You say you want a resolution...

As suggested by the sales dweeb from Dell, I called technical support regarding my problem. After several lengthy sessions on hold - during which I cleaned my office and got ready to translate - the Dell tech support guy told me the part numbers of the drives that go with my machines (a pair of Optiplex GX50 units, I come to find out, as there is no such inscription on the boxes), and referred me back to sales.

After calling sales and several more small eternities on hold, I got the proper hardware ordered - with free overnight shipping - and the wheels are in motion for me to ship the other stuff back. (BTW, I have yet to engage in a phone call with a Dell rep where I have not been put on hold in the middle of the conversation, often several times and for reasons unknown. What gives?)

* * *The promised snow seems to have taken a detour and gone to the East coast; we continue to wake up each morning to find less than an inch of accumulation on the front steps and on the car. In point of fact, I like this slow-but-steady snowfall scenario, as it doesn't make movement impossible. Moreover, since an inch "down here" is typically 2-3 inches "up there," it's a nice way to bulk up the snow pack a bit.

And now it is time to get to work.

Cheers...