Seriously though... I just spilt a pint of water into my computer.

Toxteth · February 25, 2014, 06:57:55 PM

That's right. You heard. Not on my computer. IN. :blink:

It's not looking good. The water went straight through the fan on top. There is water is on everything.

Now that power in the house is back on (after 20 minutes running around in a rage on the phone to Blunt trying to find the fuse box in my shared house), I'm in the process of deciding how to tackle this beast.

The computer is 4 years old so isn't very valuable, all important files are backed up. This is just a case of what can I salvage, and how I go about testing and seeing what is OK and what has been smoked.

Where do I start? The plan was to take it apart and dry everything out until next week. Re-assemble as it was and see what happens (which would probably be nothing...). Then go through the process of trying different spare parts to see what works.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Gorion · February 25, 2014, 07:14:02 PM

Clarification question: Was the PC on during the spill or was it turned off?

Toxteth · February 25, 2014, 07:35:17 PM

Quote from: Gorion;381880Clarification question: Was the PC on during the spill or was it turned off?

It was on.

Gorion · February 25, 2014, 07:42:17 PM

This talks about a similar issue to yours. Unfortunately I do not have first hand knowledge to provide.

Some other members might have more info.

Gone_Away · February 25, 2014, 09:14:45 PM

leave it for a few days. let it dry out. then pull it appart, make sure there's no water stuck in any of the ide slots (turn MB upside down when drying?).

I've had far worse spilled into my audio amp (Vodka + OJ!) and it survived.

The important thing is to turn it off immediately and let it air dry. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

Blunt · February 25, 2014, 09:41:13 PM

I warned you about drinking water:rolleyes:

Toxteth · February 25, 2014, 09:56:30 PM

Quote from: Ninja_Freak;381892leave it for a few days. let it dry out. then pull it appart, make sure there's no water stuck in any of the ide slots (turn MB upside down when drying?).

I've had far worse spilled into my audio amp (Vodka + OJ!) and it survived.

The important thing is to turn it off immediately and let it air dry. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

I pulled out the RAM and graphics card to dry off, didn't fancy pulling the whole thing apart just yet. I'm away this weekend so I'll be leaving it to dry until Monday.

I didn't have a chance to turn it off, it just shut off almost instantly. Which I think is not a good sign?

Blunt · February 25, 2014, 10:27:39 PM

Quote from: Toxteth;381898I pulled out the RAM and graphics card to dry off, didn't fancy pulling the whole thing apart just yet. I'm away this weekend so I'll be leaving it to dry until Monday.

I didn't have a chance to turn it off, it just shut off almost instantly. Which I think is not a good sign?

Take the side off and lie it on its side (or at least leaning 45deg) so any water runs away from the MB etc.
Was there much water visible? did much run out when you opened it?

Tutonic · February 25, 2014, 10:33:33 PM

If it turned off instantly, something will probably have shorted out and died.

If you're lucky, it's something small and easily replaced. If it's the motherboard then you have an expensive repair bill ahead....

The only thing you can do is take everything apart, and get it TOTALLY dry. Then start putting things back in a component at a time to try and find the faulty bit.

Gorion · February 25, 2014, 10:33:36 PM

Some MBs have short protection, so that could be the reason for the instant shut-off.

BrotherTobious · February 25, 2014, 10:45:17 PM

I have done this mate exactly like that I tested all I could but in the end I built a new machine so there was no issue of faulty bits. Expensive yes but was piece of mind for me.

Sent from my Nexus 4

Toxteth · February 25, 2014, 11:12:19 PM

Quote from: BrotherTobious;381902I have done this mate exactly like that I tested all I could but in the end I built a new machine so there was no issue of faulty bits. Expensive yes but was piece of mind for me.

Sent from my Nexus 4

It's 4 years old so I'm not going to be looking to spend much money on saving it. If it works - great! If not - I'm going to salvage what I can and see if I can make something out of it.

Toxteth · February 25, 2014, 11:16:27 PM

Testing:

Is it best to start with a bare bones test and then keep adding from there or should I just see if it all works straight off, then strip is back and test individual bits?

Tutonic · February 25, 2014, 11:40:32 PM

Quote from: Toxteth;381905Testing:

Is it best to start with a bare bones test and then keep adding from there or should I just see if it all works straight off, then strip is back and test individual bits?

I would start with the bare minimum. If it POST's and you can get to the BIOS, turn it off and add the next component. Rinse and repeat until you hit a problem, or you get everything in successfully.

It takes time, but it's worth it.

suicidal_monkey · February 25, 2014, 11:48:00 PM

Quote from: Toxteth;381905Testing:

Is it best to start with a bare bones test and then keep adding from there or should I just see if it all works straight off, then strip is back and test individual bits?

Bare bones sounds like a good plan. I've known a PC to recover from a dousing in beer, and it was on when the spillage occurred. Leave it off and unplugged to dry thoroughly as ninja suggests - if you have time take out the larger bits and pour away any water pooling in the slots etc.