Dell Inc. averted the possibility of a multi-state lawsuit by agreeing to pay $1.5 million in restitution to consumers in dozens of US states over allegations of deceptive practices. The settlement comes on the heels of a decision by a New York Court last May, which ruled against the computer maker in a similar case brought separately by the New York Attorney General’s office.

The deadline for New York consumers to file claims for restitution has passed, and a spokesperson for the NYS AG’s office confirmed the state and Dell are still wrangling over restitution and penalties.

But consumers in a number of other states, including Connecticut and New Jersey, who experienced problems with the company’s financing promotions, rebate offers, technical support and repair policies could be eligible for restitution under the new settlement.

Although Dell did not admit wrongdoing, it agreed to pay restitution to consumers along with an additional $2.35 million in reimbursement to the states for legal costs and other expenses.

Dell’s sales practices came under fire after investigators nationwide began receiving complaints on a wide range of issues. Some customers never received promised rebates. Others claimed the company failed to honor zero-percent financing offers or had trouble obtaining warranty service.

The latest settlement affects consumers in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Consumers in those states are eligible for restitution if they purchased a Dell product between April 1, 2005, and April 13, 2009, and have a complaint addressed by the agreement. Consumers have until April 13 to file claims through their state Attorney General’s office.

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