Just had a house fire and was wondering where should I take my PC to be checked out.

Outlawstar15a2 · Jun 3, 2014

My room is on the 2nd of the home I rent a room a fire broke out today and my room and by extension my computer got a bunch of smoke. My PC sits right under the window which was open but and the fire was all the way on the otherside of the house so I only got the smoke. However though there is no burn damage I know smoke is acidic and leaves a residue.

So I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and get the system checked out. My question is where are some places I can take my PC to get checked out and what other things do I need to know. I ran my finger across the case and got no residue but I imagine that means nothing.

the mekanic · Jun 4, 2014

Re: Just had a house fire and was wondering where should I take my PC to be checked o

If it wasn't running at the time, chances are it didn't "inhale" any smoke.

If you feel comfortable doing it, unplug it, put it up on the table, pop the cover and have a good look around. If you notice any discoloration, or an odor then I'd look into it further.

Outlawstar15a2 · Jun 4, 2014

Re: Just had a house fire and was wondering where should I take my PC to be checked o

It was running at the time but I quickly shut it down as soon as I realized what was happening (saw the smoke enter room).

plodr · Jun 4, 2014

Re: Just had a house fire and was wondering where should I take my PC to be checked o

Open it up outside and use canned air. You might also need cotton swabs and distilled water if any residue remains after using the canned air.

I resurrected a dead computer (only needed a power supply). The owner was a chain smoker and owned a dog. The computer sat on the floor. It had never been cleaned.
I simply cleaned it with canned air, took the fans out and apart and cleaned them with cotton swabs and distilled water. My husband has been using that computer for 5 years with no problems.
Warning: Don't attempt to take the power supply apart to clean it. If it still smells smoky after letting it air out, replace it. You probably won't need to replace it since the exposure to smoke was minimal.

cabbiinc · Jun 4, 2014

Re: Just had a house fire and was wondering where should I take my PC to be checked o

I don't have much to add except that I'm glad to hear that you weren't hurt.

A warning about canned air. It's usually advised to not use it on cameras. The residue can be slight you won't be able to tell until the coating on your lens starts coming off. Also don't turn the can over while spraying, you'll get a blast of liquid which then needs to be cleaned. At least that's what's been warned over and over on sites like Photo.net and the like.

Outlawstar15a2 · Jun 4, 2014

Re: Just had a house fire and was wondering where should I take my PC to be checked o

I'm ok, I'm preparing tomorrow to take it to Geek Squad they can clean the components better then I can if nothing else they have the diagnostic software to check the components I'm most concerned about the PSU and HDDs. It's the residue that smoke leaves that's making me nervous. I'm hoping the PC is ok cause I don't have money for another. It was an electrical fire.

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Just had a house fire and was wondering where should I take my PC to be checked out.

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the mekanic Major Mekanical Geek

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