Get All Access for $5/mo

Dell's Latest Problem? Computers That Smell Like Cat Urine. Dell says a new manufacturing process is to blame for the bad smell coming from one of its new laptops.

By Andrea Huspeni

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Dell's Latest Problem? Computers That Smell Like Cat Urine.

As the drama between Dell and activist investor Carl Icahn has subsided, the computer company has a new problem on its hands: cat urine. Or to be clear, an odor reminiscent of cat urine.

Back in June, users starting speaking up on a Dell support forum about an odd smell coming from their 6430u laptops. People wrote in stating they believed their cat had literally sprayed their laptop. One owner went so far to have his cat put down in order to get rid of the smell and is now asking Dell to pay legal fees, because his wife left him after she found out (I would have, too).

Related: Billionaire Investor Carl Icahn Drops Campaign to Derail Dell's Takeover Bid

Below are a few snippets of what people are saying about this smell:

Dell's Latest Problem? Computers That Smell Like Cat Urine.

This consumer almost went that far but fortunately, didn't.

Dell's Latest Problem? Computers That Smell Like Cat Urine.

Poor kitten.

Dell's Latest Problem? Computers That Smell Like Cat Urine.

Our feline friends are not to blame for this smell. Dell has issued a statement reassuring people the smell is not a health hazard nor is attributed to cat urine. The company blames a new manufacturing process and is asking people to send back their computer to get replacement parts. When I reached out to a Dell senior technical consultant known as SteveB on Twitter to see if there was any updates, he replied, "We do have a root cause and the problem is fixed. I hope to post details in the Dell forums this week or next at the latest."

Related: 3 Decades of Dell: From Dorm Room Inspiration to Multi-Billion Dollar Acquisition

For now, here is a full statement he published on the forum earlier this month.

Dell's Latest Problem? Computers That Smell Like Cat Urine.

That said, at least one person thought Dell was onto something.

Dell's Latest Problem? Computers That Smell Like Cat Urine.
Andrea Huspeni

Founder of This Dog's Life

Andrea Huspeni is the former special projects director at Entrepreneur.com and the founder of This Dog's Life.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.

Leadership

How His Personal Battle With Cancer Inspired This Founder's Solution for Patient Care

On this episode of "The Founder CEO," Michael O'Neil, founder and CEO of GetWellNetwork, discusses his inspiring journey as a leader and the transformative role of AI in healthcare.

Marketing

5 SEO Hacks to Help You Rank Fast

Discover the best SEO hacks you can use to rank fast and avoid waiting for months to see results.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Starting a Business

Inside the Exclusive Private Club Devoted to Food, Wine and the Arts

Barrett Wissman breaks down the passions and partnerships behind his latest venture Domus Artium Reserve.