Main menu

Pages

How to fix your computer if you spill any liquid on it

 How to fix your pc if you spill any liquid on it


How to fix your computer if you spill any liquid on it


  Sometimes, when you're in a hurry to apply for a job urgently, the worst can happen: You rush to your desk, go on a trip, and spill coffee on your laptop.  If something like this happens to you, you should know that time is key.  You must shut down and disconnect your equipment immediately.  In the case of a removable battery, you should remove it without delay and press the on/off button until your device turns off.  Every second counts in this case, so here's a guide on how to fix your PC in emergencies like this one.

  You will be interested in:

How to fix your computer if you spill any liquid on it


  Step 1: Remove all easily removable components.  Disconnect the mouse and cables and remove the flash and DVD drives.  Leave the laptop naked.


  Step 2: Dry the outside of your device.  Open the laptop wide, hold it upside down, and dry any wet surfaces you see with a towel or other absorbent, lint-free cloth.  The type of liquid matters: Water is the least corrosive, while sugary and alcoholic liquids are the most harmful.  Either way, the goal is to mitigate their effects as much as possible by drying your computer right away.


  Step 3: At this point, we recommend that you take advantage of the warranty if it is still valid or that you take your device to a repair shop.  The type of liquid matters: Water is the least corrosive, while sugary and alcoholic liquids are the most harmful.


  If you don't want a professional to look at it, there are a few other steps you can take to try drying your computer.  However, keep in mind that neither Digital Trends en Español nor the author takes any responsibility for damage to your device when you disassemble it.

 

  While earlier laptops made it easy to open and remove components, this is not the case with current laptops.  We don't recommend doing this with it unless you make this process relatively easy, as it's easy to damage your laptop by taking it apart and the last thing we want to do is make the situation worse.  With that said, here are some steps you can take if your laptop allows it.


  Step 1: If you haven't done so already, and your laptop allows it, remove the battery.  This can be achieved by pressing a switch or button on the bottom of the laptop.


  Step 2: If you are concerned about fluid leaking through the entire system, into components like memory and storage drive, you can remove it as well.  On some laptops, you'll find removable panels on the bottom.  However, in most cases, you will need to use a Phillips or Torx screwdriver to remove them.  Using the memory, depress the side clips to eject each cartridge.  With an SSD or HDD, you may have to loosen more screws to release it from the frame.  Make sure it is carefully disconnected from the power and data outlets or cables.


  Step 3: Check each component you removed for any signs of moisture or corrosion.  Wet parts should be dried, but if the liquid is nothing more than water, it is convenient to clean it (you can use a cotton swab) with 99 percent isopropyl alcohol.  This will dissolve the dirt without causing damage and it will evaporate without leaving a residue.


  Step 4: Once done, set everything up to air dry for two to three days in a warm, dry area.  The fan will speed up the drying process.  Do not use a hair dryer, as this may cause persistent problems.  Once you disassemble your device and give the components time to dry, you can follow the instructions to put your laptop back together to see if it works.


  Hopefully all is well, but if not, you will have to take it to a repair center.


  If your laptop cannot be disassembled:

How to fix your computer if you spill any liquid on it


  What if you have a Surface Book 3, MacBook, or other laptop that refuses to be disassembled?  This situation greatly reduces your options, so you will have to take him to a repair center as soon as possible.


  Between the time the liquid spills on the keyboard and the time you take it to the store, keep the device upside down, and blot any visible moisture with a towel.


  Some people recommend putting your laptop in a big bag of rice, but this popular tip has several core issues.  First, a hygroscopic substance like rice is not very useful when dealing with liquids that contain sugars, alcohol, or anything other than water.  Secondly, rice does not efficiently absorb the retained moisture inside the laptop, which is where the problems lie.  Third, it can bring in junk rice which can get into your laptop and cause more problems.


  Sometimes it is impossible to go to the repair shop;  ;  Emergencies do not happen at the appropriate times.  It is therefore important that you allow your laptop to ventilate and air dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before attempting to operate it again.  If you try to run your device before it's dry, you risk more problems.  This may cause a short circuit in the system and permanently damage the laptop.


  Spill protection options:


  To protect your laptop in the future, we recommend investing in a clear plastic or silicone keyboard cover (like this one from KeyCover), a waterproof cover for the top and bottom of the case, and a waterproof laptop screen protector.  You can also carry your laptop in a large bag.  However, be careful not to cover any holes and use scissors to cut the cover off if necessary to make sure the holes are clear.


  For those who work in a place where spills and dampness are common, consider purchasing a durable laptop.  They can be completely spill-proof and come with a sealed keyboard and additional features to guard against this issue.  Check out the Dell Latitude Rugged Extreme Laptop, for example.

Comments