I accidentally stuck a safety pin into my laptop expansion port.. and a spark came out. Is it damaged?

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › I accidentally stuck a safety pin into my laptop expansion port.. and a spark came out. Is it damaged?

RedBull

91 posts

Master Geek

#58724 17-Mar-2010 21:55

Hey... So heres the deal I am finally about to use this port (Expansion port 3 on HP Pavilion), and it would suck if it's damaged when I just got a device that will utilize it off my mate (HP docking station). I accidentally stuck it in there a few days ago... DONT ASK WHY.. Do you think that it could be damaged?

RedBull

91 posts

Master Geek

#308499 17-Mar-2010 21:57

Yes I am well aware that I'm an idiot, so no cynical reminders please :)

boby55

1539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 38

Trusted

#308507 17-Mar-2010 22:09

Well a first Question ... Is it still in there? If so Take the battery out, Unplug it from the wall and remove it.

Two, Does the laptop still work? If yes you are probably lucky that you didn't fry it.

Do you still have the docking station? does it work if you plug it in?

SepticSceptic

2263 posts

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+1 received by user: 779

Trusted

#308527 17-Mar-2010 22:49

Aww, you didn't let out the smoke did you ?

ALL electronic gear runs on smoke. Let out the smoke and it stops working. If you didn't let out the smoke it will probably still work.

Odds are that it will be fine, if not, then you really shouldn't be allowed anywhere near anything computery - for gawds sake, a safety pin ? I'm quite flummoxed. I mean .. it's probably another story that really shouldn't see the light of day .... :-)

johnr

19282 posts

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Inactive user

#308548 17-Mar-2010 23:13

shakes head next thread

quandum

204 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 5

#308745 18-Mar-2010 13:54

I would suggest sticking your tongue in there to test...but I'm afraid you might actually do it ;-)

I would love to change the world, but they won't give me the source code

#BOFH

vinnieg

2260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#308751 18-Mar-2010 14:03

Just a spark, probably not damaged

smoke and it'll be screwed :)

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Mighty Ape

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wellygary

8810 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5287

#308767 18-Mar-2010 14:28

It is probbaly OK, but until you plug in your new device into the port you are not going to know.

Sparks do not usually mean it has died, This point can be proved with an extension cord, a hot point and a 10 cent coin :)

RedBull

91 posts

Master Geek

#308779 18-Mar-2010 14:50

Thanks for the advice guys :)
I freeeeaked out, wouldnt you if you had sparks flying out of your Laptop?!
I plugged the docking station in and it works (thank god)
I will not be sticking inamimate objects into my laptop EVER again.
Luc x

patatrat

261 posts

Ultimate Geek

#308786 18-Mar-2010 15:11

RedBull:
I will not be sticking inamimate objects into my laptop EVER again.

I'm sure there is a rule 34 joke in there somewhere.

Although, I would suggest not sticking animate object into your laptop either.

Byrned

455 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 27

#309145 19-Mar-2010 14:23

johnr: shakes head next thread

And yet strangely, like all of us, you were compelled to look at this thread