If Dell Motherboard Leaks Acid, Just Reboot?

October 19, 2006 – 1:20 pm

I’m on the phone with Dell tech support right now. It’s someone from India - her accent is pretty thick, but I think she said her name is Sally. Yeah, right. Anyway, I called up to get a replacement motherboard for a Dell Optiplex. The call has been going like this:

(Sally) - What seems to be the problem, sir?
(Me) - I need a replacement motherboard. This one is leaking acid.
(Sally) - Are you getting any error messages?
(Me) - No, just orange acid.
(Sally) - Did you try rebooting?
(Me) - Do you understand what I mean by ACID leaking from the motherboard?!
(Sally) - Can you tell me what color light is on the motherboard?
(Me) - No light, no power, just acid. It won’t turn on.
(Sally) - Do you know how to open the case?
(Me) - (Muffled swearing)… It’s already open.
(Sally) - Ah… Umm, well… How long have you been experiencing this problem?
(Me) - You’ve got to be kidding me. I noticed it yesterday.
(Sally) - I see. May I place you on hold?

After another 10 minutes of haggling, Sally finally let loose with a replacement motherboard. Apparently, acid leaking from the motherboard “could” be a software issue, or maybe something that can be fixed by a reboot. Oy vey.