Flooded laptop - what to do?
Flooding is one of the most common causes of damage to laptops. No wonder - mobile computers are not only a tool for work, but also provide entertainment, allow us to pay bills or order purchases online, so they accompany us practically all the time. We often use a laptop not only at our desks, but also in bed, on the couch, or while traveling. So it may happen that the contents of a cup of coffee or tea are spilled on our laptop. How to rescue a flooded laptop? Here are some steps that can help in an emergency situation.
Laptop flooding - what you can do?
A flooded laptop should be immediately unplugged and turned off. This will avoid further damage to the equipment. If possible, disconnect the laptop battery - this will also help minimize the damage. Most models allow simple disconnection of the battery by sliding the latches. The battery of the mobile computer is located at the bottom of the device. Then disconnect any external devices and accessories, such as a mouse or flash drive. Lightly flooded laptop wipe off with a soft, dry cloth. You can use a towel or kitchen cloth. It is important that the material absorbs moisture and does not leave fibers. If the laptop has been severely flooded, open it and turn it upside down so that as much liquid as possible can flow out of the inside of the device. Remember not to shake the laptop and try to shake off the liquid - this way it can spread to other components of the device.
After wiping the laptop and turning it over in a suitable position on a flat surface, let the equipment dry for at least 24 hours. You can place the device on a towel, which will soak up the runoff liquid. Do not turn on laptop flooded with water, before it dries completely. After 24-48 hours, try to start the laptop by plugging it into the power supply. If it does not work properly, it will be necessary to consult a laptop repair professional. If you do not have the necessary technical knowledge, do not unscrew the flooded laptop yourself - without experience and specialized tools, you can damage delicate components. Using professionals can minimize the risk of further damage and increase the chances of saving your laptop.
Laptops with spill-resistant keyboards
Modern mobile computer models often feature a spill-resistant keyboard. It's perfect for people who often use their laptop on the go or at the coffee shop. They are designed to prevent liquids from entering the laptop and minimize the risk of damage from flooding. Spill-resistant keyboards have sealed buttons and additional protective layers to protect the electronics inside the keyboard from liquid ingress. In some models of this type of laptop, the gaps between the keys are narrowed in such a way that in case of flooding of the laptop, liquid did not get inside the device.
Spill-resistant keyboards have special channels for draining liquids. If liquid gets under the buttons, these channels direct it to the outside of the keyboard instead of letting it reach the inside of the laptop. This minimizes the risk of damage. Spill-resistant keyboards are also easy to clean - if the keys get dirty, just wipe them gently with a damp cloth. This helps maintain proper hygiene of the device. It is worth noting, however, that although spill-resistant keyboards are protected from damage caused by liquids, they are not completely indestructible. If there are larger amounts of liquids or intense pressure on the keys, the keyboard or other parts of the laptop may be damaged.
Flooded laptop - what to do if the damage turns out to be serious?
Flooded laptop - what to do? Above all, stay calm. It is important to act quickly - this will minimize damage and prevent data loss. Avoid turning on laptop flooded with water, until it is thoroughly dried to prevent further damage. If possible, back up all important data on your laptop after drying the device. This can be done by connecting an external driver hard drive or using cloud storage. If driver hard drive still works, you can recover the data yourself.
The next step is to contact a professional service center or laptop manufacturer for help. Specialists will assess the extent of the damage and provide you with guidance on the best available solutions. If the damage is minor, they may be able to repair the laptop and recover the data. In a situation where the damage to internal components is severe, you may need to consider buying a new laptop. It is important to compare the cost of repair with the cost of a new laptop to choose the best option. If the purchase of a new laptop proves necessary, take care to choose a model equipped with a spill-resistant keyboard.
How to protect yourself from laptop flooding?
Laptops are growing in popularity due to their excellent mobility and ease of transportation - we can take them with us anywhere and use them comfortably in any situation. Unfortunately, we often forget proper precautions and hygiene when using a laptop, leading to damage to the equipment. To protect your laptop from flooding, it's a good idea to make sure you avoid eating and drinking near the device, and store your computer in a safe place when you're done. If in the past you have experienced flooding of your laptop, you should also think about buying a model equipped with a spill-resistant keyboard.
Laptops with spill-resistant keyboards are offered by reputable brands such as Dell, Lenovo and HP. Selected models from the Dell Latitude, HP EliteBook or Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad series offer the functionality of protecting the laptop from damage by flooding. A great option for those looking for top-of-the-line hardware would be the Dell Latitude 7490, with an island keyboard protected from spills. This is a great solution for anyone who cares about comfortable and safe work with a mobile computer, in any conditions.
