Laptop caught moisture

[DioNeves]

Hey.

It's been a stormy day in Portugal today and I caught a lot of rain while walking to the nearby LIDL..

My backpack is not waterproof enough to keep the inside dry after such a downpour and when I went to take my PC out it was quite wet. So.much so your hand would be wet just by passing it through the chassis.

Some 8 hours later I tried charging it and saw the orange blinking light in the battery port. The PC isn't accepting charge now.

Ahat do I do from here? Is the PC bricked? Or will it charge again?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @DioNeves,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

That’s a tough situation, and I’m glad you didn’t try to power it on immediately after it got wet. That’s critical. Here’s what HP recommends in cases of water exposure:

Why the Orange Blinking Light?

• The blinking orange light usually means a battery or power fault.
• After water exposure, the system may detect short circuits or unsafe conditions and refuse to charge.

Immediate Steps

1. Unplug Everything
   • Disconnect the charger and any accessories.
   • Do not try to power it on again.
      
2. Dry Thoroughly
   • Place the laptop in a dry, ventilated area for at least 48–72 hours.
   • If possible, use silica gel packs or a sealed container with desiccant.
   • Avoid direct heat (hair dryers can damage components).
      
3. Remove Moisture Internally (If Comfortable)
   • If you can safely remove the bottom cover: 
     • Disconnect the battery.
     • Let the internals air dry.
   • If not, leave it sealed and drying longer.

Do NOT

• Do not plug in or power on until you’re sure it’s completely dry.
• Do not use rice, it’s less effective and can leave dust.

After Drying

• Try powering on with the charger only (battery disconnected if possible).
• If it still shows orange blinking or won’t start: 
  • Likely motherboard or battery damage from water.
  • HP service will need to inspect and possibly replace parts.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat