Water Damage on Your Laptop: What to Do When Your Keyboard Stop Working

Dealing with a water-damaged laptop can be frustrating, especially if some keys on the keyboard stop working. Understanding the potential damage and taking appropriate steps can help you save your device or at least salvage some data.

Identifying the Problem

When you spill water on your keyboard and certain keys stop working, the initial solution is to take preventive actions to prevent further damage.

Clean the keyboard with compressed air or a soft brush to remove any trapped moisture. Check the keyboard settings and key mapping to ensure they are not causing issues. Update the keyboard drivers, as outdated drivers might be the cause of the problem.

If none of these solutions work, and parts of your laptop are not responding, proceed with caution. Water and electronics do not mix well, and it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks.

Common Causes and Solutions

The most common cause is that you have burned out some components, and the motherboard is directly behind the keyboard. If that is the case, replacing the motherboard or the entire computer may be necessary.

But if the laptop was off when the spill occurred, turning it on might still provide clues about the extent of the damage. If the computer did not turn on, it suggests that the water may have caused a short circuit, rendering the computer inoperable.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If you are mechanically inclined and have the computer knowledge, you can try the following steps to diagnose the problem:

Check your computer manufacturer's website for potential guidance and specific troubleshooting advice. Unplug all wires from the computer and disconnect the battery if possible. Leave the computer out in the open air to dry for a week, and consider placing a fan nearby without using any heaters. Use a volt-ohm-amp meter to check for continuity in the electrical circuits before and after the water incident. If the circuits are still intact, it might be a sign of a short circuit or other issues in the circuit board. Look for any burn marks on the circuit board, which can indicate a point of failure. Seek professional help from a repair shop specializing in laptop repairs, especially if you are unsure of what to do next.

It's important to emphasize that you should only perform these steps if you feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the process. Always ensure the computer is completely off and unplugged before attempting any repairs or checks.

Electricity and Safety

Using a volts-ohm-amp meter while the computer is off is safe. The meter has its own low-voltage and low-current electricity, which is sufficient for such checks. However, it is crucial to avoid re-engaging the computer with power until you have diagnosed the issue.

Do not reset a circuit breaker until you have confirmed there is no issue with a short circuit. Resetting a breaker without confirming a safe situation may reinstate a short circuit that could damage your computer, and it poses a risk to your safety as well.

Conclusion

In the event of water damage to your laptop, cleaning the keyboard, checking settings, and updating drivers are the first steps. However, if these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider more advanced troubleshooting or professional repair. Remember, water and electronics do not mix, and it is crucial to handle the situation with care and caution.