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another idiot has spilled a drink on his new macbook pro

M

motuben

macrumors newbie
Original poster
OK so I know there will be a few smartasses with the solution of don't put a drink near your laptop....but I was thirsty and I did...and I knocked it over.
I immediately turned the power off as it stayed on. I then held it upside down to drain what I could. Then I used a hairdryer and left it overnight to dry more.
Anyway, now we come to the part where it will power up but when booting it shuts down, or just switches off. I can get to the hardware screen by holding command+R and it tells me all hardware is running fine.
Will not start in safe mode either.
Any ideas?....apart from buying a new one, though I'm convinced this might be where I am headed

*update. In hardware mode (command+R on bootup) it is now telling me:
incorrect block count for file system.log (it should be 408 instead of 407)
Invalid key length

The computer is anew macbook pro retina 13"
 
Last edited:
motuben said:
OK so I know there will be a few smartasses with the solution of don't put a drink near your laptop....but I was thirsty and I did...and I knocked it over.
I immediately turned the power off as it stayed on. I then held it upside down to drain what I could. Then I used a hairdryer and left it overnight to dry more.
Anyway, now we come to the part where it will power up but when booting it shuts down, or just switches off. I can get to the hardware screen by holding command+R and it tells me all hardware is running fine.
Will not start in safe mode either.
Any ideas?....apart from buying a new one, though I'm convinced this might be where I am headed
Click to expand...

The usual suggestion is to put it in a big bag of rice, and leave it for a few days.

Good luck..I hope you don't have to buy a new one.😀
 
I recommend buying something like this for the future
 

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Shrink said:
The usual suggestion is to put it in a big bag of rice, and leave it for a few days.

Good luck..I hope you don't have to buy a new one.😀
Click to expand...

I wouldn't stop with that. Personally I would keep it off for several days and clean the insides with something non conductive like isopropyl prior to placing it back in service. These things can still corrode even after drying.
 
Shrink said:
The usual suggestion is to put it in a big bag of rice, and leave it for a few days.

Good luck..I hope you don't have to buy a new one.😀
Click to expand...

Agreed! Big bag-O-rice is your best bet. Even though you hair dried it (not certain that was a good idea btw, heat and electronics don't mix all that well)...

But while it's in the rice, I would wait for a couple other responses about the error code.

Regards,
A
 
It suck`s, but it happens. Your options are limited; take it Apple, find a local Mac specialist to assess, clean and or replace, or DIY. Apple will be the most costly, equally it closes the loop. Personally I would go with a good independent Mac specialist, unless you have the skills required, and I am not just talking about taking it apart and putting it back together.

If you are insured, if so claim ASAP. If you paid by CC you may find that you are covered by default.
 
Sorry to hear about that, its a gut wrenching feeling when it happens.

Earlier this year, my younger brother spilled Coke all over my brand new macbook pro. Fortunately, it survived with very little damage, but I'm positive I don't have a warranty anymore.

Anyways, I did some research after it happened to me and found these guys:

http://www.expertmacrepair.com

now I didn't go for the service (didn't want to spend the money to fix a sticky key... at least for now), but I was seriously considering it. Heres the letter they sent me:

Alex,

Thanks for your email this morning. My name is ... and I'm here to help with your repair!

I'm sorry to hear about your Mac experiencing a liquid spill like that! We can understand how devastating and frustrating it must be, but fortunately, we're the experts in reliable, cost-effective repairs for Macs with liquid damage!

Based on your description of the problem, the trackpad is going to need a replacement. However, we're going to be diagnosing and inspecting your entire Mac to ensure only the trackpad was damaged by the liquid. If we find various components, or the main logic board, to be damaged, we'll have to re-qoute to our liquid spill flat-rate. Of course, we'll be contacting you ASAP if a re-quote is necessary (our diagnostics are free of charge and you can decline our service).
• Where is your CD/DVD drive located?
• Was the back opened up (anyone besides Apple)?
• Are the keys on your keyboard sticky?

Our liquid spill flat-rate for a 15-inch unibody, MacBook Pro (non-Retina) is $680.00 and $860.00 if it has a Retina display (has no CD/DVD drive).

If just the trackpad was damaged, it'll be $169.00 (highly unlikely) for a non-Retina, 15-inch, unibody MacBook Pro (will be $860 on a Retina 15-inch, unibody MacBook Pro; only are able to offer flat-rates on this model) and it'll take us 1 to 5 days. This price quote is all inclusive and it covers both parts and labor. We ensure a working computer back good-as-new and, of course, our parts and workmanship will be covered under our full 1-year warranty.

Regarding your Apple warranty question, since we're Apple certified, it'll get reinstated back and usually if there are any delays, it'll be due to that process.

We offer FedEx free of charge to all our nation-wide customers and if you'd like to get started with your repair, we have a few convenient options.
• We can set up your repair with a nearby FedEx Office location.
• FedEx can come to your home or office to pick up your Mac.

And to get started, we just need a bit more info:
• Should we send you a box for your Mac at no charge, or do you already have one?
• What's the best phone number to reach you during the repair?
• What's your address?
• Would you like FedEx to pick up from your home or office, or would you rather bring your Mac to a nearby FedEx location?

We'll look forward to your response and if you have further questions, or if you'd like to get started with your repair, just call or email. We're at your service!
Click to expand...

My main concern was reinstating my warranty and in my case it would have cost $680.00, cheaper than a new Macbook Pro...

Regardless, I have yet to do anything, it's working fine with external keyboard and mouse - but I'm still considering this option.
Anyways,

Good luck!
 
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What the guys said, I feel for you op, one of the hardest things to stomach these spills. Hope all works out and that you get a silicon cover then. Sadly apple does thin better and over anything else, so no hope of seeing a lenovo type keyboard drain in the future, so I guess the clumsier among us should never be without a keyboard condom.

Ricanlegend said:
I recommend buying something like this for the future
Click to expand...

lol, and to think that the op actually even pre-empted smart alec responses. 😀
 
I wish Apple would just offer accidental coverage insurance like Dell and Lenovo do. Its saved my butt so many times. I'm scared using a Mac all the time now. I spilled an entire cup of coffee into a one month old Dell laptop. Dell just mailed me a brand new laptop. Not even a refurb.

I know you can get coverage from places like SquareTrade, but you have to mail your laptop away. Dell and Lenovo send a tech with the parts to your office.
 
motuben said:
OK so I know there will be a few smartasses with the solution of don't put a drink near your laptop....but I was thirsty and I did...and I knocked it over.
I immediately turned the power off as it stayed on. I then held it upside down to drain what I could. Then I used a hairdryer and left it overnight to dry more.
Anyway, now we come to the part where it will power up but when booting it shuts down, or just switches off. I can get to the hardware screen by holding command+R and it tells me all hardware is running fine.
Will not start in safe mode either.
Any ideas?....apart from buying a new one, though I'm convinced this might be where I am headed

*update. In hardware mode (command+R on bootup) it is now telling me:
incorrect block count for file system.log (it should be 408 instead of 407)
Invalid key length

The computer is anew macbook pro retina 13"
Click to expand...

Have you tried just trying to re-install OS X?
 
Another thread as to why I don't let anyone near my MBA with a cup of liquid. Apparently Macs don't react well to liquid.

Also a keyboard cover might have helped.

I seriously doubt the OP was SO parched dying of thirst that he/she could not have drank their beverage away from their $1600 laptop.
 
stchman said:
Another thread as to why I don't let anyone near my MBA with a cup of liquid. Apparently Macs don't react well to liquid.

Also a keyboard cover might have helped.

I seriously doubt the OP was SO parched dying of thirst that he/she could not have drank their beverage away from their $1600 laptop.
Click to expand...

Well it's also a matter of convenience. If you work on your laptop 6-12 hours every day it's nice to have something to drink nearby. I always have a Coffee on my desk, although I try to keep it reasonably far away from my MBP.

When I work in a coffee shop instead of at work or at home, it gets a bit more risky, and often one is also in danger of the neighbors coffee. Yet I'm not going to give up the convenience of being able to work anywhere I want just because an accident might happen.
 
It's silly to think an accident like this cant happen to anyone. It's also kind of prickish to make snide comments about it to people. Sure if you have a drink next to you it's always a possibility. But it's not a realistic assumption that people don't do it all the time. I just suggest you always have a cup with lid. Sure it may still spill some, but I'd wager not enough to cause a problem in that scenario. Also shut it down ASAP but that should be obvious.

FWIW; the rice trick is always a good idea. Save my wife's camera when a coke spilled into her purse....long story.
 
My boss have same problem with coffee. He try everything then bringing to apple. They telling him this biggest problem with laptops so you not the only one. They fixing it and everything fine to this day. 🙂
 
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