It is not hard to believe that many laptops and notebooks die because they are doused with one type of beverage or another. After all, they are so often required to work along with their owner's glass of wine or mug of coffee. However, there are some cases where you have a really good chance of rescuing your trusty machine if your laptop has suffered this all too common misfortune.

Follow this plan of action if you should need to resuscitate your laptop after it has suffered an accidental liquid infusion.

Act Calmly

Your first move is to dry out the system. If it has stopped running, you must avoid your first instinct which is to start it up straight away and see if it is working. This is the worst thing to do to a wet system.

The liquid is likely to create an electrical short and the risk of permanently damaging the machine.

Remove components

Some of the components are surprisingly easy to remove with a simple screwdriver and the instructions in your manual. You will also need a can of compressed air from the local hardware store.

• Unplug the machine and remove all of the components which are easy to take out like the battery, hard drive, keyboard and CD drive and put them aside to dry individually

• Very carefully place your laptop on its side on a towel and allow the liquid to drain out. Make sure you keep any moisture well away from the display screen as you work.

• Give the system a gentle shake to get as much liquid as possible out from all the crevices and vents inside.

• Blow the insides dry using a can of compressed air

• Place the machine near a heating or cooling vent overnight if possible to give it a chance to dry out completely.

• Reassemble your machine when you are sure it has thoroughly dried.

Put it to the Test

It is now time to hold your breath and start it up. If all runs OK, you are in luck and have neatly avoided the need for some costly repairs.

Unfortunately, in some instances, particularly if a beverage containing sugar is spilt, there is considerably less chance of a permanent rescue. As the sugar dries it begins to eat away at the computer components.

In these situations you are better off seeking professional assistance regarding computer repairs and get an expert verdict about your best options. It may turn out that replacement is the better alternative. 

For computer support needs in an office setting, contact a company like Phoenix IT to help save your systems from an untimely fate.