My computer got infested
Posted by Moist_Fortune9976@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 19 comments
I let my computer aside for about a year so I could focus 100% on some exams. I left it in a closed room, but I didn't realise the window was a tad open. As a result today I found out that it has some dead worms, roaches and other stuff on it and generally it looks ucky.
Before putting it away I removed all power sources, even the CMOS so I think I should be okay right? But how do I clean it now? I feel like just using air isn't enough. Do I have to dissasemble it and clean it all? How should I proceed? And please be respectful, I know it could have been avoided but I don't need more reminders, just advice 😅
Death_Pokman@reddit
If you're familiar with how to do so I would suggest to just disassemble it and clean each part one by one, as shown in an LTT video it's not technically the water that damages your components so you can even use that to clean em, but you have to be extremely sure it completely dries (takes a few days for sure) before turning it on. You also have to make sure it wasn't connected to a power source for a few days before attempting a cleanup with water, but in your case that's not an issue lol. If you're afraid to do that then use isopropyl alcohol. However if you're not familiar with PC components it would be the best idea to take it to a repair shop, or if you know someone who's a PC hardware need ask that person lol
Moist_Fortune9976@reddit (OP)
I think I will just tear it down and clean every part. I built it in the first place so it shouldn't be hard. As for the water, I saw that video too a while ago 😁. Isn't water corrosive though? I think you can only use 99% alcohol or some oil.
Death_Pokman@reddit
Maybe if you do it often or it is exposed to water for a long time, a 1 time cleaning won't corrode anything, and yeah, there actually are some oil or whatever that is advertised to be for that but who knows.....
Moist_Fortune9976@reddit (OP)
Because someone said I had a horrible room..
Obviously this was not on a normal room, I out it aside to kind of a storage area I have that is on the roof of my house and has no insulations and ect, and with the window being open well stuff comes.. I said it already it's my fault. I don't get why everything must be ragebait..
VFC1910@reddit
The only parts that are at risk are the Motherboard and the PSU, since you don't have a GPU. RAM, CPU and Drives should be fine, just take a look at cpu fan and clean it.
aragorn18@reddit
The safest and most complete way would be to take each piece apart and clean it with 90% (or higher) isopropyl alcohol.
Sleddoggamer@reddit
I'm ti rural to even think about it, but if they wanted ti hire someone who would be best to try make sure it lives?
Moist_Fortune9976@reddit (OP)
Because 9/10 there are no real professionals. You will most likely get ripped off at best, and kill your machine at worst.
Sleddoggamer@reddit
I HAD a uncle in law who I know could professionally do something like this, and would probably have a way to get it insured, but he'd have hated it and would have preferred to show me in detail what to do, or tell me who can do a professional cleaning and help me pay to save it
I unfortunately can't rely on him anymore since he's ready for a divorce, so in terrified of the first issue to come being a big one
Unknwn_Ent@reddit
While they can do that; if they're not experienced in repair or really detail oriented I'd just take it someone to do so. If there's shit like worms and the likes; they might need a deep cleaning akin to a full disassembly and an wash thru the ultrasonic cleaner if they want to guarantee they don't damage/short anything
Moist_Fortune9976@reddit (OP)
I'll just tear it down fully and rebuild it, I built in in the first place so shouldn't be that hard
Unknwn_Ent@reddit
If you're capable then take a shot at it! Didn't mean to underestimate your abilities; but this sub has plenty of people posting. Some buy prebuilds and have no interest in touching anything but the power button on their PC, others build their machines and are basically non licensed IT guys. If you feel like you're in the latter category; again go for it!
My only concern is; how much disassembly are your capable of? You said you built your machine, but are you comfortable potentially disassembling and reassembling your GPU to ensure nothing got inside? If no, you might be running a risk if debris got inside components and are not just on the surface. That's the only reason I said you might wanna consider your options and contact a professional cause at least if anything goes wrong; its on them and they'll have to replace your machine. Also if you suspect your PSU has debris inside; bro just get a new PSU.
Moist_Fortune9976@reddit (OP)
Luckily I hadn't yet installed a GPU. As for the PSU, I will blow some air on it if it works it works otherwise I will buy a new one.
Unknwn_Ent@reddit
Bet, so at least that's one major component we can write off. The only reason I bring up the PSU tho is cause in a lesser worse case scenario the PSU doesn't work, the worst case scenario is it shorts or damages your other components as it's responsible for power delivery to your machine. Again I'm not tryna make you worry, but I know the economy isn't great so I'm just tryna give you all the info I have so you go about this in a way that incurs you the least amount of loss. I don't even recommend experienced builders to tinker with their PSU. So if you think something got in there and/or you can't verify you cleaned it out 100%; again buying a new PSU would be the least of your worries. I'm just concerned too cause it'd arguably be the component most hospitable for bugs to make a nest or chill in. It's a box with an opening on one side.
digabledingo@reddit
you also , technically should hold the power button for about 15 secs if your goal is to prevent any residual power from shorting anything or flea power
Moist_Fortune9976@reddit (OP)
I said the PC has no power at all for a year so that isn't to worry
Lucario-Mega@reddit
How in the world did DEAD WORMS of all things get in there
Moist_Fortune9976@reddit (OP)
Crappy case design
According_Mind7030@reddit
Use a leaf blower and air that shit out