Member Avatar for Lucy Ricardo

Hi, I am Lucy Ricardo, I have trouble using laundry detergent and for the life of me, I can not get these computer machines to work. I sure hope that I can find someone here that is nice enough to help me out. Do soap bubbles hurt a machine? I have an A22m Think Pad that refuses to boot, it used to, but now it blinks on, then shut down, like a ground fault? It has two new batteries, so I doubt that is a problem. Please help, waaaaaaa!!!!!!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by donvukin

Dani AI

Generated

— a few replies already flagged both liquid exposure and the external power path as suspects (, , ). Below is a short, safe triage and practical next steps that protect data and avoid making a repair harder.

  1. Stop trying to power it on. Unplug the AC adapter and remove any batteries and cards.
  2. If data matters, remove the hard drive now and set it aside so it can be accessed from another PC.
  3. If comfortable with small disassembly, open the case and inspect for sticky residue, white crusts, or green/black corrosion. Take photos as you go.
  4. Clean sticky/detergent residue with high-purity isopropyl alcohol (90%+), a soft brush, and lint-free cloths — this displaces water and removes ionic residue that can short circuits. Do not use tap water.
  5. Thoroughly dry the machine (desiccant packs or gentle room-temperature airflow). Allow at least 48–72 hours before attempting to power up.
  6. Verify the AC adapter with a multimeter before reconnecting. Try booting with only AC (battery removed) and then only battery if needed.

Notes and cautions: detergents leave conductive residues that cause progressive corrosion, so even a machine that briefly powers on can fail later. Avoid using hot hair dryers or ovens — excessive heat can damage plastics and connectors. If any component smells burnt or you see blackened parts, stop and consult a technician. If the above steps do not restore basic power, likely service or board-level repair is required; preserving the hard drive first maximizes chances of data recovery.

Following ’s advice, the adapter check is a quick early test; the cleaning/drying steps address the moisture concerns raised by and while minimizing further damage.

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Member Avatar for humbll

You wet it and washed it with soap is what you're saying?

Member Avatar for techno t

bloody hell, water and electrics never mix so they dont, lol

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Member Avatar for donvukin

I'm going to guess you're joking about the soap bubbles. Before you disect your computer, did you check out your power supply? (you know...that thingy that keeps the batteries charged)

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