We all love our cold drinks, well almost. For sure, your laptop doesn’t.
What’s worse is the panic that sets in after the spill happens, imagining that the water-damaged laptop is a goner.
As they say, every minute counts, and the clock is ticking. Here, with a little luck, you’ll discover a few ways to get your laptop running again in no time.
What’s the Risk?
No matter what you’ve spilled – coffee, soda, or water, any liquid can destroy your laptop’s keyboard. Still, as you sit thinking what you should do, the menacing liquid is seeping through to the motherboard, memory, and circuits. You may even be able to hear an ominous crackling as this happens.
Of course, you may have a model specifically built to resist this kind of damage, but most models are not. Now is the time to take action before it’s too late.
First Steps to Save A Water-Damaged Laptop
Here you have two goals. The first is to stop the liquid, the particles, and sediments from bridging an electrical connection. Besides, we want to prevent any corrosion to the circuits and metallic parts inside the laptop.
Power Off or Power Down
First, unplug the laptop before anything else and hold down the power button for five to ten seconds or until it turns off. If the battery is removable, take it out to avoid the liquid reaching it and causing it to short out.
Dry and Drain
Blot any visible liquid from the surface of the keyboard with a cloth or paper towel.
Open the laptop as far as it goes and tilt it onto its side to allow the liquid to drain out. The next step is to put it upside down on a table or counter to allow the liquid to seep out. Let the laptop drain overnight, but some experts suggest 48-72 hours is better.
If you have a blow dryer or can borrow one, put it on the coldest setting or use a can of compressed air to dry out all hard to reach places. Carefully dry the laptop while it is still upside down so that the liquid continues to drain.
Remove Everything
Remove all removable components, this includes the battery, mouse, cd drive, and any flash drives. Don’t leave anything attached at all—strip it bare.
If you are at ease with opening up your computer, take off the cover. Usually, you’ll require a Phillips or Torx screwdriver to do this. To remove the memory, you press the side clips to release each stick.
There will be more screws to free it from the frame to remove the solid-state drive or hard drive. Carefully detach it from all electrical and data connection ports or cables.
Examine each item that you remove and look for any indication of wetness or damage. If the component is damp, wipe it off. If there is any debris or liquid other than water, you will want to use a cotton swab with 99% Isopropyl alcohol which will dissolve it without causing any damage. It will evaporate, and there won’t be any residue left behind.
Wipe Everything
Wipe all the components you removed from the laptop dry. Once the laptop has dried, reattach everything, and power it on. If it starts with no problems, then try a couple of programs and test any external drives or devices to be sure that it is all working correctly.
What If It Doesn’t Start?
While we hope for the best when these types of accidents occur, there is always a risk that we won’t get the result we hope we will. If, after the laptop has had sufficient time to dry, it doesn’t power or has other problems; then, it’s time to head to a professional.
The bad news is that most warranties won’t cover liquid damage. If that is your situation, be prepared to pay out of pocket.
Five General Ways to Protect Your Laptop From Damage
With changes in technology and more people working remotely, the use of internet devices and laptops, in particular, is growing. We all know that without these gadgets, it is impossible to complete the work we need to accomplish. Here we are providing some helpful suggestions on keeping your laptop free from harm.
1. Use a Laptop Bag
Using a bag made for carrying a laptop will protect it against being jostled and possibly falling. With so many styles available, you’ll be making a fashion statement at the same time.
When shopping for one, look for the ones with padding and a built-in wallet that lets you store flash drives, an external backup drive, and more.
2. Use Exterior Covers
Find an excellent computer cover, they’re not only attractive but also keep your laptop protected. These covers are great for preventing scratches, dust, water, or other damages while keeping your computer looking good.
3. Avoid Consuming Beverages While Working
It’s always best to avoid drinking while you are working on a laptop. If a spill does occur as we reviewed above, irreparable harm can occur. If you must drink something while working, buy a sturdy leak proof travel cup.
Always try to be careful when eating or drinking while working to protect your computer from harm.
4. Keep It From Falling
Prevent your laptop from falling or getting thrown. Your computer isn’t made for balancing precariously, and a fall can damage the motherboard, hard drive, or screen and that can be expensive to repair.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth will help remove dust, so the ports and vents don’t become clogged. A can of compressed air is also useful for this. If the vents get clogged, it can cause severe damage.
Fixing a Water Damaged Laptop
Spilling anything on your computer is a stress-filled experience that can lead to the loss of the device that you use for working. A water damaged laptop requires your immediate action if you are intent on saving it. If after all your efforts, you’re unable to power on or find there are problems when you do, the professionals at Fruit Fixed can help.
Give them a call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
