the ports stopped working, and for some reason, lines of typing sometimes get jumbled while I am still typing them. The computer is about six months old. I don't suppose I will ever purchase another Gateway. In the meantime, I'm backing up everything with an external hard drive, because I expect another crash.
Harvey Farber from Philadelphia, PA USA
Entry added: Friday, January 18, 2008 at 15:26:53 (EST)Don't buy a Gateway if you think you made need support or service.
My computer was shipped without the progrram or system disks. I didn't realize this until I was informed by their tech department that the only way to solve my ungoing problems was to reinstall the system. At that time I was informed that I was to have reported not receiving the disks within 30 days.
I specifically told their tech that I didn't have the disks. They sent me the system disks but not the MS Works. Prior to the installation I told the tech what disks I had and asked if I needed anything else. He said "NO - you're good to go." It was much lagter that I learned that I was without the MS Works.
I now have a Gateway Notebook without the Microsoft Works, and the response from Gateway is "Too Bad." If I want to use MS, I now have to purchsase the MS program seperately. In other words- I've been screwed by Gateway.
Yagnik from London, United Kingdom
Entry added: Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 14:45:26 (EST)I've had my Gateway G6-200 since the British New Labour government came into power - that is to say, since 3rd May 1997. And hand on heart, it is the most reliable and comfortable computer I have ever known of.
Computers are, at the end of the day, only as good as the people who use them, so I've had more than my fair share of problems with it, not least when someone spilt some beer on the set-up disks, and then crashed it the night before my school work was due in. And still, it's running beautifully today - it's never been taken in for servicing, and we've never had to update any of the hardware which means that our product has lasted us at least 11 years already. We did have difficulties at one point when we couldn't format the 5GB hard drive, and that is where I imagine most of the complaints about customer services arise. The agents were by no means unhelpful, but after a while, gave up and suggested we buy a new computer! (I laugh because my dad managed to fix it after a couple of cans of beer.)
Maybe it's just that GW2K in the UK offer a highly efficient and reliable service, but I would never hesitate to buy from them again, made-to-order as our current computer was. Back then, 5Gb was a shockingly high amount, and even the salesperson amiably joked about whether we were working for NASA. But I'm confident that the quality of their computer parts is high enough to encourage me to return to them. Next stop: Gateway notebook...
Angel Dillon from Hampton, IA USA
Entry added: Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 11:38:03 (EST)I bought a Gateway GT5034 Media Center PC in February of 2006. Within probably 5 months we had to do a system recovery. It ran pretty well after that. Then in about September of 2007, we started having problems again. The computer would turn off unexpectedly and when you would try to restart it the process would take forever. The hard drive light would flash and fans were running, but it would take a long time for the "beep" before it booted. I called Gateway tech support and the guy had me remove and replace memory, unplug and replug, blah blah blah. He then decided that I needed a new video card(which is integrated). Well, a few days later the computer would not boot at all. So, I called back tech support and got another guy who I explained the problem to and told that a previous guy had said I needed a video card. He tells me that the previous guy didn't know what he was talking about and that it sounds like my motherboard has gone out. WHAT?!?!? This thing should run forever at the price I paid for it. Well of course my pc is not under warranty anymore. So I've been researching and looking for a replacement motherboard (which are scarce). While looking I've come across alot of negative reactions to Gateway. Apparently this motherboard problem is very common with Gateway. And especially the C51GU01, which is what my pc has in it. Now I'm not sure I'm even going to bother fixing it. I loved it while it worked, but I don't want to be replacing motherboards every year and a half.
danny farahmandian from los angeles, CA USA
Entry added: Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 22:10:13 (EST)I purchased brand new gateway gt5628 desktop. Set up the computer and it was good for 3 days then started receiving error messages that the computer had turned off unexpectedly. I contacted online tech support. They recommended I troubleshoot with them. I did a system restore and the problem subsided for 2-3 days. I use the computer sparingly. When I returned from a short trip, I found out that the problem had returned. I contacted customer support and they told me to take it in to best buy who would be willing to fix it for me as an authorized dealer. I said that the computer is only 15 days old and I would like to just exchange it. They told me that best buys policy is only 14 days on exchanges. I took the computer to best buy and they told me that they do not service computers, they just outsource to gateway and to expect 2-4 weeks minimum turnaround. I wasted 2 hours total going to best buy for nothing. I called tech support who stated that the problem was still possibly software related. They sent me updates to bios. They said that in order to identify the problem, I would have to be able to tell them what it said on the blue screen when it crashed. I told him the blue screen is up for 1 second and that the crashes are unpredictable so it would be impossible for me to tell him that. He said that there was no other way to fix it. It crashed again and I called them and they told me to try a system restore to full factory settings-- it didnt work again. I contacted gateway and they said that i could try a system restore with the provided disk. They told me that I would be missing the preloaded drivers but they could sell me the disk for an additional fee of $20. I was flabbergasted that I was allready inconvienced so much and they would have the audacity to charge me to fix the new computer for them after best buy refused to do it. I spoke to the manager who agreed that it would be wrong to charge me but said that he couldn't send me the driver disk until it crashed again. I asked him just to authorize the disk as I was certain that after I called tech support when it crashed, I would be refused again. He promised that it would not happen and gave me a incident number which he promised would be honored if the computer crashed again after the system restore. Sure enough, the computer crashed. I called tech support and they told me they couldn't send me the disk without charging me because it was their policy. I told them that I had the promise of the manager and gave them the ticket number. She stated it wasn't policy. I had to call the manager who then sent me the CD.
I feel I was given a lemon. The csr/tech support has been unhelpful, unapologetic, and generally unfriendly. I'm still trying to fix the computer but regardless, at best, I feel I'll be getting a refurb.
I'm terribly unsatisfied and would never buy or recommend a gateway computer again.
Fred from St. Louis, MO USA
Entry added: Friday, November 02, 2007 at 22:54:37 (EDT)I got my Gateway GT5228 a little over a year oga when Best Buy finally lemmoned out my eMachine as a warranty replacement. I have had no issues other than those introduced by teenagers to the computer and have alsways been sucessful and extracting their changes / expirements. About 2 months ago I was doing some electrical work so I turned off the computer before I started flipping breakers to find the circuit I was working on. Well, a few days after that I attempted to turn the computer on I all I got was the Gateway splash screen. Could not use F10 or any other keys to get into BIOS. Push and hold the power button 5 seconds and it dies.
Well I was busy with remodeling our house so it wasn't that impurtant. Besides, any internet business I needed to conduct I could do using my laptop form work - which I am doning now. I was sitting here last Sunday morning on a call from work and thought for grins I would hit the power button and see what happened.
Much to my surprise the system booted all the way to the desktop. I have not turned it off and haven't used the computer yet.
Is anybody aware of any patches I should acquire to eliminate the issue?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Tom M. from Crown Point, IN USA
Entry added: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 15:54:27 (EDT)Bought a Gateway G6 200 Pentium Pro in December of 1996. 64 Megs of EDO ram. Still have it. It still runs and is fast enough for most computing today. Not a gamer, not lightning fast, but sufficient for most needs. Have had NO trouble with it what so ever. Don't care much for Gateway anymore. Had some problems with their Gateway Gold Premium Service. It sucked. Emailed the CEO. He sucked also. I would not buy a Gateway today. I bought one of their Selects about five years ago. It puked about 2 years ago.
stephanie from Cleveland, OH USA
Entry added: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 11:36:07 (EDT)10/23/07
My mother bought a Gateway computer in 2000. She bought what she was told was the top of the line. She is not computer savvy. They sold her a huge monitor. Anyway the problem is that for know reason the mouse cursor stopped appearing so she could not open anything. She also had someone try and use the keyboard ctrl without success. Can anyone assists or direct to a solution to my mom's problem.
Thanks Stephanie
JOHN VIDRINE from VILLE PLATTE, LA USA
Entry added: Monday, October 08, 2007 at 19:51:28 (EDT)I'M TRYING TO REPAIR A GATEWAY COMPUTER THAT CRASHED. THE MACHINE BELONGS TO A FRIEND OF MINE. HE COULD NOT FIND HIS ORIGINAL SOFTWARE SO I INSTALLED WINDOWS MEDIA EDITION WHICH IS THE ORIGINAL SOFTWARE THAT CAME ON THE MACHINE. MOST OF THE DEVICES ARE NOT RECOGNIZED. I WENT ON GATEWAYS WEBSITE AND DOWNLOADED THE DRIVERS FOR THE MACHINE. THE DRIVERS DID NOT WORK. I WENT TO CHAT WITH GATEWAY AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT BECAUSE I DID NOT USE THE SYSTEM RESTORE CD - THWY COULD NOT HELP ME. AFTER I ASKED TO CHAT WITH A SUPERVISOR, THEY BOOTED ME FROM CHAT. I WENT BACK ONLINE AND ASKED TO CHAT WITH A SUPERVISOR AND THE BOOTED ME AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES BEFORE I FINALLY GAVE UP. MY ADVISE - THROW THE GATEWAY AWAY AND AVOID BUYING GATEWAY AGAIN.
Danny from Reno, NV USA
Entry added: Monday, September 24, 2007 at 02:48:49 (EDT)I bought a 450SX4 notebook computer in January of 2003 (December of 2002?). The machine has been through hell - as I traveled quite a lot...
I've changed battery - died last year - and hard drive - not big enough 30GB, went to 120GB.
The machine runs well with 512MB, and the HDD upgrade was easy - though the re-installation of everything was quite trying. Only wish it would take more than 512MB of RAM. Otherwise I can't complain, and this piece of Gateway equipment is top notch.
Edward from Tucson, AZ USA
Entry added: Friday, September 07, 2007 at 17:01:30 (EDT)In early March 2006, I purchased a Gateway GT5028 desktop computer from Compusa. About 15 months later, I began having problems with the computer freezing up after being in screen save mode for some time. One day my Gateway desktop refused to reboot. Of course the computer was now out of warranty. A local computer technican's diagnosis was a faulty motherboard. (Foxconn C51GU01) Technican contacted Gateway and was told the Foxconn C51GU01 motherboard is NOT available for sale. (I phoned Gateway and several other computer parts sources and received the same statement) Right now I'm looking at a $800 Gateway paperweight. At this time, I would advise anyone who's looking at Gateway brand for their next computer purchase, to seriously look elsewhere!
Computer Dude from Harrisonburg, VA USA
Entry added: Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 21:44:55 (EDT)Received Gateway M520S as a gift in 2004. The worst computer I've ever had. It ran fine for a year, but after that: 1) the hard drive failed 2)wireless died 3)the battery stopped working, which if you call Gateway's 'superior' warranty service, they will no longer replace batterys that have died. This machine is still under warranty for a few months, but I am very close to donating it to a computer recycler. It has been through 3 different hard drives. I strongly advise against Gateway products, especially now that they're merging with Acer.
Betty Sciscoe from Martinsville, IN USA
Entry added: Friday, August 31, 2007 at 17:32:18 (EDT)I bought a gateway desktop from HSN in October 17, 2003 soon after i started having problems. I talked to tech support all they wanted to do was the easy thing erase everything from hard drive all was fine so they said. This happened every time i called . Finaly they sent a tech out repaced power supply and the same things happened again they sent one out again power supply and motherboard, again the same thing . I had to erase everything 6 or 7 times. It was never a hardware proble always a software which took them off the hook.Iwouldn't start and you couldnt turn it off. IT HAD BURNING SMELLS you have a virus. IT was always related to the same thing.
It has een sent to cyber test 2 times came back working worse then when i sent it. i WAS ON THE PHON today 3 hours going around in circles. T he night before it was burning and hot to the touch and i could not turn it off i had to unplug it I called cybertest back and told them no big deal well if it had caught on fire if it had it would have BEEN A BIG BIG DEAL.i AM GOING TO SEND IT TO CYBER TEST ONE LAST TIME AND IF IT IS NOT FIXED i will call the attorney general get a lawyer and i will get the message out that a4 year old computer is worth more than a life. What greed and careless company the whole computer industry is.Alemon is a lemon and nothing can change that. But a big company lIKE GATEWAY,DELL ALL OF THEM CAN.
bETTY sCISCOE
S.A. from Pacific Grove, CA USA
Entry added: Friday, August 24, 2007 at 21:55:19 (EDT)After reading the negative reviews from others, I find that my two month delay in the non-shipment of a Gateway was probably for the best. I was given two notices of shipment, the latter gave me the FedEx tracking number. The FedEx statement said "package data transmitted to FedEx". Gateway had called FedEx for a shipping number after I threatened to cancel the order, but it apparently forgot? that a pickup order also has to be issued. Gateway also charged my credit card. Three days after the overnight shipping never materialized I cancelled the sale with my credit card company citing non-delivery. The email apology that I received from Gateway appears to have been written by a 5th grader and is erroneous in its statement of facts. I also checked out Gateway on Yahoo Finance. It was informative. Terrible business practices.
L.A. from Long Valley, NJ USA
Entry added: Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 20:42:26 (EDT)I ordered two FX530's from Gateway (one for me and the other for my college-bound son) on 7/14/07. The systems seemed well equipped and reasonably priced. Not until going through the requisite steps of confirming configuration and giving credit card info was I told that the estimated arrival date of the systems was 8/27--the day of my son's departure to school. When I told the rep that six weeks was a deal-breaker he assured me that although he was required to mention the date, I could expect shipment in "2-3 weeks". This is now 8/23. In the past 5 and one-half weeks that I have waited, Gateway has made several significant configuration changes (improvements) to the 530, and yesterday dropped the online price $100. Today when I called them to see if they were going to honor the price cut, I was told that the new estimated arrival date was 9/4; not that they could guarantee it. I didn't wait to hear about the $100 or the upgrades; I canceled my order and called Dell, who've gone back to English speaking tech support (the reason why I looked at Gateway in the first place). Throughout this experience I've gotten the distinct impression that Gateway has a strategy: First, offer a good price on a competitive configuration. Second, sit on the order until component prices drop significantly (and this may take a while). Finally, get around to the build. What I ordered from Gateway two months ago was impressive/ today it's merely ordinary. By the time it finally arrived--who knows? Caveat emptor. Gateway's products look competitive. Unfortunately they're not worth the wait. And if this is how they treat their customers upfront, I hate to think what their after-sale support is like.
Mario Rodriguez from Fairfax, VA USA
Entry added: Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 11:35:41 (EDT)I bought a Tablet Pc, pre-sales service was great; but once you buy Gateway is when your nightmare starts. I have been callin for 4 months now, and I have lived the WORST service ever. They state that they are not responsible for anything and they remit you to their vendors, even the so call "Executive Response Team" which is a bigger joke and insult to the customer. My advise: DONT BUY GATEWAY!
Doug from Milwaukee, WI USA
Entry added: Monday, July 30, 2007 at 10:13:35 (EDT)I purchased a Gateway FX530 desktop computer direct from Gateway on April 16. It was a good feature/price value and the only machine where I could get a DirectX 10 compatible video board and a 700 watt PS at the time. The customer service rep was nice, helpful, and responsive but, they kept rescheduling delivery. After about the fourth or fifth reschedule I cancelled the order. I was very concerned that a company that couldn't assemble a computer in two months might be having more problems than was obvious. But they contacted me and promised me they would ship the computer in two weeks and reduce the price $100 if I would keep the order active. It was still a good price/feature value machine although HP was beginning to offer a strong competitor in the 8100 model, but I could not get anything else inside two weeks custom assembled with all the features I wanted so I decided to take a chance. They still missed the promise but I finally did get the computer on July 18, over three months after ordering it based on a seven day delivery. All in all it is a sweet machine. It arrived with one corner slightly scuffed but not enough that I want to suffer the pain of sending it back. And for the first week or two I struggled with the machine locking up several times a day - just could not communicate with the keyboard, mouse, or display. Finally I made a change to the sleep mode settings and it seems more stable. That problem may be in Microsoft Vista or may be a combination of Vista and Gateway's BIOS. Can't say that I'm much impressed with Vista and kind of wish I had stayed with XP in a way but that' not Gateway's fault and also partly a learning curve issue on my part. Vista would be considerably easier to use if not for all the security measures courtesy the recording industry and all the hackers and sub-human marketeers out there.
All in all the computer seems like a fine machine and the 22" display is spectacular. As yet, other than the lock ups noted above I've had no quality or performance problems. However, I have noticed in the past few weeks that Gateway is now supplying these computers to CompUSA. Turns out if I had waited a couple of months and purchased from CompUSA I could have bought the same computer with a 6600 CPU instead of 6400 and with 3GB or RAM instead of 2 for a couple of hundred dollars less. So, Gateway jerked me around while they were filling their wholesale backlog until I ended up getting an "obsolete" overpriced machine instead of the cutting edge machine I bought. My profession is Customer Relationship Management so needless to say I'll hold Gateway up as an example of what not to do. I just purchased two notebook computers for my kids for college and did not even consider Gateway after the way they treated me. Nice equipment with good value, nice customer service rep, even a decent support web site, but not a particularly customer oriented company and not the kind of company I prefer to do business with.
Sandra from Bel Air, MD USA
Entry added: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 09:13:05 (EDT)I have sent my desktop computer (still under warranty) back to Gateway twice since April. The first time the hard drive crashed - for no explicable reason. They first sent me to Best Buy as they say they have a contract with Best Buy for repairs. Well, Best Buy told me that they are an authorized repair center...but I would have to pay for the work. I did not leave the computer - instead I called back Gateway - who informed me that I was misinformed by the previous rep at Gateway and that Best Buy was right. She escalated my call to the next level. The next rep I spoke with told me that they DO pay for the Best Buy repairs but that for some reason Best Buy has been confused about that. I have to laugh out loud over the confusion regarding Best Buy.
So instead of dealing with Best Buy - Gateway sends me a hard drive - which is also defective. At this point my hands are up in the air so I sent my computer to gateway for warranty repair. What a process - they send you a box that you pack the computer in. Then, because I work for a living I have to wait until a Saturday to take the box to DHL which was supposed to be open and was closed. I finally get the computer to DHL (the next week). NEXT, the computer comes back nearly two weeks later. I now have to wait until a Saturday to go FEDEX to pick up the computer. I get it home and when I finally get some time set it up. I had to call Gateway because the computer still would not boot up -and the tech support had to walk me through the setup process again. All is well - I thought until we realize the internet port is not working...it is now dead. SO, the process starts all over again - Gateway sends the box - I send them the computer - they send it back to me nearly two weeks later - this time a cd is still in the drive (ABCM is written in black marker on the cd). PLUS....I have a continual error message that drive D is full - apparently drive D is a drive that Gateway put on the computer for recovery. Now, my USB ports don't want to function properly - they won't read any media attached ( portable storage, ipod etc). The computer is thoroughly screwed up. I have had it with Gateway. I'll never buy Gateway again. I'll be calling them today - and complaining - plus I'll be going to the courthouse this week to file a lawsuit..unless they send me a functioning computer - I am done with sending my computer back and forth.
Lastly, someone needs to teach them how to properly package a computer for shipping - both time the packaging was falling apart inside the box when I received it. I am so tired of their poor customer service.
BUYER BEWARE - DON'T BUY A GATEWAY
PS... for those that assume everyone with a problem does not understand how to use a computer...shame on you. I have been using computers for over 20 years and have NEVER had these kind of problems before...I promise you - Gateway is a lousy computer company.
Dustin Sedlock from Knoxville, IA USA
Entry added: Friday, July 13, 2007 at 03:03:04 (EDT)I currently own a Gateway Performance 1400 setup, with 1.4ghz P4 Processor, 384mb ram (*Upgraded from 128*) Windows Xp Pro Nvidia Geforce 2 MX/MX400 gfx card.
_________________________________________________________________
I have had this setup for 2-3 year now. I bought it from my parents friends for free. It came with Windows ME (*worst microsoft os ever*) but once i upgraded to XP pro i have had no problems with it besides the Gateway stalling on Shutdown prior to a Windows Update. I contacted Gateway during this time and they were very helpful in assisting me in installing the Update (*even though it could have been accomplished solo, if i would have thought to check*) Ever since then i have had Automatic Updates on And have not had any more problems. Very Good and Reliable System!!! B+ rating!
Gus Nelson from Manassas, VA USA
Entry added: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 at 10:12:34 (EDT)I've recently purchased a Gateway computer a couple weeks ago from the Best Buy. (I'm 45 years old and this is my very first computer.)
I got the dual core, 2gig GM5442 with Vista and I thought I was really getting into a good thing.
Problems started when I was logging off and the icon kept spinning and announcing LOGGING OFF for about half an hour. I pushed the power button until the thing turned off. Now I have to leave it on constantly or else I'll have to unplug the pc and the monitor, push in the power buttons for one minute before I can power up again. (That method was given to me by the geek squad the first time I called.) I've called the panty waists again but somebody picked up the phone and laid it on the desk top....
Next step, find an attorney to help me with my three year extended warranty.
Ray Roberts from Oak Creek, WI USA
Entry added: Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 21:50:26 (EDT)I had a Sony Vaio with an Intel processor, and it needed repair and I took to Geek Squad at Best Buy to have repaired. After having my computer for a month, they said that my Vaio was basically junk, and I could replace my computer with one that matched the specifications of my Vaio that I purchased two years ago. I paid for the ESP two years ago, which basically was worthless. I was allowed to replace a $2000 computer with a $400 Gateway MX-6431 AMD Turion 64.
This computer has been miserable. it runs slow. In May I needed to have the hard drive replaced. The cord has been an absolute problem too. Two cords have had to be replaced. The wireless card always cuts in and out. Customer service at Gateway is terrible also.
But I guess that is what I get for shopping at Best Buy. The Geek squad is just terrible, and they make you feel like an idiot for getting their help.
Worst computer purchase ever.
Jeff from Miami Beach, FL USA
Entry added: Monday, May 28, 2007 at 15:56:38 (EDT)In January of 2007, I purchased a Gateway GT5228 from BestBuy. The sticker on the front of the machine clearly states "Vista capable." That is misleading. The GT5228 is an AMD64 setup with a max of 4GB RAM available to be installed. SuSE Linux x64 as well as XP Pro x64 will read all 4GB of RAM and function perfectly. Vista, however, freezes on boot (shortly after POST) when 4 GB of RAM are installed. Gateway regards this as a Microsoft issue, and naturally, Microsoft says it is a Gateway issue. Gateway tech support has told me that they do not support 64-bit applications or operating systems. If that's the case, why would they (Gateway) sell a 64-bit computer system? And if they sell a 64-bit computer, why do they not support Vista x64? I bought the machine to take advantage of all 4 GB of RAM, and Vista x64 as well as XP x64 are supposed to afford me this luxury.
XP Pro x64 and 64-bit Linux flavors do, but Vista won't. I now have 2 GB of RAM sitting on my desk gathering dust because Vista doesn't work in this "Vista capable" machine.
Seems to me like "Vista capable" simply means that Vista can be installed and run on the GT5228, but doesn't mean that the end user can take full advantage of the machine's power. Gateway has told me that the machine can be returned to BestBuy within 15 days of purchase and only if the machine is defective. Had I bought the extra RAM within the 15 days of the machine purchase, I can only imagine how my return would be rebuffed under the pretense of "it's a software issue, not a hardware issue."
This was my first Gateway purchase, as well as my last.
Richard Cranium from Reno, NV USA
Entry added: Friday, May 18, 2007 at 22:39:29 (EDT)I've owned my system for 4 years. No problems. I'm willing to bet half the people on this page, have also posted similar complaints on the some competators page. Know what you buy before you buy it, simple equation, I know, but it actually works really really well. A lot of the stuff people complain about on this page, is clearly listed, and can be address, BEFORE buying a system. For those who refuse to believe any of this, check one thing: Whats between the keyboard, and the chair? There you go....
Jack Silver from Sebastopol, CA USA
Entry added: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 at 23:48:16 (EDT)In December 2006 I purchased a Gateway MX3416 from Office Depot. Shortly after receiving the unit the HD crashed. The unit was sent back to Gateway for repair and returned in about two weeks. It seemed to be functioning correctly until I noticed that the HD only showed about 19 GB (should have been 60GB). It appeared that Gateway contract repair company Arima Computer Corp. only reformatted the drive but never checked it again. When I called he was told that Gateway had no prior record of the previous repair! Again I had the unit picked up for repair on March 13, 2007.
After a few weeks I called and was told that Gateway is waiting for a part. Holding times on the phone have averaged between 30 minutes and 45 minutes. One time I was on hold for more than one hour then a recording came on for him to leave a message. After finally talking with a technical person the part that is on order is a hard drive? No one could give me a date when the unit will be repaired and one supervisor offered to send the unit back unrepaired!
Next time I called in Gateway said that the HD in the unit was the wrong one and it would cost $240 to put in a new drive because the warranty was voided by the wrong drive. The only ones that have had the unit is Gateway. The only ones that could have screwed it up was Gateway but they refuse to help. The technical service is rude if they have any authority to do anything and placating if they just switch you from number to number.
I purchased about 40 laptops for non-profits and others and I'll never buy another Gateway again.
Glenn from Bonduel, WI USA
Entry added: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 11:21:46 (EST)I have owned 2 gateways in the past with no problems. In November of 2006 I purchased a 420DX. From the start, nothing but issues. Called tech support, and they could not fix it after 1 month and many waisted hours on the phone. After 3 nondestructive reinstalls, still did not work. they sent me a new hard drive that was going to be preloaded with software. All I got was blue screen of death. Called support, and once again I had to explain why I am calling, "they never read their notes", and try to get someone to help. I get LADD badge #ML216. This guy was so rude and such an ass to me on the phone that I about lost it. I asked for a replacment computer, or a refund, and he would only authorize service. I was promised a box to be shipped to my house to put the computer in, and never recieved it. Now it is mid Jan. 2007, and I call again, and after many hours with tech support idiots, I get someone who will once again it send me a box. The box arrives 1 week later. I send the brand new never working computer off for service. it comes back on February 18th. All excited to give it a try, I find a rubber foot missing on the bottom of the tower. Not a have a paper weight that rocks in the wind. I fire it up, and yes, I am back to square one. I once again call tech idiot central, and get no where. I finally call customer support, and get a woman who was very nice and sympthetic to my cause. She promised we would settle my problem here and now. She transfers me to guess who, LADD Badge # ML216 ASSHOLE. He tells me to contact tech because it is a software issue. No s&%&. I have been trying to tell these jerks that they have been instlling corrupted software on these computers. They do not listen. I have a sister inlaw who live in Illinois that also has the same issues that I have. I have given up on gateway! I am going to find a scum bag attorney who has fire in his/her eyes, and I am going to put this dam company on notice that this has got to end. I feel class action suit is in order here. I know there has to be more of you out there with the same problems. Time to fight back.
smoothflyer13@hotmail.com
Craig from Minneapolis, MN USA
Entry added: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 12:22:36 (EST)See my review below. After being told 3 times (lies as far as I'm concerned since the last guy I spoke to admitted they never had the video card in stock) that the video card was being sent, it finally arrived yesterday, 2007-02-19. Removed the old card, put in the new one, and guess what? It still doesn't work. Gateway is sending a new hard drive out. Of course, they needed a credit card for some reason. Their effing machine doesn't work, but they want to be able to charge me apparently.
I have been paying interest on this charge since January. I have a paper weight. It isn't good for anything else.
William Rice from Detroit, MI USA
Entry added: Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 11:17:58 (EST)I am a tech and recently had to purchase a computer because I did not have time to shop and assemble my own which I usually do. I purchased a Gateway and in two months the hard drive crashed. Before that I was getting constant freezes and errors which I tried in vain to trouble shoot. When the hard drive crashed I realized that was the problem but intermittent problems are hard to solve if you are limited to time. I returned the hard drive and received a replacement which I had to reinstall everything myself. I lost many important files because my backup was in need of replacement too. They took the money out of my checking account in lieu of me returning the defective hard drive. They kept my money and the returned hard drive and I have been fighting them for over four months for a return on my money or my hard drive back since it is my property even though it is of no use to me. As far as I am concerned Gateway is a scam job that uses cheap parts and their customer service just gives you the run around. One of them was even rude to me. BUYERS BEWARE. If you expect anyything other than crap and bad service don't purchase a gateway. PS. I was a tech support at my company that had an entire office and lab full of gateways and they were nothing but headaches until they switched to Dell as their supplier.
Gary Lee from Minneapolis, MN USA
Entry added: Monday, February 12, 2007 at 19:14:54 (EST)I bought a 200 for school work. Basically, it has performed fairly well. The only complaint I have is that the headphone jacks and the input jacks are on the motherboard and the jacks are so cheap they go out quickly and you have to replace the motherboard. I am at this moment awaiting a new AC adapter to see if this will fix the problem I am having in the adapter. My warranty ran out on 01-17-07 and I could not reach anyone until the 19th so I was told that it would not be covered under warranty. But I anticipate if it is the jack some s*** is going to hit the fan. Right now the computer is sitting on the desk and I use it for everything so we shall see.
Craig from Minneapolis, MN USA
Entry added: Saturday, February 03, 2007 at 11:23:27 (EST)Just purchased a Gateway desktop computer on line (January 8, 2007). It arrived on January 26. Set it up and nothing appears on the monitor (which works, by the way, just fine connected to a laptop and another desktop). Hours spent on line with technical support before they tell us they'll mail out a new video card. Called one week later on February 2, 2007 - the video card hasn't even been shipped yet. I'm paying interest on a 50 pound paperweight sitting around doing nothing but gathering dust. Don't know when I'll get the card from Gateway, nor even certain if that will fix whatever the problem is. I was told my warranty was running by the way, for something that doesn't work and hasn't worked from the time it arrived. I asked Gateway to overnight the card and was told it couldn't (or wouldn't?) be done. Obviously, in my opinion, Gateway cares nothing for customer relations or it would have tried to solve this problem ASAP by sending out a new video card the day support was called and by sending it out overnight. Instead, it is a run around. If the card comes next week and doesn't solve the problem, then what? Another round on the phone with support and then another 2 week delay while I wait for parts from Gateway. This is nonsense.
Tyler Guy from Winston Salem, NC USA
Entry added: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 15:31:30 (EST)Gateway is a wonderful computer manufacturer! My dad got me a Gateway P5-133XL way back in November, 1995, it still runs just as good as ever today! This computer has been running almost 24/7 for 12 years, and still held up just fine.
Gateway P5-133XL
Specs:
CPU: Intel Pentium 1 (133 MHz)
System Bus: 12MHz
Video Card: Matrox Graphics Millenium PCI card
Original Sound card: Ensoniq Soundscape WaveTable edition
Current Sound Card: Creative AudioPCI (ES1371)(ES1373)(WDM)
Original HDD: 1.6 GB WD Caviar
Current HDD: 40 GB WD Caviar
Original Monitor: Gateway Vivitron 1776
Current Monitor: Gateway EV700
CD Drive: Wearnes CDD620
I also have a Gateway 500SE that I got in August, 2002. Still runs fine as well! As a matter of fact, I am using it right now to type this.
Gateway 500SE
Specs:
CPU Intel Pentium 4
System Bus: 400 MHz
Video Card: Intel 82845G/GL Integrated Video
Sound Card: SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio
Original HDD: WD Caviar 40 GB
Current HDD WDC160BB 160 GB
Monitor: Gateway EV700
CD Drive 1: Lite ON CD RW Burner
CD Drive 2: HP DVD Writer dvd200i
Gateway makes long lasting computers.
Davidson County Community College in Davidson County, NC uses Gateway computers for almost everything for this very reason.
Janice Erickson from Evergreen Park, IL USA
Entry added: Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 18:34:31 (EST)I purchased a Gateway computer on the 27th of Oct ~ 2006. By Dec 1st, 2006 I had to have the hard drive and modem replaced. More problems continued ~ returned computer to Best Buy and the Geek Squad was unable to fix the problem. I was sent home with a floor model Gateway (my model no longer is being sold) and it has as many problems as the first. I can't get any satisfaction from Gateway or Best Buy regarding a refund and I'm now paying for a dead horse. Shame on Gateway and shame on Best buy! Is there any way of getting a refund? This is criminal ~ what can be done?
jeannie from Minneapolis, MN USA
Entry added: Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 11:08:36 (EST)I bought a refurbished Gateway M520 laptop 3 yrs ago. Am probably the only computer user who turns on her high-tech tool with a low-tech miniature Phillips screwdriver. Poorly designed on/off mechanism with cheap plastic contact that broke (and power button has a chip in it) has me looking for a $79 (!) replacement piece. A repair person ordered one several weeks ago from a "reliable" Ebay source and it never came. Big and little repair companies won't take on this job and Gateway has not been any help.
Have spent countless hours searching for bezel replacement and found used ones online but they often don't give the laptop model number!
Computer industry and cell phone industry = same quality service.
Meyekle from HI USA
Entry added: Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 12:36:12 (EST)Bought my first Gateway(GP7-500) years ago and I never had any problems--very stable machine, so I figured when it was time to upgrade I would stay was Gateway. Well, I bought a tower (510XL) around 2004 and then a laptop(M350) about a year later. I'm having strange problems with both.
When the 510XL is powered on after being off for about 3hrs or usually overnight, the system will power off within the first 5 minutes once the OS is running--it just stops. I've noticed that the peripherals, ie, external USB drive and some of the lights on the motherboard is still receiving power. At that point I have to hold the power button in for about 3-5 secs. or pull the power cord out to shut off all power to those peripherals(very weird stuff). I'll have repeat this procedure,(i.e. power up, crash, hold in button, blah,blah,blah) about 2-3 times before the system actually stays running indefinitely. I've narrowed it down, I think, to either the motherboard, power supply or processor?(pulled memory, cards, swapped out disks, etc)--if anyone has any ideas please let me know--I'm pretty frustrated about this one.
As far as the M350, it freezes every time I use it untethered from the wired network--pretty useless since that's the reason I bought it for. I have heating issues with this system as well. Oh, forgot to mention that I had to send this system back shortly after I bought it due to an issue with the LCD screen going bad.
In a nutshell, I would be very hard-pressed to stick with Gateway for my next system.
cheers,
Michael
Petter Rabbit from toronto, Canada
Entry added: Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 12:06:15 (EST)1st. finding a support # in canada was near impossible. given wrong # from gateway toll free numerous times..and when finally did receive a good #...it was not toll free.
2nd. problems with over heating (laptop keeps shutting off), group of 20x40 pixel right in center of screen went bad. and cover cracked from opening and closing...and I baby my laptops...this is clearly poor workmanship.
3rd. had to return the 1st one because of issues. I swear stay away from gateway.....getting a good deal? spend the extra dollar..save the headache.
Sheri Greenhaus from MOntvale, NJ USA
Entry added: Friday, January 05, 2007 at 08:47:17 (EST)Bad Service
I just picked up my Gateway from Best Buy. I had previously owned Gateways that I purchased directly from them the Gateway and the service had been good.
When you purchase from a store, it is awful. I was put on hold for 20 minutes the first time ( and it is not a toll free number) then put on hold for one hour the second time. And, this is for a brand new computer.
I was told that there are two levels of service. One for those that purchase direct and one for those that purchase from the store.
I am going today to return the computer.
I would not recommned any Gateways anymore.
Laur Joost from Tallinn, Estonia, Other
Entry added: Friday, January 05, 2007 at 06:27:32 (EST)Regarding your problem: Invalid system disk means either that 1. You forgot a floppy in the floppy drive or 2. that you need to reinstall your OS (I won't go deeper into the problem on such "quality intel").
I work in a school as a computer administrator and we have 4 Gateway G6-200 desktops and one G6-200 tower. They are reliable enough, though I can't speak for the most part of users, as they are acting linux terminals, not the "US Standard" Windows.
There is one problem though: At school it sometimes does occur that some brat thinks: "Hey, look, I'm cool!" and swithes the Power Supply from 220V to 110V. Of course, the result is blown-up or burnt-through capacitors.
Question: in the PS, between the two 200v 470uF lyte capacitors and a coil are two small caps sunk in fire foam marked VDA2 (at least that's what I COULD read from underneath the soot and grime of the burnt caps. Does anybody have the specs for these? I'd really apreciate all help.
Daniel Morris from New York, NY USA
Entry added: Thursday, January 04, 2007 at 20:05:39 (EST)I got a secondhand Gateway E-3200 and when ever i start it it loads and then says Invalid system disk replace the disk and press any key i tried every thing to try to prevent this from happening i even see a friend who knows computers can any one help
Al D from MA USA
Entry added: Wednesday, January 03, 2007 at 17:12:41 (EST)In Aug 2005, I purchased a Gateway notebook a 6020 GX. Within 10 days, it no longer booted up. I returned to Best Buy, where I was told that there was one left in our area and I could have that as a replacement. However, the 14 day replacement warranty would not apply to the exchange. If this didn't work either, it would have to be repaired by the factory.
Well, "luckily" it worked - but now, 16 mos. later, the motherboard is gone.
Customer Service at Gateway used to be great. Can't say that now. I was put on hold and forgotten, and then when it was learned that my serial number reflected an electronics store purchase, I was forwarded to non-toll free numbers for guidance. I was calling to find out how to PAY OUT OF POCKET for replacement parts bec the web site didn't have them listed. I mean, they can't afford a 50 cent phone call for someone willing to drop a couple of hundred bucks? That sent up a red flag.
They want nothing to do with the public and if you own Gateway stock, I suggest you divest. They won't exist by 2010, I guarantee it.
I purchased two gateway pc towers in the past which both had electronic problems. However, I continued to remain loyal to Gateway as these were fixed, free of charge, at the gateway store in my area. This was in about 1998-2002. Let's just say that with the emachine merger,things have clearly deteriorated.
Erica from MI USA
Entry added: Friday, December 29, 2006 at 21:42:42 (EST)I purchased a Gateway notebook on November 2005. In July 2006, my notebook did not turn on, so I called Gateway and they told me to send it in because it sounded like a fan problem. So I got it back with a new fan, then in October 2006, my AC Adapter stopped working and I called for a new one and I had to buy it. When I received the AC Adapter, it did not work with my notebook. I called Gateway tech support and they said it should work because it's universal and that it could be something wrong with my notebook, so I would have to send in the notebook and the ac adapter so they could figure out what's wrong. The woman at tech support pointed out that I shouldn't have paid for the AC Adapter because my notebook is still under warranty. She told me to call the customer service number so I could get a refund. I called the customer service number and they refused to give me a refund. The woman said I would have to send back my ac adapter to customer service to get a refund, leaving me WITHOUT an ac adapter. I just sent it to customer service so I could see what was wrong with my notebook. Gateway treats customers worse if you dont but the notebook direct. It seems to me they do not want to stand by their products. After being on the phone with her for an hour(mind you it is not a toll free number), I got no where and could not get a supervisor. I called again the next day for a refund, and I still got nowhere, so I filed a complaint with the attorney general. I received my notebook back, but it did not have the ac adapter or battery with it. I called tech support and they asked me if I sent them in and I said yes. So then they told me they would send my items out. I received my items(along with a different ac adapter that worked with my notebook). I turned on my notebook. It made a funny noise, had errors and took me to a Windows 95 command screen. All of my work was gone. I called Gateway and told them what happened and asked why they wiped my computer clean for an AC ADAPTER AND BATTERY REPLACEMENT and the exec Jodi said that they needed to wipe the computer for the AC Adapter AND still I did not receive a refund for the ac adapter I was not supposed to pay for in the first place. Anyone with common sense knows that all you need to do is plug in the AC Adapter for it to work. I had to send my notebook back because it sounded like a power saw and it had the wrong software on it(it came with Windows XP). They had to replace the fan (again) and reinstall the software. They shipped it back really fast since the warranty was about to expire. I got the notebook back two days after I sent it off while before it would sit in the dock for about a week before they even took a look at it. The replacement adapter doesn't half work, the warranty is up. My screen is screwed up. I see colorful lines and did not spill anything or drop it. I just opened it and there are black, white, and colorful lines going vertically and horizontally on my computer screen. Gateway exec Jodi told the attorney general's office that I can't get a refund until I send back the ac adapter, claiming that I have two AC Adapters, but their tech support has the one I originally purchased(I should not have purchased this). I told the attorney general that Gateway has the AC Adapter in their possession. Gateway failed to tell the attorney general that they had the other ac adapter. Now they refuse to contact anyone about this. If anything comes out of this, I will write back, but for now, I Get to start my new school semester without a working notebook.(it is my only computer) And I am still waiting on a refund for the adapter and I hope I get a replacement computer(until I get the money to buy something OTHER than Gateway). I am never buying Gateway again. Their customer service is horrible and because they try to separate retail bought computers and direct, they do not stand by their products, which makes me wonder if they know they're just putting out crap computers.
E Wilson from Lithonia, GA USA
Entry added: Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 02:30:06 (EST)We purchased a Gateway laptop in October 2004. To our disappointment this laptop hasn't performed with quality expectations for the little time we have used it. We are now receiving a blank/black screen when plugged in the wall unit. The "on" button is working abnormally as well. I had high hopes for Gateway's laptop performace, since we had a Gateway desktop that has performed decently for many years. By the way, Gateway's technical support was little help - just mail it in for service and pay $299.00. On that note, I informed I rather invest with a competitor's laptop instead.
Mike from Tempe, AZ USA
Entry added: Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 17:38:20 (EST)VERY BAD. I have had two laptops in the past five years that have both fried. Both, right where the power outlet plugs into the laptop, it's gets SO hot that you can't even touch it and it's going to start my house on fire soon. I have called Gateway and they said it's not a battery recall and basically they told me I have to replace the pin or monthboard that would cost $350/plus tax and shipping for the pin and $650/plus tax and shipping for the motherboard. Bunch of crap since this is the EXACT same thing that happened to my last Gateway laptop. I then called today to go ahead and order a desktop. They closed out my credit card account because they said I didn't use it enough. It was used within a year and they did not notify me that it was going to be closed, they just closed it on their own. The customer service rep. told me I can just apply for another account. This is the 3rd account I would have had to apply for in the past 5 years because of them closing my accounts for no reason. Basially I'm up for a class action suit if anyone wants to get together on this. This is unacceptable and the customer support is worthless as they just blame the customer on the problems. Either way there will be a lawsuit coming from my end, either a class action lawsuit or a lawsuit when one of their laptops burns my house down because they won't take action for their problems. Oh, the pc that just fried was purchased in April of 2005. Not very old.
Ron Teagarden from USA
Entry added: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 16:54:11 (EDT)I have sent he PC back 3 times for the blue screen of death. First, they blamed it on me for software that I installed. Over the course of 3 times back to the factory, they replaced the hard drive, all the RAM and now the modem. I have demanded my money back and can't even get past a low level "phone tech". Gateway is the worst company I have ever dealt with and the PC I got from them is a $1000 paperweight. I encourage everyone to stay away from Gateway products.
Steven Masters from SC USA
Entry added: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 15:36:50 (EDT)I purchased a Laptop Model M 520 Oct 2004....August 2005 I had to run out of the house with it smoking, so hot to the touch, it is fried, I have repeatedly called Gateway with all the battery recalls, however they said mine was not on the recall list. Well, maybe everbody with the same problem should contact Gateway and they will find out they have a major problem. This computer should have lasted for more than 15 months at the price I purchased it for from GATEWAY. Now they want no part of it, however, it is going to be reported to the BBB for what good that will get me, probably nothing, however, maybe all should try doing this and they may see, taking care of their problems may help with their sales, instead of anyone you talk to, you will hear, don't want no GATEWAY!!!!
Melissa from Sioux City, IA USA
Entry added: Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 01:44:06 (EDT)I am looking at all the complaints and frustrations that have been commented. I bought my first Gateway in 1998 it is still working, it's had minor issues as with any ancient computer would. The biggest issue is that computer is extremely outdated. Works great for my kids though. They can play computer games, type papers for school access the internet. The only part that was ever replaced by Gateway was the HD about a month after I purchased it. They were right on top of it and was up and going again within the week and it's still going. I have 3 other Gateways the newest bought about 7 months ago, and they are all still working beautifully. Nothing has gone wrong with them. I only buy desktops as well, and it seems most people commenting on here are with laptops. Personally I think all brands of laptops are flimsy. I have never known anyone that hasn't had problems with their laptops. I don't think it's a particular brand it's just the industry as a whole hasn't come up with a durable laptop.
Sharyn Webb from USA
Entry added: Saturday, October 07, 2006 at 12:51:27 (EDT)You know, unlike a lot of poor souls on this forum, I actually do check out reviews of product functionality and service reputation before i purchase a computer, but i only started doing this a few years ago when i found out that toshiba doesn't respect screen warranties. anyways, i recently purchased a gateway cx200x tablet knowing full well there'd be no support from gateway and that there would be several issues to resolve, but i got it at about a third the price of a regular tablet. it happens im a techie who loves a challenge, but i would never recommend one of these "tablets"(hahaha) to someone who wanted it to work right out of the box unless they were my enemy or something. well my little brother says "don't talk about it, be about it" so if you're looking for a great company, i highly recommend Fujitsu (im on one right now). They make excellent products that are last forever, not to mention how elegant the design is. i have 2 that have both been dropped and abused regularly, they just keep going. Not only that, their native english speaking customer service goes above and beyond to help. i got one of their laptops on ebay and they still honored the warrenty that i never bothered to register. if id had more money, i would've bought a real tablet from them.
khan from toronto, Canada
Entry added: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 at 11:45:09 (EDT)My experience with gateway M520 notebook is so annoying.I would never buy their product again.But the thing is that...I have bought this product from a third party so cant for technical support to gateway.I need a recovery CD for the gateway.if anyone knows anything about where I can get this (bootable)recovery CD with software and Application installation...PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPlllllZZZZZZZZ send me an email....i can buy it for 80-90CAN dollars...!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zalis from Lincoln, NE USA
Entry added: Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 04:37:06 (EDT)I bought a Gateway 504 GR in March 2005, and honestly, I haven't had any major component failures, and no dealings with their customer service or tech support. The only things that have gone slightly wrong are that the CD drive doesn't recognize blank CDs (which I attribute more to the drive than the computer itself) and I've had some problems with the FireWire ports randomly connecting and disconnecting at times (fixed via a patch from Microsoft). Unfortunately, this has caused one directory on one external drive to get corrupted, and I'll have to reformat it...however, I guess compared to the other problems listed here, I've been pretty lucky. I certainly won't be going with Gateway for my next computer purchase.
Mattie from Pittsburg, CA USA
Entry added: Friday, September 29, 2006 at 15:47:12 (EDT)I purchased a Gateway M520 laptop approximately 10 months ago(Pentium 4, 3.06GHz, 60GB HD, with 15.4" Widescreen), and have had several problems with it. The power plug was loose and after a 3 months of trying to get it to stay put, I ended up having to replace the pin (connection). The laptop overheats. I had read about the batteries overheating (and I had that problem too), but the laptop itself gets very hot -- at times too hot to sit on your lap. Finally, a month ago, I had to have the mother board replaced because it was not recognizing/recharging the battery pack. The first month was almost enjoyable; since then its been a nightmare. Not a happy camper an am looking at Toshiba Notebooks for possible purchase in early 2007.
j.b. from montreal, Canada
Entry added: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 01:02:19 (EDT)I have a Gateway laptop (it's the pentium 4 2.8 Ghz) for the past two years or so. It's a heavy clunky piece, but I have myself to blame for choosing it. The biggest problem that I've encountered is that it overheats and then shuts itself off. On a hot day (30 degrees Celsius without AC - that's about 85 degrees Fahrenheit i think), it can shut itself off within an hour. It shuts off, obviously, in order to protect damage to the CPU. Other than that, an annoying design feature is that the hinges connecting the monitor to the comp itself cracked very soon. It doesn't seem to matter though. Also irritating is the fact that the power cable connect is loose... I plug it in, but the circuit isn't completed and I end up using the battery if I don't notice. I have to play with the power cable, move it up and down, until the connect somehow connects... Not sure what's up with it. Seems like gateway has big quality problems - their design is probably also behind. I think Toshiba is probably a better bet (my prev. laptop).
DAVID FAORO from YUCAIPA, CA USA
Entry added: Monday, September 18, 2006 at 01:27:10 (EDT)I bought a 7320gz notebook from best buy. At first all seemed well but i soon found out my DVD burner would not burn DVD's. They sent me out a new one but sent it to the wrong address. They then agreed to send me out a new one as it was their fault. I returned the old one and they charged me for the one that they sent out. It took me two hours and three levels of management to get my money back.
I must be labeled in the tech support notes as an asshole becuase now when i call they put me on hold and read the notes. Then i get a level of tech support that only the government could rival. They give me a task like "take the computer to best buy and they can fix it for you." I told them im going to set the computer on fire and send it to them so they can fix it.
Once my computer started to freeze during boot up. I called and was told to reformat the machine???!!!!! yeah, like i dont have any important data on there. i found out that the sd card from my camera was still in the slot and interupted the boot cycle. SIMPLE but the idiots at Gateway didn't suggest that.
The Screen Hinges have CRacked and the screen flickers.
The powercable is loose and falls out all the time.
THe notebook is falling apart and it never leaves the desk!!!
*****SAVE YOURSELF!!! DONT BUY A GATEWAY!!!!!***********
Frank from USA
Entry added: Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 07:39:21 (EDT)I have a gateway compact desktop and have had nothing but thermal event problems I sent it back to gateway who sent it back and said their was nothing wrong with it. So I brought it to the geek squad and they cleaned out dust from the fan/processor area now it works great for 1 year and condition reappered. Now my 5 year old 17 inch flat panel display is overheating. Do not buy any gateway product support just leaves you on hold for hours on end.
Augusta from Salt Lake, UT USA
Entry added: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 01:01:36 (EDT)Gateway--what a wonderful company! I bought a Gateway laptop at Best Buy in August 2005. In June 2006 I noticed that the lid was cracked by the hinge and the screen was flickering.
I contacted Gateway and gave them all my information. The laptop was still under warranty. They sent the box and packing material THE NEXT DAY. I sent the computer, and received it back with repairs completed and a 90-day warranty on new parts. Shortly after that--within the parts warranty--I noticed damage on the lid again, and a flickering screen. We went through the return and repair again. The first round took 4 days from me sending it to me getting it back. The second round took slightly longer due to a holiday. The service was excellent! The repairs were made in a timely manner and without question or charge. Well done, Gateway.
Biswa Dash from Dover, DE USA
Entry added: Monday, September 11, 2006 at 13:13:20 (EDT)Recently I bought a Tablet PC from Gateway cx200x and the experience is very alarming and frustrating. The Tablet is a just a Lemon and it heats up like mad. They have already changed the Motherboard, Hard Disk, CPU and Stylus. Next in line to be changed are motherboard (Second time), the assembly and the fan...they are not doing it free. They are doing it because I have a 4 year paid limited warranty...just imagine what life would be without this warranty. I have invested almost $3000 on this tablet and will never look at Gateway Again...another thing I have a business level support...not the standard home office kind of support…
The customer service is good as they immediately ask for replacement of the parts. But then if you are interested in opening a tablet PC repairing lab at home then you can go ahead and order it from them as they would come down and keeping ripping the parts of the machine and changing it…another big problem is that not most the technicians at gateway that I came across had seen a tablet before troubleshooting on my tablet PC.
You won’t be able to use it as it will be a kept there with people coming in and out of your house repairing and replacing parts...It’s like buying a car and then taking the engine out. I have serious doubts on the machines....I am keeping my patience and waiting for the next part to be replaced...as I am in the first year of warranty...
One good thing is that you will be able to listen to a lot of songs sung by Jennifer while you wait to reach a person who could take accountability of your problem...usual problem resolving cycle is 1 hour to 3 hours...
Just BEWARE of GATEWAY and don't just get carried away by the sales guys...
mike gevas from healdsburg, CA USA
Entry added: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 21:36:37 (EDT)Never buy from gateway,
I never imagined that a company would have an outright policy of being dishonest. My experience below attempting to get a monitor repaired under warranty is nothing short of flabbergasting. The tech support people are outright liars and belligerent, they contradict themselves and say ludicrous things like there is absolutely nothing they can do to solve an obvious problem that could be solved by merely a phone call.
05/01/06 10:41AM. Purchased Gateway LCD computer monitor model number FDP-2185W, serial number MPV 6250N 13185 from Best Buy in Santa Rosa CA. for $655.99.
05/12/06 11:20AM. Purchased another Gateway LCD computer monitor model number FDP-2185W, serial number MPV 6250N 12956 from Best Buy in Santa Rosa CA. for $655.99. (Not really a part of this ordeal)
07/28/06 7:30PM. Monitor with serial number 13185 developed a vertical line through the middle of the screen.
08/01/06 10:12AM. Called Gateway’s tech support at 408-273-0808 about a vertical line in the monitor screen. After a few minutes of executing some trouble shooting instructions from the technician I was instructed that the monitor needed to be returned for repair or replacement. I was given two options
1. Pay a $90.00 fee and a new monitor would be shipped out quickly and I would return the defective monitor in the same box.
2. No fee and Gateway would send me and empty box with a return shipping label and a new monitor would be sent to me upon Gateway’s receipt of my defective one.
Opted for the no fee option, was told that I should have the replacement monitor within 2 working days of Gateways receipt of the defective one.
08/02/06 5:00PM. Found empty box from Gateway on my front porch when I got home. Box contained instructions and a FedEx shipping label to return box to Gateway.
08/03/06 10:58AM. Dropped defective monitor, off at the FedEx / Kinkos Store in Santa Rosa Ca.
- The monitor’s serial number was 13185,
- It was packed in the box that Gateway provided.
- It was shipped using the label provided by Gateway.
- The Tracking Number was: 858193437624
08/07/06 11:13AM Monitor was delivered by FedEx to:
Gateway Alorica CA
14430 Monte Vista Ave.
Chino, CA 91710 US
The monitor was signed for by: A.White JR............
(See attached documents)
08/09/06 5:54PM. A package addressed to:
GEVAS
210 Sunnyvale
Healdsburg Ca. 95448
Was picked up by FexEx at Gateway’s Shipping and Receiving,
Customer Service
Gateway Companies
14430 Monte Vista Ave.
Chino, CA 91710 US
The tracking number was: 738903722478
08/14/06 10:51AM. A package addressed to:
GEVAS
210 Sunnyvale
Healdsburg Ca. 95448
Was delivered to:
Shipping and Receiving
14430 Monte Vista Ave.
Chino, CA 91710 US
This package was signed for by A.White JR.
The tracking number was: 738903722478
08/16/06 2:59PM. Called Gateway Tech. Support to find out what the status of the monitor was. Was told that I received it on 08/14/06. Informed the tech rep that I did not receive the monitor and was told that it was delivered and that an A.White JR. Signed for it. Was told that I needed to call FedEx and file a claim.
The tech rep was Marsha, employee number 69475.
3:58PM. Called FedEx and was told that a trace would be made and I would get a call back. Spoke to Marion
4:31PM. FedEx called back (Marion) from phone #901-344-0401 and confirmed that the package had been mis-delivered and that it would be picked up delivered to the correct address. At this time both myself and FexEx was unaware that the package had been sent to the same address as the shipper.
08/21/06 1:28PM. Called FedEx to find the status of package. Was told that several attempts were made to pick package up but were un-successful. I was told that and extra effort would be made and that I would receive a phone call the next morning with the status. Both myself and the FedEx person was unaware that these attempts were being made at the original shippers location.
08/21/06 3:43PM. Due to an urgent need for the monitor, called Gateway Tech support in attempt to get one expedited. After some time with the supervisor Gateway agreed that the other monitor was lost somewhere (non of us new it was at Gateway all along). It was agreed that another monitor would be shipped out. Was instructed to call back on 08/23/06 in the AM and get a tracking number.
08/22/06 11:25AM. Received call from FexEx (Marion) and states that the package was found and it would be delivered to me in a day or two.
1:44PM. Received call from FexEx (Marion) and for the first time had revealed that the monitor was at Gateway, the shipper had used old labels, due to the error being the shipper’s, future dealings would need to be with Gateway, FedEx was closing out the trace.
(This was ok because Gateway was supposed to have another one coming anyway and this eliminated the possibility that FedEx would deliver the original one at the same time Gateway was shipping another.)
08/23/06 12:14PM. Called Gateway tech support (as instructed by the technician on 08/21/06) to get a tracking number for another replacement monitor. This Technician knew nothing about my call or conversation on 08/21/06. She said there were no notes or entries in my file. She started repeating to me basically the same things that were said on 08/16/06. Was told the monitor had been delivered and signed for by A.White JR. on 08/14/06.
This technician name was Robin employee #:71971
I asked to speak to her supervisor and was told that she could not do that because they were not taking calls I insisted and after a long wait, got Lee who introduced himself as a customer service specialist. This person would not listen to anything I said about the events to date, he cut me off to insist that there was nothing more Gateway was willing to do. He insisted that the package had been signed for and that was the end of it. It was a FexEx problem and that a claim needed to be made with FedEx. He insisted again that there was nothing more that Gateway would or was willing to do at that time to solve this problem. An attempt was made to point out that Gateway was FexEx’s customer and as such had the responsibility to solve these problems with the delivery, he insisted that I was FedEx’s customer and that FedEx would not deal with Gateway seeing that I was the customer. He was asked twice to confirm that there was absolutely nothing more that Gateway could do to help with this problem.
This Gateway employee’s name: Lee his number was: 68414
It should be noted that Lee acted unreasonably at times, and was unnecessarily belligerent and contradicted himself.
08/23/06 1:23PM Contacted FedEx explained the entire chain of events, confirmed that Gateway was FedEx’s customer, and was transferred to a higher level of service rep. This service rep agreed to call Gateway’s tech support and straighten all this out. A three way call was made between Mike Gevas, FedEx, and Gateway. During the course of a call that lasted in excess of 38minutes, the FedEx rep demonstrated that the same person signed both receipts for the packages. That the FedEx delivery address for the monitor was indeed back to the Gateway shipping and receiving. A fax was sent while we spoke to Gateway as documentation of where the package was. At length the Gateway technician and his supervisor agreed that the monitor was in Gateway’s possession, that it was recalled because it was the wrong size or not the right part. After the FedEx rep was off the phone the Technician and another supervisor agreed to ship a new monitor to me within three to five days.
This Gateway employee’s name: Max, his number was: 71801
08/29/06 2:55PM Called Gateway tech support to find out where the monitor was that was agreed would be shipped within 3 to 5 days of 08/23/06. Found that the technician knew nothing of any of it and started to tell me that the monitor had been delivered to me on 08/14/06. She said there were no notes. No record of a call with Max. She was asked to contact Max, was put on hold for awhile, she came back and stated that Max had no record of the call and no recollection of the conversation of 08/23/06 with Mr. Gevas or the FexEx rep. She stated that there was absolutely nothing more that Gateway could do and that I would have to file a claim with FexEx.
Was so stunned at this news, did not get the employee info.
08/30/06 3:00PM. Spent four hours creating this document.
Brad from Sioux City, IA USA
Entry added: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 11:17:30 (EDT)I worked for Gateway many years ago... in the beginning it was a good place to work who actually cared about employess and customers. My employee # was in the 60's range (Which in Gateway terms would be an employee who had to be carbon dated to verify age)
I worked my way up from handng out parts to the manufacturing techs to testing and shipping replacement parts and on to phone tech support. This was all very gratifying and it felt good to grow with an upstart company.
Gateway moved to North Sioux City, SD and continued to grow things were fine there until they started hiring outside the compnay to get so called "professional mamagers". The customer service attitude changed. Now the montra was get them on the phone and give them something to do and get them off the phone. If they need more help they will call back.
This flew in the face of previous policy where we took each call and handled the customer's issue until we had fixed it or we were reasonably sre we had narrowed the problem down enough to send the correct replacement part.
I became a "soup" (as another member on this blog said) and was handling angry customers and corporate clients. The policy of give them something to do and get them off the phone was being strictly enforced. I refused to compromise my own integrity and name in dealing with a customer. I was terminated.
Now looking back to see how the company has "grown and evolved" it was the best day of my life. Ted Waitt has lost control of his company and it is being bled dry by power/money hungry executives who just want to build a bigger house and buy a nicer car. The sense of family and friendship has given way to the almighty dollar.
Tedd is rich beyond his wildest dreams as are all of the others who were close to him at the begining... but there is a trail of trashed lives and un-employed workers who took pride in being a part of something as great as Gateway that was born here in the midwest from a farm town in Iowa with good old fashioned work ethic...
RIP Gateway...
E. A. from USA
Entry added: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 09:45:54 (EDT)Very interesting...stories...I have not had problems with my drives, but I do find tech suppoort very close if not dishonest...they give you the same generic answers and when asked to have a mnanager call, ignore you...I have had two Gateways (the first computer replaced by gateway) only to run into the same issues-freezes, shuts down with errors, wireless not working...and hours on the phone with tech support before they will bring it in to look at. They now say my 90 days is over-not really it's a few days short-and insist I have to pay another 50.00 to have it shipped to them for fixing..again 3 days ago now I asked for a manager and have yet to hear back...before my last computer was replaced they were rude and told me a manager would do nothing, so I had to write to the BBB to get any actions from them...I have the best of the 3 year warranties!
DisgustedWithDishonestGateway from USA
Entry added: Monday, August 28, 2006 at 17:58:06 (EDT)Bought an M-285E Convertible, port rep, 19" monitor in June. System was decked out with the best possible options you could choose. Bought Business grade 4 year warranty plan. Total price $3590. 3 weeks late to deliver because of part shortages. Out of the box, system doesnt recognize the CD drive. System blue screens when you try to use burning software. Keeps giving me multiple windows errors and blue screening. And worst of all, it wont run on the port rep with the monitor. Cant control the system and the mouse jumps all over the monitor when it is docked. At least 6 calls and probably 4-5 hours on phone with techs they determined that they needed to send me some replacement parts. Keep in mind, this is supposed to be a business grade warranty and support plan, it took a week and a half for them to ship the parts. New parts didnt fix anything. Called and was transfered to a "senior technician" that handles refunds. He wants to send me a new computer to fix the other problems but states that no matter what, even the new computer will never work properly with the port rep. I tell him I dont want the machine if it wont work while docked. So he documents the system with lies that I "refused help." Now Gateway has only refunded $2800 out of my $3600 purchase price and no one anywhere will take calls. They all tell you they will look into it and they never call you back. Not sure why the hell they think I should pay them $800 in penalties for a system that NEVER WORKED OUT OF THE BOX. Tell everyone you can find. This company is DISHONEST AND DISGUSTING. And all the Gateway Techs posting here can go to hell. You would want to be treated honestly if it were you buying this crap that gateway sells.
Patrick Gearhart from USA
Entry added: Friday, August 25, 2006 at 09:59:23 (EDT)We have 2 Gateway laptops that we use for DJ gigs. We bought a platform with 2 fans to rest them on to keep them cool.
About 3 weeks ago both crashed. We removed the batteries and plugged them in with the power cord and have not had a HEAT issue since. I mean we ran them for 29 hours and they were barely warm. Gateway needs to recall these before they catch fire or destroy more laptops.
Tom Fagan from USA
Entry added: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 23:41:40 (EDT)Will never buy another Gateway!! Bought CX2618 Notepad computer in late May 2006. Computer did not recognize the DVD drive. Tech support had me make BIOS changes, and all seemed ok. Then early August, again did not recognize DVD drive. Tech support could not fix, and they sent a replacement drive, which did not work either. By this time, computer also did not recognize wireless card. 13 days ago tech support agreed to send packaging for the machine to be returned for repair (there is no lemon policy!) - four phone calls later, I am still waiting, and no-one can give me a status. I just got off a long call with a customer service supervisor whose attitude was condescending and insulting, who could not give me a status on the packaging, and who told me to continue waiting.
Eden from Grand Blanc, MI USA
Entry added: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 15:38:09 (EDT)I bought a Gateway all-in-one desktop with 19" LCD wide screen in June 2004. I had experienced the monitor blank at various frequencies and it was intermittent issue in May 2005. However, I was way too busy on traveling international business and I contacted Gateway in July 2005. Gateway refused to help me to do any debug and I had talked to various tech supports and sales, none of them were willing to help me at all since I didn't buy there extended warranty. I even told sales that I am not going to buy Gateway in the future and he told me he doesn't care.
After the above hassles, we started to look at the back of the monitor (monitor base is the PC base) and we found three missing screws on both sides to support the monitor (three screws on each side, it should have six screws total and the monitor is very heavy) and three missing screw holes were unlined inside through. We started to fill the missing three screws and the blank issue went away. We were very pleased about what we had done. However, it only lasted about six month. The blank issue came back and finally the PC monitor is no longer can be powered, this PC only lasts about 18 months. I spent about four hours to open this monster and it was way complicated to unpack the whole monitor and PC base, no wonder Gateway didn't want me to send this monster back to be fixed. At the mean time, I found my PC desk veneer had been bubbled and pop up from my desk around the PC base area. I think this PC was over heated and finally all parts were failed to function. This is engineering ventilation design fraud and this all-in-one PC is a junk.
oliver from USA
Entry added: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:19:42 (EDT)One of the things I neglected to do is look up problems and issues not with Gateway computers, but its service and strength of its company. In july, Gateway opened up a new technical service center which if my experience is any indication, there technical group is disorganized and not uniformly trained. There CEO is an interim and has stated that he does not plan to stay in the CEO position. A question to the stability of their company. This info that I only learned after the fact i.e. too late.
When I recieved my laptop, I had immediate issues. I called Gateway support and each time, the tech person could not solve it. I was told that there were going to escalate it and someone would call me back. Also each conversation started off with trying to sell me an extended warranty.
Anyway, phone calls were not returned/actions were not done and I would have to call back and go over the issue again. this was not a rare occurence. For example: I was told that they would set up onsite tech visit. First time, it was never done. Second Time, it was canceled. Third time, couldn't get a hold of someone who knew what was going on with onsite visit. Nearly 2 weeks passed, close to the deadline of when I could return the laptop. I decided to return the laptop and spoke to the returns dept. The person I spoke was actually very sympathetic and said that he would give me 100 dollars off for the problems i'm dealing with. That weekend on working on the computer, i realized there was a whole host of other problems. I decided that instead of keeping a computer that is a lemon and dealing with a frustrating process of technical support, I would return it. First person I spoke to was caustic, sarcastic and rude. When I got the person I initially spoke to, he told me that I could not return the computer because acceptance of the 100 dollars is an agreement ot keep the computer as is. Something which I was not told or would never have accepted it. He was less friendly this time.
Complaints to Gateway is not an easy process as one customer service supervisor said when i asked for a complaints department, 'look at the website'. He claimed to not know any addresses for Gateway. None of the calls seem to be recorded so individuals seem to feel that they have a license to be rude, condescending and unfriendly. Now, this is not the case with all the employees. In fact, probaly more then 50 percent have good people skills even if they lack the technical skills. To me, the rudeness of other individuals shows a big hole in the Gateway Customer Service process.
I've written the corporate office of Gateway. The lesson really is that even a company is big, research not just the computer, but its customer service. Check out there return policies. Email individuals who have had problems and see if you can objectively see if gateway reasonably tried to help or were stonewalling.
Dwight Grimm from USA
Entry added: Monday, August 21, 2006 at 20:17:05 (EDT)have a gateway G6-450 mobo #4000432 ran this machine for years no problems. installed TV card 7130 requires 500 CPU so I installed P_III 550 that was 6 mo ago still no problems OS XP sp2.
Victor Fabian from san diego, CA USA
Entry added: Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 14:39:57 (EDT)I bought the computer when it was just a few weeks old and was really impressed with the quality and performance of the thing. It was an 840GM. About two months after I bought it, it stopped turning on. The power switch was not responsive. I contacted gateway and they sent me a replacement power supply for free (still under warranty). I received within two days, but when I installed it, still no life. I contacted them again and two days later I received a big box to ship the computer back to them in. Two WEEKS later I got it back with a new motherboard and new DVDR drive (the drive wasnt broken when I last used it). The PC worked fine for the next couple of months, right until the week after my warranty expired. Then I started having all kinds of random problems with it. It would only start when it wanted to, it would randomly freeze, it didn't recognize my firewire devices or stop recognizing them mid-task, etc.
I contacted gateway again and they tried to sell me yet another power supply, but I remembered that I had a spare (the one they sent earlier) so I swapped them but that did nothing. Next, the tech told me to restore the system. I did a destructive restore but that solved nothing as well. Finally, I was told that the ieee1394 port was bad and I needed a new motherboard, AGAIN!!!
So now I have an expensive nice big hunk of crap that all I can use it for is to surf the net.
GATEWAY BITES. btw. I've had a sony vaio 800mhz PIII since 2000 thats never given me problems.
Jim D'Angelo from Reno,, NV USA
Entry added: Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 14:51:22 (EDT)I bought 2 new IPODS and asked Gateway technical Support to help me install both Itunes softwares, so they wouldn't conflict. The support person said that I needed to upgrade my computer from 256k ram to 1 Gig of ram. It would cost $195.00 and they would be happy to sell it to me. Not knowing to much about the internal workings of a computer i said OK. Later that day I called the help line that came with the IPODS and the technical staff said all I need to do was set up a separate user and every thing would be fine, and it was. The additional ram came a few days later and I set it aside, thinking if it ain't broke don't fix it. 3 months later I had occasion to call Gateway and asked them with help to install the new ram. When I install the new ram in my computer, the computer didn't work. Gateway told me that I would have to call the manufacture, to get a new part under warranty. I told Gateway that I bought the chip from them, but Gateway said that I had the part more than 15 days, and the manufacture would have to guarantee the part. So I called the manufacture, and the person that helped me asked for the part number, and the model of my computer. When I told him the part number and model of my computer, he said that he would be glad to send me a new part but but It would not work, because Gateway had sent me the wrong part. I called Gateway back and told them what the manufacture told me, and Gateway told me that they were SORRY but I had the part more than 15 days and it was policy that they could do nothing. I talked to a supervisor, and got the same SORRY, and the supervisor was as far as I could take my complaint. BUT if I wanted to buy the correct part, for another $195.00 they would be happy to send me one. I am typing this Blog on a new HP computer. I WILL NEVER RECOMEND OR BUY ANTOHER GATEWAY PRODUCT.
Laurence St.Onge from Los Lunas, NC USA
Entry added: Friday, July 21, 2006 at 23:40:25 (EDT)Telephoned Gateway on 13 July 06 to order a desktop system for my grand-daughter's birthday. Gateway's order phone was answered by a Mr. Ramon Galles who took my order and related information. Galles told me I would receive the computer 21 Jul 06 and would be emailed with order information. Did receive an email from Galles that same evening thanking me for the order.
I was on my bank's website a day or so later and noted my C/C account had been "tabbed" for the requisite amount and thought everything was in order. Yesterday, 20 July, was again online with my bank and noted the "tabbed" amount had been cleared and my C/C was back up to full limit.
Then the fun began. Tried to call Gateway and check order status. I ran into a total "zoo" of press this and press that. Finally an answering robot asks if you want to check order status. When you press the key for that option, you are disconnected.
Their website and problem solving chat services are no better. I was online and chat connected with a lady in Asia who tried to be helpful but we were also disconnected. She telephoned me and said I could reorder through her. Told her I appreciated her help but did not want to provide my C/C info a second time especially to someone in Asia. I then emailed customer service multiple times and received various "sorry about that" replies telling me my provided order number doesn't exist and I must reorder. I emailed back asking why, and why Gateway couldn't fix a simple problem? No luck. I'm back to square one and very, VERY sorry I ever telephoned Gateway in the first place.
My advice: Buy a computer ANYWHERE else but from this pool of fools! Their phone system is impossible and so is their online customer and order support. But anywhere else but not Gateway!
Joe Yau from Los Angeles, CA USA
fastm3
Entry added: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 16:19:52 (EDT)I cannot believe how lousy Gateway is. I bought a notebook 4 years ago from a now no longer exist Gateway store. Now the notebook is dead and I was hoping I can send it back to Gateway to get it repaired for a fee. I called Gateway today, what Gateway basically told me to throw the notebook into the trash can. They will not repair the machine whatsoever! Gateway should never have existed in the first place.
Michael Hunt from USA
Entry added: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 08:31:44 (EDT)Its important to remember when reading any sort of forum on any consumers dealing with a company that most who post have in fact had problems so its a good way to vent. They are mad and its understandable.
If you went to a similar forum on Toyota or Sony instead of gateway it would be filled with the same thing you see hear in majority.
The people who have had no problems don't waste their time to post to these type of threads.
The question is what is the ratio of problems with the product to those that are happy with the product and that question cannot be answered in such forums.
Though some knowledge can be gathered here it can't be the very much of the research on rather the product is worth it or not.
I am researching on a new desk top, gateway is one I am considering but I have read similar forums on Dell and the same negative things are there as I am reading here.
Alex from Kent, WA USA
Entry added: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 12:01:23 (EDT)Gateway 400SD4 overheating. I have 65 C. Temperature. One motherboart is daed. I replace another and all fans....... 65 C!!!!!!! Can't control temperature over Bios. Bad company.
L Goldberg from USA
Entry added: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 11:22:36 (EDT)Gateway/emachines is horrible. They have tried to fix my PC 3 times and have not been able to do it becuase they are incompetant and do not care. Each time they fail to address the issue which is the power supply keeps cutting out. All they do is reblast it. Do not buy a gateway/emachines. They also gave me a hard time that my machine was out of warranty when they already fixed it 2x - ridiculous.
Dont Buy Gateway from USA
Entry added: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 16:49:50 (EDT)I purchased a Gateway 400sd4 christmas 2003 by january the laptop wasnt charging...they fixed it they said... well until my warranty ran out...then it stoped working agian they told me to buy a new adapter for 40 bucks and guess what that didnt help..then they had me send it to them for 249 bucks and they said they fixed it but they hadnt done anything to it and when i called them they said your out of warranty so we cannot bring it back into service
Josie Walker from USA
Entry added: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 02:07:00 (EDT)I bought a Gateway 4530GZ on December 21,2004 within less than two weeks later in Japan (where I was working on a sister city exchange) the CD drive that had been sounding like a truck died. I called Gateway Japan and they refused to fix it. When I contacted them initially ,I requested a brand new replacement and Gateway refused. Furthermore, The model and serial numbers were never on the bottom of the laptop so I thought that it was probably a rebuilt one that they ship to Best Buy to sell. Then they said I had no warranty but they were two warranty papers inside the box. I had to send it back to the sister cities office to get Gateway to finally fix it.That cost me over $200 in shipping and another $300 in duty and shipping to Japan from Phoenix. Before its year anniversity the CD was broken and it also wasn't booting up ,then when it did it gave strange messages. When I called Gateway the reps said maybe bad CD drive, bad hard drive, and bad motherboard. I went home for Xmas and got robbed in Philadelphia,so the computer never got to them and since it was after the 1 yr anniversity, they refused to fix it without charging me.
I had to send it to Wayne Inouye the CEO and file a complaint with the BBB and the Arizona Attorney General to get it fixed,but when it came back then it started saying it was shutting down. The battery light kept coming on and then it would then give a message that windows was shutting down because the registry wasn't updated. I was furious again because now customer service said because it was over a year they'd charge me $244 to just look at it. The only good thing was Mr Inouye was kind to install a recordable CD /DVD double layer rewrite drive but the rest of the computer was trashed. They put Windows SP2 on it but my recovery disk restores XP2 without the Service Pack,so now it is a rebooting disaster.
We don't have lemon laws for computers but after this experience America needs one. There's one in Pennsylvania for bad computers.Consumers need to unite and get a computer lemon law nationwide. Computers are a big purchas just like a car and they are worse because in less than 6 months later, your product is considered old.
My next computer is going to be a Sony.They may be expensive but living here in Japan, they have international service and maintenance on their computers.I saw many accessories in Den-Den town for Sony.You could basically upgrade them yourself as well or get it upgraded at many computer places that are authorized to fix Sonys for less than retail costs. That says a lot about commitment to service and keeping customers happy.The teachers here have them one is 5 years old and the owner never had a problem with it.The others express positive opinions about Sony,too.
Gene Briggs from wilbur by the sea, FL USA
Water Way Net, The on line Cruisers Guide to the I.C.W.
Entry added: Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 09:56:11 (EDT)Received a Gateway Laptop as a Christmas 05 present. Is on it's way back to the factory for the 3rd time. Have received fixes 2 times. Needless to say it is either a lemon or a bad product in manufacturing.
Their is vertually no recourse with Gateway. To put it lightly I wish my Nephew had purchased this piece of crap Gateway product with a credit card, as I would have, and I would be fighting Gateway in court for a refund before I would allow the credit card company to pay them. Hint, if you're going to buy anything from this company do it with a credit card. Oh yeah, they won' let you use American Express, they stand behind their customers complaints to the end, unlike some other credit card companies.
Needless to say but I must: Anyone that buys a product fr