Have you ever spilt liquid in your Laptop computer? The combination of liquid and electronics strikes fear into the heart of most individuals. Well, you're right to be afraid because there're not many more disasterous combinations. The question is.....can there be any hope after the occurance?
Firstly, let me highlight the difference between laptop and desktop computers where spillages are concerned. Generally, a desktop PC is used at a desk with the keyboard exposed and the tower or main unit tucked away in it's own case. Any spillage on the keyboard of a desktop PC will probably result in a replacement keyboard. At £5 or less for a basic replacement, there's usually no cause for concern, just an inconvenience.
With a Laptop, the motherboard which houses the main components usually sits just underneath the keyboard. As the keyboard usually has gaps underneath (although not visible) liquid quickly finds the motherboard and we have the classic 'electronics & liquid' scenario.
This article is about damage limitation and nothing more.
Here are the golden rules about spillages on laptops.
The quicker you switch the computer off when a spillage happens the better your chance of salvaging your equipment. Immediately remove the battery, power supply and any other parts which can be removed. This includes the hard disk if you know how. Don't use a heat source on the laptop as this will help to fuse the substance to the motherboard. Many people are tempted to get the hairdryer out....don't!!! At this point, with a little luck, you're left with a computer which needs cleaning.
Your Laptop should now be ready for an internal cleanup by the professionals. I've come accross various methods advocated as the correct way to clean liquid spills from electronics. Some very good and some outrageously dangerous. I won't attempt to advocate one method above another
What happens with liquid in a laptop is that components short out due to signals being carried by the liquid. When the liquid dries you're left with a dried deposit which can still carry signals accross components, especially if the liquid has high sugar content. This is why it's important not to turn the laptop on until it's been cleaned. Even if you leave the laptop to dry out and it seems ok, without cleaning you're at risk of corrosion to parts causing premature wear.
After cleaning and drying of the computer, there's some chance of there having been permanent damage but if you follow the above rules there'll be a better than average chance that you'll be able to use your laptop as if nothing had ever happened.
Bill from 'A Star Universal computers' is the technical consultant and a Company Partner.A Star Universal offers Laptop and Desktop computer repair throughout Kent in the UK.Contact Bill at enquiries@astar-universal.co.uk View the company website at http://www.astar-universal.co.uk/computers.html
