Purchasing a new computer should be a straightforward and satisfying experience, especially when buying a pre-configured system from a well-known brand like Dell. Unfortunately, my recent purchase of the Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF from Green Tech Computers via Amazon has been anything but. What was supposed to be a reliable mini-server for my home office turned into a costly and frustrating ordeal filled with endless troubleshooting, unhelpful customer service, and a product that remains completely unusable.Below, I’ve outlined my entire experience in detail to ensure others are aware of the challenges I faced and can make an informed decision before purchasing from this seller.Initial Impressions and SetupWhen I first received the Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF, I was optimistic. The compact design and reputation of the OptiPlex series made it a great fit for my intended use as a mini-server for home projects. However, my optimism quickly faded once I powered on the machine.From the start, I encountered a critical issue: the system was completely non-functional for basic tasks. I was unable to open browsers, download files, or install any updates. This wasn’t a minor glitch or software hiccup—these are basic functions that any modern computer, let alone a Dell-branded device, should be able to perform right out of the box.Troubleshooting and EscalationRecognizing that this wasn’t a typical setup issue, I began an extensive troubleshooting process to identify and resolve the problem. Below is a detailed timeline of my efforts:1. Initial Troubleshooting StepsI started by testing the system with standard diagnostics:Ran Dell Diagnostics: The diagnostics tool reported no hardware issues, which suggested that all components were functioning as intended. However, this was contradicted by the ongoing problems.Reinstalled Windows: Thinking the issue might be related to the pre-installed OS, I performed a clean installation of Windows 10. Unfortunately, the problems persisted. I couldn’t open browsers, download files, or install updates even after a fresh OS install.Tested with Linux: I attempted to install Linux as an alternative operating system to bypass potential Windows-related issues. To my shock, the system wouldn’t even proceed to the installation stage, halting abruptly without any clear explanation. The live environment also failed to load. Ubuntu versions16.04, 22.04, 24 and PopOS were used.2. Communication with Green Tech ComputersFrustrated, I reached out to the seller, Green Tech Computers, for assistance. This began a long and fruitless exchange, documented as follows:Initial Contact (Dec 21, 2024): I informed them of the 0x80010105 error I was encountering and detailed the issues I was facing. Their response was to apologize and suggest replacing the hard drive, implying that the device had shipped with defective hardware. This was alarming—why would a new product require immediate hardware replacement?Follow-Up Responses: Over the next several days, I provided them with screenshots of error messages and explained my troubleshooting efforts, including reinstalling Windows and attempting to update drivers. Their replies were repetitive and unhelpful. They insisted that the issue was a missing driver and suggested steps like installing updates via the store or resetting Windows Update components. None of these worked, as the system wouldn’t allow driver installations or updates to proceed.Contradictory Advice: After reporting the continued failure of their suggestions, they shifted their diagnosis to a "defective system file" or a "Windows activation error." They advised me to download and reinstall Windows from Microsoft’s website—a step I had already performed multiple times without success.3. Hardware Replacement AttemptsAt their suggestion, I replaced the hard drive and memory with new components. I then performed another clean installation of Windows using verified installation media. Despite this, the exact same issues persisted, proving that the problem was not related to the hard drive, memory, or installation media. This confirmed that the root cause was likely a fundamental flaw in the system’s hardware or firmware.Escalating FrustrationPoor Customer Service from Green Tech ComputersOne of the most frustrating aspects of this experience was the lack of accountability or meaningful support from Green Tech Computers. Their responses were generic, dismissive, and showed little regard for the time and effort I invested in troubleshooting their faulty product. Even after replacing hardware and documenting every step of my process, their only advice was to repeat steps I had already tried or refer me back to Amazon.Warranty DenialTo make matters worse, they refused to honor the warranty, claiming that the system was outside the 90-day warranty period. This was particularly upsetting as the delay in addressing the issue was due to customs clearance, which was beyond my control. I explained this to them and requested some leniency given the circumstances, but they flatly refused to provide any assistance, leaving me with an unusable system and no recourse.Key Issues with the Product and Seller1. Defective HardwareThe core problem with this system appears to be a defect in the hardware or firmware. Despite extensive troubleshooting, including replacing components and reinstalling operating systems, the system remains non-functional. This raises serious concerns about the quality control standards at Green Tech Computers.2. Misleading SupportThroughout my correspondence with Green Tech Computers, their advice was inconsistent and unhelpful. They repeatedly blamed the issue on missing drivers or corrupted files without offering a concrete resolution. Their unwillingness to escalate the issue or take responsibility was unacceptable.3. Warranty LimitationsRefusing to honor the warranty due to a minor delay caused by customs is an example of poor customer care. Given that the system was clearly defective from the start, Green Tech Computers should have taken ownership of the issue and offered a replacement or refund.4. Financial LossIn addition to the cost of the system itself, I incurred additional expenses for replacement hardware (hard drive and memory) and hours of lost time trying to resolve the issue. The total financial and emotional toll of this experience far exceeds the value of the product.