By the way, what credit card did your friend use? Installment plan are only for Maybank and Citibank card (certain Citibank Card like Cash Ready don't have this priviledge).

I bought 3 times from Dell and so far no problems. The only time is when I use Citibank Cash Ready card which I was inform by my bank that the card don't have the Installment plan.

There is a 14-day satisfaction policy implement by Dell right? If there is and it's within this time period, maybe your friend can return the laptop and ask for refund.

Or maybe your friend can liaise with the bank to convert it to Installment plan although it may incurred some fee. It's still better than trying hard to cough up the full payment.