Troubleshooting Procedures; Troubleshooting A Wet Computer - Dell Latitude XPiCD Reference Manual

T
roubleshooting Procedures
This section provides troubleshooting procedures for
components inside your computer (such as a memory
module) and for external devices that connect to your
computer (such as an external monitor). Before perform-
ing any of the procedures in this section, see "Basic
Checks" found at the beginning of this chapter and read the
safety instructions at the front of this guide. Then perform the
appropriate troubleshooting procedure for the component or
equipment that is malfunctioning.
NOTE: When you see the question "Is the problem
resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the opera-
tion that caused the problem to see if the problem still occurs.

Troubleshooting a Wet Computer

Liquids, spills and splashes, rain, and excessive humidity
can cause moisture damage to your computer. If your
computer gets wet or if condensation forms on the com-
puter because of humid conditions, use the following
procedure.
WARNING: Perform step 1 of the following proce-
dure only after you are certain that it is safe to do
so. If your computer is connected to an alternating
current (AC) power source, Dell recommends turn-
ing off AC power at the circuit breaker before
attempting to remove the power cables from AC
power. Use the utmost caution when removing wet
cables from live power.
1. Save all your work, and exit any open application
programs. Then immediately turn off your computer,
and disconnect it from the AC adapter. Disconnect the
AC adapter from AC power. Turn off any attached
peripherals, and disconnect them from their power
sources and then from the computer. Disconnect any
telephone or telecommunication line from the
computer.
2. Remove the battery.
Wipe off the battery, and store it in a safe place to
dry.
3. If the diskette drive, hard-disk drive, or either of
the PC Card slots is wet, remove any installed
3-18 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
diskette, hard-disk drive, or PC Cards, and put
them in a safe place to dry.
4. Open the input/output (I/O) panel door, and
ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal
surface of the I/O panel.
5. Remove the options cover from the bottom of the
computer. Remove any memory modules from
their sockets on the system board.
To remove a memory module, carefully spread apart
the inner metal tabs of the memory module socket
just far enough for the memory module to disengage
from the socket (the module should pop up slightly).
Then lift the memory module away from the socket.
6. Open the display, and place the computer across
two books or similar props to let air circulate all
around it. Leave the I/O panel door open to
expose the I/O panel and its connectors to the air.
Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours.
Place the computer in a dry area at room tempera-
ture. Do not use artificial means to speed up the
drying process.
WARNING: Before continuing with the remainder
of this procedure, verify that the computer is thor-
oughly dry.
7. Ground yourself again by touching the unpainted
metal surface of the I/O panel, and close the I/O
panel door.
8. Reinstall the memory modules into their sockets
on the system board. Then replace the options
cover on the bottom of the computer.
To reinstall a memory module, align the memory
module's edge connector with the slot in the center
of the memory module socket. Press the memory
module's edge connector firmly into the socket.
Pivot the memory module down until it clicks into
place. If you do not hear a sharp click, remove the
memory module and reinstall it.
NOTE: Memory modules are keyed, or designed, to
fit into their sockets in only one direction. The sock-
ets on the system board are notched so that the
memory module can be firmly seated only one way.