This manual familiarizes data users with the procedures followed for data collection and processing of the second follow-up dropout component of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88), a survey of the educational and personal characteristics of students. The dropout data file contains records for 2,028 sample members who completed the second followup questionnaire in 1992. Documentation for use of the data file is also provided. Chapter 1 reviews the NELS:88 study and its followups and chapter 2 contains a general description of the data collection instruments. Sample design and weighting procedures as well as design effects, non-sampling measurement errors, and problematic variables are discussed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 considers data collection schedules, procedures, and results. Chapters 5 and 6 describe data control and processing respectively. Finally, chapter 7 describes the organization and contents of the data file and gives suggestions for using it. Fourteen appendixes provide supplemental information and details for use of the file. Twelve figures and 40 tables present some survey findings and statistical information about the data file. (SLD)