It turns out that the Dell XPS17 3D version can take 16Gb.....The non 3D version maxs out @ 8Gb..............Stupid Dell, is'nt that why they put a service tag number on the back?

Be careful with buying non-Dell branded memory.  Dell's have a history of compatibility with some brands of memory.  No particular memory, one brand may work on one PC and same brand not on another exact same model.  For that reason we always recommended the Crucial memory as it is guaranteed to work in Dell's.  Avoid the Kingston Value RAM (KVR) as it is a known issue with many PC brands.  If you buy locally, buy somewhere that has a liberal return policy in case it doesn't work. 
 
There are two XPS 17 models, L701X and L702X.  The max memory, according to what I see in the Dell manual depends on whether you have two or four memory module connectors (slots).  4GB is Maximum for each slot, thus if you have two memory slots then 8GB (two 4GB memory modules) would be maximum.  If you have four memory slots then 16GB (four 4GB memory modules).  
 
You need to get the compatible memory.  Specs (from Crucial): DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.35V
 
 
 

Wow just read this thread and cringed at the part when they (Dell) wanted you to reinstall your OS, but I kept reading and you could not since you did not have the disk.  And without the correct Ram you would have not been able to anyway. Very irresponsible on Dells part on two counts wrong Ram, worse advice: paid advice no less.
 
Good lesson though come up with a back up-plan!
 
Glad it worked out!! The most important part
John

The "reinstall the OS" is typical for many vendor's support.  They are mostly reading from a script on a screen, especially the "level 1" support.  Higher level 2 and level 3 support won't usually use the "reinstall" as the first thing, or almost first thing, they will have the customer do.
 
I had all 3 support level techs working for me, Level 1 - basically the person that answers the phone and gets the users name, phone number and what the problem is and does some rudimentary troubleshooting.  Level 2 is the meat of the support staff, is a higher level tech and can diagnose and fix (or send a tech to fix) most problems.  Level 3 support is the engineer/system analysts types and get involved with system and/or software issues - they normally do not work directly with a users, but interface with the Level 2 techs that do. 
 
 

The original ram cards were manufactured by "Hynix" I just ordered two 4 Gb cards manufactured by Hynix. This time it should go smooth. Dells not involved.

Fireberd is giving you the best advice for free. Why are you not listening to his advise?

Everything he has said was correct, and by your status updates proven correct.

Why didn't you get Crucial ram?

And while you PC is working, make a recovery disk before you do anything else!!

I purchased the same make of ram that is currently installed in my computer. Relax. I recognize everything fireberd has helped me with......Grem

keneds
I recognize everything fireberd has helped me with......Grem

Has he helped you? I don't see where you did anything he suggested! LoL ; )

What's your point? Grem....