Direct2Dell

Eaghon:

I used your link to go back to your original blog, describing the release of DDM.

After reading through it for awhile, I noticed that the thread as a whole was given a rating of 1.5 / 5.0 stars.This thread (see above) has a rating of 2 / 5 stars.

Does that ring any bells at Dell?

Not a whole lot of enthusiasm for DDM, is there?

Also, not a lot of enthusiasm for the convoluted work-arounds.

"The best 'customer support' is to provide software that works in the first place."

Tsk-tsk...

just want to add my opinion to this issue.

My rule on the tools/utilities are always keep to minimum, if it not absolutely needed, I would NOT install it. I don't care how well it works, how sexy it looks.

If I install it, it got to be well tested in seperated computers.

Recently, I found the download manager some how installed in my office computer. Trying to remove it was a pain, it was a every frustrated experience.

Good luck.

2010-01-07 Un-install/Re-install Dell Download Manager Steps

I have sucessfully used the following method to un-install/re-install Dell Download Manager on a Windows XP system running IE8...

1) Uninstall Dell Download Manager via Add/Remove Programs.

2) In IE, clear IE browsing history and cookies.

3) Using another utility such as CCleaner.exe, clear cookies.  This is an important step.  Clearing cookies within IE may not work properly or at all.

Upon completion, perform the download again.  This time you should be prompted for your choice of a download method.  Receiving this prompt indicates that you are not currently using Dell Download Manager.  You now have a choice of installing/re-installing Dell Download Manager or not (http download method).

CCleaner.EXE is a freeware utility that worked for me but other utilities may work as well.  Here is the link to CClear http://www.ccleaner.com/.

Took time to join Dell Community just to make this post. Two thumbs and two big toes down to Dell. Fire your SW developer, and tester, and Webmaster.

- DL manager is not at all well tested with Ffox and is incompatible, should remove the reference to Firefox when choosing to opt for the DL manager

- Then when using IE, annoying and useless dialog popup box "You are currently using the Dell Driver Download manager your download will be added to the next file in the list" OK every time I add a download, assuming I am dumb.

- After I opt into Dell Driver Download Manager and am using it, confusing options on the Drivers and Downloads website for every file (Download button followed by an Add to Download list link below it). I think that "Download" means download normally without using the Driver Manager, and Add to List is to add to the Driver Download Manager queue, not some other list in the website not at all linked to the download manager. I ended up clicking all those links uselessly finding they never got added to the download manager.

- All downloads saved to My Documents but I can't see a way to set it to default to another folder for all the files in the queue.

- No sound alert or window focus or blink notification when all downloads have finished, so I end up wasting my time waiting for it needlessly when mutlitasking

- I can't Opt Out later, after making the mistake of opting in to use it, without uninstalling the Downlaod manager, deleting browser cache and cookies and restarting it

All vendors make mistakes. But my Biggest reason for concluding thumbs down at Dell is that it's been half a year since these complaints started coming in and till now the only thing management could do is protect themselves from liability by declaring that the app is Optional instead of acting quickly in the interest of customer satisfaction to fix it or take it down. 10 zillion points down for Dell Brand value.

when i tried to download the drivers for my laptop it says.......

there is no files to download please go to drivers and download to select files

can any help me.....

I confirm that the opt-out feature is broken for Firefox 3.5. The javascript popup window does not show at all, however it does in IE.

I have to agree with being disappointed about this app.  I'm not sure what the necessity was for it, but it was much easier downloading drivers previously.

I have both tried to remove the application from my programs, and cleared out all cookies.  I have gone back into the dell site (after completely rebooting my computer), and tried again to download the drivers.  It still will only give me the option to install the app to download them.  When i use the app to download the drivers, they download about halfway and then I get an error saying to shut down the app and retry it.  No matter how many times you retry it, you get the same error message.

My operating system is completely up to date with all service packs from Windows and .net updates.  This is absolutely making me crazy.  Has anyone found a way around this?

Every time I switch on the computer it gives F2 and F12 on the screen, after a while the systm tells me;

Primary device 1 not found,

Secondary device 1 not found

Then it gives me two options either strike F1 or F2,  from the instructions I srike F1 and the system kicks in taking me to the signing in stage.

Please help!!!!

dailychat

I am trying to download drivers for T105 power edge machine. I am always getting the following error. "An unexpected error has occured.Please close the Dell Driver Download Manager and try again." I have tried so many times in the past two days.

Always getting the above error. Dot net service pack 3.5 SP1 and Dot net service pack 1.1SP1 is installed in my machine.Please help me.

Thanks in advance :)

Wow.  That is an unbelievably complicated and painful experience.  To think that everyone else in the world just lets you right click and save the file driver to disk.  Who exactly is Dell trying to "help" here?  And what exactly is their definition of "help"?  I spent 15 minutes trying to get this contraption to work with Firefox, then I find this blog explaining how the "Dell Driver Download Manager is Optional", so I spend another 15 minutes looking for the "Or Download Via our Internet Browser" button.  I finally realized that you only seem to have that option available if the Dell Driver Download Manager is installed and functioning!  Or something.  I punted and got it to work with IE.

Dell must hate their customers very, very much.

I too have become very frustrated with the changes Dell has made, I use to be able to easily download drivers needed, now when I try to down load I get a yellow triangle bottom left of my screen - saying error on page, the top portion of the driver download screen turns grey.   have never gotten a download option screen - called Dell tech support - they new nothing about this - I don't know what I can do to initiate down loads ??????

If Dell wants a download app, and wants to get it right, look at Lenovo and HP.  HP has the Softpaq downloader.  It's fanastic for admins.  You select your OS and the hardware, it lists all of the current drivers for that piece of hardware, and allows you to tick the ones you want, and downloads it.  The downloads contain all of the important info you would need (softpaq number, driver name and version, install instructions, SILENT INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS), it's great.  Lenovo has the Update Retriever which is similar, but I like the HP one a little better in regards to getting all current drivers for a system.

You soooooooo  right. I had to laugh at your comment. I feel the pain bro.

Yes, indeed register just to complain. At least I have an outlet to vent. 3 days trying, 1 call to cust serv and now venting!

Over 28+ years electronics experience & downloading from the net since it was new. Dell downloads used to work properly. Im at the point now, where I very much WANT the Download Manager but cant "download" even that. I'm using a fresh install of XP with all updates as of today. I created a DELL support account so I could download more than 1 driver in my basket.(geesh) I get an option to DOWNLOAD or download and create ISO. It dont matter which one I click-  the browser loads up like its getting ready to accept and then nothing.... No response from either option. How dis-appointing.

I've never owned a DELL, I am constantly reminded why I dont want one. Being in the service industry today is a double edged sword. Sure I fix anything of mine and most of what you got thats misbehavin', but I cant download a darn driver from DELL.

To make matters worse, the drivers I'm after are for an antique Optiplex GX110, PIII 600MHZ. What I go through for my customers and friends. They will never know.  :)

I called customer service, I was connected to the Phillipines. How about that? Did that surprise me? NO. (another reminder)

The CSR  told me unless I can give him the number off the box he couldnt help. I had to tell him 3x its not here. Everytime I said that, he replied, OH!  I could barely understand him through normal conversation, I bet he couldn't understand my OHIO slang either. "Wheres the "Download Manager"? "I want to download it."  "Where is the "Download Manager" on the downloads page?"  How about this- On the "DOWNLOAD MANAGER" FAQ page, there's NO link to download it. (?)   I dont think even DELL knows where they put it.  How difficult must DELL make it......

I downloaded the .net 1-3.5 a second time to be sure and still nothing. The only other option is to use a different browser to test functionality. I know this XP system with a fresh system works fine on competitor sites, I've download lots of drivers for it already, this is the first glitch.

I VOTE THUMBS DOWN.

 I just cant fathom how DELL can put propaganda on their website- "The Dell Driver Download Manager is a tool that has been developed by Dell to speed up and enhance the process of downloading files on to your computer. " Thats an oxy *** if I ever heard one.

 The fact is, DELL dont want us, you or anybody to fix your old computer, they want you to buy a new one with drivers included!

On with the challenge.

I've just registered to complain.  I have instructed my client that Dell no longer supports downloading of drivers for his laptop.  We walked through buying a new HP laptop.  Congrats to Dell for completely missing the point of customer service.  You must realize that the average downloader is actually a technician that usually controls the buying decision of your end users.  So to my fellow technicians and consultants, try to speak with you clients before they buy and direct them to a company that appreciates and responds to the field technicians instead of transferring every phone call to a non-english speaking script reader.

Here's Firefox info for disabling pluggins like Dell Download Manger

http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting+plugins?style_mode=inproduct

I too registered just to lodge my protest against the new Del Download Manager. Even after struggling with it for over six hours, a computer geek like me could not find a solution to these problems mentioned. I had briefly gone thru the blogs and could not find a single blog in favour of the Dell's new Avatar "Download Manager". My advice to Dell is Keep it Simple and Stupid for the majority community.I do not use IE. But I have tried both Crome and Firefox, it doesn't work

Dell must revert to the traditional web based down-loaders unless otherwise a popular demand otherwise

It's happening again on August 19.  Dell Driver Download Manager has messed up with the downloads.  Trying to get drivers for an XPS 400 desktop and in Mozilla the only file that will download is the stupid Dell Driver Download Manger.  Really guys has all this headache and loss of credibility been worth it?

I HATE THIS DOWNLOAD MANAGER!! HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE!!!! GET RID OF IT NOW!!! I CAN'T DO ANY WORK AND I CAN'T GET THIS LAPTOP WORKING YOU'RE GOING TO GET ME FIRED BECAUSE OF THIS STUPID APP!! I DON'T GET AN OPTION TO "OPT OUT" IT JUST THROWS UP THE .application FILE OVER AND OVER.

WHOEVER THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY FIRED AND THEIR NAME POSTED ON EVERY MAJOR TECHNOLOGY BOARD SO WE DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER THE WRATH OF THEIR IDIOCY EXCEPT AT A REPAIR SHOP AT BEST BUY!!!!

Hello again,

Regarding my previous comment.

Today I called the Dell customer service and they explained to me that the computer was in Bogotá, Colombia.

Apparently the website I created a new delivery date by mistake.

However, even when I feel more comfortable knowing that the computer is in Colombia, I suggest a DELL please check what information is displayed on the website and update it, and that they should warn the customer about possible delays of two to three months in the delivery of the computer.

Because I have seen the excellent quality of the Dell, I bought a computer in the company. However, good quality in the product was greatly overshadowed by the delays in delivery time.

Please DELL lords, if any such flaws, it is good that the company thought about what might be happening in stages of production and distribution process and therefore this is not the only case that I find on the Internet there are several regard to reported cases of delays in deliveries of computers like this.

Thank you very much and I hope these comments help to improve DELL. Please, you do not neglect the consumer's home, in addition, of all countries who arrives DELL may be many more than the business sector.

Att,

Claudia

I do not know if this is the right place to complain, but I can not find another, it is outrageous that you have paid for a computer from DELL latinamerica July 3, 2009 and have to wait until September 2, 2009 to receive it.

I live in a South American country, but I think I deserve respect, because I paid my purchase as a consumer of any other country, and the website indicated that the delivery time was a month.

How could have delayed the delivery of my computer on two occasions by requirements in the production process and have rescheduled the date of dispatch twice too?

So far in tracing request does not indicate any information about where the team, I imagine that if this information is not, because it really has not left the United States. Or if not, why is it the new ship date of August 14?

Please more respect with consumers of all countries, because our money is achieved, for having to endure this abuse, to the time of delivery.

If you do not have the equipment available for the timely delivery then making them available at the website and clarification that may take as long as three months to arrive as I do.

I was wondering how you remove the Download Manager. I clicked like a fool on it. It trys to install freezes cashes and now whenever i try to download anything. It pops back up trying to install. I have removed history cookies and everything else i can think of any ideals? There is no entry in addd and remove programs and firefox does it too. I check manager add on and nothing there either. Need some hep fast.

Currently utterly scuppered by Download manager. Just get rid of it. The basket of download links was useful but now Im currently stuck trying to locate the huge number of dell cookies on my system to remove the one thats stopping me from having a choice in a download. Restarting the browser and repicking the drivers is a pain.

The job of downloading drivers has gone from a 5 minute task to 60 minute distraction.

Where can I send the bill for my time that the clients are not going to pay ?

Can anyone expain how to get the option back to download via the web option?  After installing and uninstalling the Dell Driver Download software program, I no longer have the option to download via the web either.

Can anyone expain how to get the option back to download via the web option?  After installing and uninstalling the Dell Driver Download software program, I no longer have the option to download via the web either.

I get a message "Cannot download application".  The application is missing the required files.  Contact application vendor for assistance".     It wasn't until I saw your blog that I found out that updates to .NET were needed (the system came with .NET 2.0).   Thanks for the info.  But I can't say that Dell made this easy.  I had to search hard for this info.  

Note that if a program requires a certain version of a framework, it should check for it and report it in a user friendly manner.   

Even the details that I saw in the error message did not give a clue as to what was wrong.

ERROR SUMMARY
    Below is a summary of the errors, details of these errors are listed later in the log.
    * Activation of C:\ProgramFilesInstalled\source\DellDriverDownloadManager.application resulted in exception. Following failure messages were detected:
        + Downloading file:///C:/ProgramFilesInstalled/source/Application%20Files/DellDriverDownloadManager_1_0_0_0/DellDriverDownloadManager.exe.manifest did not succeed.
        + Could not find a part of the path 'C:\ProgramFilesInstalled\source\Application%20Files\DellDriverDownloadManager_1_0_0_0\DellDriverDownloadManager.exe.manifest'.
        + Could not find a part of the path 'C:\ProgramFilesInstalled\source\Application%20Files\DellDriverDownloadManager_1_0_0_0\DellDriverDownloadManager.exe.manifest'.
        + Could not find a part of the path 'C:\ProgramFilesInstalled\source\Application%20Files\DellDriverDownloadManager_1_0_0_0\DellDriverDownloadManager.exe.manifest'.

I may use this as an example in the next talk I give on Prefactoring.

Eoghan - Download Manager seems like a good idea but:

1. I cannot get it to work through my ISA 2006 firewall "An unexpected error has occurred.  Please close the Dell Driver Download Manager and try again" message each time - what access is needed through the firewall?  It appears to be taking proxy settings from IE but I just get the standard "Failed connection attempt" in the ISA log despite setting the apparent ftp.us.dell.com address to be permitted.
2. Once installed it does not uninstall and all subsequent attempts to download fail because I cannot use a browser download.

So very seriously unhappy just now!  Help please.

William

Why wasn't it thoroughly tested (different browsers, different OSes, different stages of having .NET, etc) prior to implementation?

It kind of sounds like Dell doesn't really test things before releasing them anymore (kind of like scrapping the message boards for this attempt-at-following-others-instead-of-offering-something-useful.

I like Dell.  I do.  So I gave the Download Manager a try.  I have an account setup to download thedrivers for a D600.  I'm ready to download said drivers... but I get;

There are no files to download.  Please go to Drivers and Download the select file(s).

I cannot for the life of me find a way round this.  I have the list of drivers I wish to download but I can't download as the Download Manager cannot see this list.  How do I get it to point to my list?

hi all erm  im new here so i am sorry if im in worng fourm but my problem is i got the msg to chose wether to use  iternet explore or dell  like a good precent of people as it recomend i did it  problem  do you accpt  all the liagl  stuff yes next page click to downlode a new driver like normal nothing happens  ok ?? the flood bar fills up and says it is  doing somthing with dell downlode manger so im like right  i will find  the downlode manger uninstall and retry  go to programs and featuer installd programs its not ther so im sort of stuck with no way out here i have no way of regeting the option to use it back up and i can not  uninstall it  any help guys

If you want to improve another feature of the Dell Download Manager, ( but thank you so very much for not making us use it - it's lame), let the users choose the directory they are downloading the drivers into.  Such as a Directory for Audio, Chipset, Video, Bios, etc.  With your download manager once you choose a directory for the first file all the remaining files are downloaded to that directory.  Thus you lose the abailty to organize and know which drivers are which.

Thanks for the quick response on this one! The opt-out is working again in Firefox. So I can get back to being a Dell fanboy ;-)