M15x going to depot experiences?

So I've now got a few issues with my beloved beast and Dell insist that I send to the depot. So I have a few questions:

What goes on at the depot? Do they check every little detail? Should I format my HDD (after I put my old one in of course) and should I even bother installing an OS?

How does one get the laptop to the depot? Do they come and collect?

Do they ever lose a computer? If they can't fix the problems what happens?

Thanks and sorry for the multitude of questions

PS I have a M17x coming so the M15x will be more of an HTPC. Thus a few of my higher end parts like CPU and GPU will be up for grabs. Is selling then the best way forward? I'll make a FS thread in the marketplace when the time comes

 

They will collect it afaik, you don't need to have an OS installed, they will reformat the HDD anyway, it's part of the testing routing, to make sure it's nothing software related.

If they can't fix it you will get a replacment (in most cases).

 

As far as I'm concerned. Sending the laptop to the depot is against the warranty they provide if your under warranty.

 

This is how its done in Denmark (and possibly all of europe)

Lately I've had a few problems, so I sent it in. What they do is they give you the option that a UPSman comes and picks it up, or he just drops off a box that you send in when you want within 48 hours.

Since they didnt fix the problem I asked for a replacement, but they told me that they have to try to fix the same issue 3 times in order to do that.
Because of that I had to send it in again (which is why im stuck on my GF's macbook:/ )

You dont have to reformat or anything. Just send the computer with no peripherals. They should warn you that you may loose data, but last time I didnt lose anything, but to be safe you should back it up.

I dont think you should worry about sending it in. The worst part of it is being without a computer
If they break it they pay for it

 

please do check if the 580m works in the m15x )

 

Oh I will don't worry