Product:Dell 2007FP

I recently bought two Dell 2007FP LCD monitors, and within 1-2 months, BOTH of them developed a small discoloration in the screen (upper left on one, upper right on the other).

The discolorations were contained in an area about 10mm by 5mm. The color looked like a dark yellow 'hi-liter'. See the sample picture to the right.

Other users are reporting the same problem on the Dell forums (search for '2007fp discoloration'). [1]

Contacting Dell Technical Support

Dell was glad to replace the monitors, as they are under warranty, but it took some hoop-jumping to get that done. First, the monitors do not have an "express service tag", which is the front-gate to Dell support. Because of this, I wasn't able to use the on-line system and had to call. On the phone system, you can keep saying "agent" and finally get an agent that can help you.

Once you reach an agent, you'll have to convince them you have a problem. It helps to reference the Dell forums, and it may help to point them to this page. It helps to have tested the monitor on another system, or to have tested the monitor in multiple modes. In one case, the agent wanted to see my desktop with Dell's remote support tool to confirm the problem was with the monitor and not the computer.

In each case, I was able to get Dell to agree to replace the unit in one ~20 minute phone call.

Replacements

I have Dell "Advanced Exchange" on my monitors (it was free at purchase time). This means Dell ships a replacement unit to me, and I use the same packing to return the defective unit. It couldn't be more convenient, though I wish I didn't have to replace the units in the first place.

Also, I am getting refurbished replacements. I paid for new monitors 3 months ago, and it's disappointing to end my purchase process with refurbished monitors.