A laptop is the lifeblood of any busy businessperson, as it will likely store all their vital files, work tools, and other important documents. However, no matter how fast and convenient these computers are, they are far from indestructible. Accidents may happen, and there is always the risk of dropping your laptop or to accidentally spilling your late-night cup of coffee on it. Luckily, there is a solution you can try should your laptop ever get wet.
What To Do If Your Laptop Gets Wet
The first thing you may be concerned about when you accidentally get liquid all over your laptop is how to retrieve your files. However, that shouldn’t be your first thought. Here is a rundown of what you should do.
1 – Shut Down And Unplug
The first thing you need to do is to turn off your laptop and disconnect it from the power source. Hold the power button down and wait for it to shut down.
You should then remove all computer accessories attached to the laptop if there are any. Your goal is to leave your laptop as bare as possible.
If you are confident, you may also attempt to remove as many of the detachable parts of the laptop as you can. This includes the battery and other parts of its inner workings.
Important tip: If you have never taken your laptop apart before, it is best not to try and remove the inner parts. You may risk damaging your computer even further if you don’t know how to do this step properly.
2 – Drain, Dry, And Reassemble
The next step is to drain as much of the water as possible from your laptop. After you have successfully removed the detachable parts, bend the monitor as far back as it will allow and then place the laptop face-down on the table. This will help drain any liquid out from the system and take the water away from the sensitive parts of the laptop.
Next, use paper towels to pat the laptop dry. It is important that your laptop remains off for this step. Do not attempt to turn it on.
Important tip: Only use paper towels to pat the laptop dry. Never use a blowdryer or any heat source to dry the computer. Heat may cause even further damage to the laptop.
3 – Turn On The Laptop
After the laptop has been completely dried, you may now attempt to turn it on. Push the power button and cross your fingers. If your laptop starts turning on, it may be a good sign. However, you are not in the clear just yet. Watch for any issues with your laptop.
If it is slower than usual or stuck on the loading screen, or if you notice any other issues, there may be residual water damage.
Important tip: There may be damage to the keyboard of your laptop. You may need to take it to a professional to have your keyboard replaced.
Conclusion
Even if your laptop is working fine after spilling a significant amount of water on it, it may still be a good idea to have it checked by a professional. IT professionals will be able to check whether the water damage affected any parts of the hardware and if any part of your computer will need to be replaced.
Stephenson’s IT Support Solutions delivers best-in-sector IT support and digital marketing services. We have everything you need for laptop repairs. If you need help with your laptop for any reason, we’re here to help. Give us a call today.