windex destroyed my computer

Question

Level 1

8 points

windex destroyed my computer

Hello,

Following a friend's advice, I sprayed Windex onto my Macbook keyboard to remove some residue. We let it seep in and then wiped it off. Somehow this (perhaps fatally) damaged my computer's hardware. The computer will turn on, occasionally the apple icon will come up, and very occasionally OSX will start up again for a little while--but only if I hold my computer backwards at a 45 degree angle, and even then only for a minute or two. Usually I get a kernel panic message.

Has this happened to anyone before? That the computer works at all means there must be hope, right? Does the Windex need to dry on the inside? Why would the computer work if held at certain angle--is there some Windex buildup somewhere?

Macbook 13", Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Jan 9, 2008 8:32 PM

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Answer 1

Kane513

Level 2

190 points

Jan 9, 2008 8:50 PM in response to jennysb

Please tell me you didn't spray it directly on the 'puter! If any moisture gets behind the keys or inside it will kill the computer. best thing to do is take out the battery, RAM and hard drive and let the 'puter dry out for a few days before trying to turn it on.

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Answer 2

Adam White

Level 4

1,325 points

Jan 9, 2008 9:05 PM in response to jennysb

First off... tell your friend that is is never a good idea to spray ANY liquid on something that is electrical!!
NEVER EVER DO THAT AGAIN!! LOL.

That being said, always clean your computer by turning off the computer and unplugging it from power. Then spray a light amount of water onto a nice lint free or terry cloth and wipe gently.

Now on to your question... you should probably try opening your MB and let it dry out while resting against the top of the screen and the keyboard edge closest to you. That way any fluid that is in there can drain and it can dry out. It is preferable to put a towel under it too.
Let it dry for at least a couple of days. 3 or 4 would be better. DO NOT apply any kind of heat, ie hairdryer, in front of a heating element...
If you are very, very lucky it will start up for you in a few days and not have any problems.

Worst case scenario is you take it somewhere to be repaired and be prepared to pay for it. Spraying or spilling any kind of liquid on your computer is not covered under AppleCare.

Good luck and I hope you come away from this fairly unscathed.

Adam

PS... Please let us know how things turn out.

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Answer 3

pubs76

Level 2

190 points

Jan 9, 2008 9:11 PM in response to jennysb

This maybe too late for you, but for those that may read this, here is some 'Computer 101'.
Computers are electronics that don't handle liquids. Be very careful not to spill anything on your computer but if you do, Shut it down ASAP remove battery (for laptop), remove power cord and let it dry for day or two. DO NOT attempt to restart. Be passion!!!
If you want to clean it, unplug power cord, remove battery and use alcohol wipes designed for computers. Alcohol cleans and dries fast.

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