User's Manual

Error messages appear
If Your Dell™ Computer Gets Wet
1. Shut down the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, and then disconnect the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet.
2. Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from their power sources and then from
the computer.
3. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
4. Remove the module bay device and any installed PC Cards, and put them in a safe place to dry.
5. Remove the battery.
6. Wipe off the battery and put it in a safe place to dry.
7. Remove the hard
drive.
8. Remove the memory
module(s).
9. Open the display and place the computer right-side up across two books or similar props to let air
circulate all around it. Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours in a dry area at room temperature.
10. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
11. Replace the memory module(s), the memory module cover, and the screw(s).
12. Replace the hard drive.
13. Replace the module bay device and any PC Cards you removed.
the screen.
Review "Error Messages" — Look up the message and take the appropriate action. See the
software documentation.
Confirm that the problem is software-related — Run the System Board Devices tests in the
Dell Diagnostics
. If all tests in the device group run successfully, the problem may be software-
related. See the software documentation.
CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain that it is safe to do so. If the
computer is connected to an electrical outlet, it is recommended that you turn off AC power
at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical
outlet. Use the utmost caution when removing wet cables from a live power source.
NOTICE: Do not use artificial means, such as a hair dryer or a fan, to speed the drying process.
CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shock, verify that the computer is thoroughly dry before
continuing with the rest of this procedure.
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