My Laptop Started Smoking While Off and Unplugged—What Should I Do?
Asked by
CuriousCat123
I have a serious issue with my laptop. While I was tightening screws on the back and it was unplugged, I saw smoke coming from it for a few seconds, and now it won't turn on at all. I opened it up, but I couldn't find any burnt wires. Can anyone help me figure out what went wrong and how I can fix it?
Answers
The fact that it's not turning on could mean you've blown a capacitor or even damaged the battery. It sounds like when you tightened the screws, you may have grounded something incorrectly. Just be careful—laptops have batteries, and parts of them can still have power even when they appear off.
Reply to this answer
You might have accidentally used the wrong screw and hit the lithium battery, which is super dangerous. Those batteries can catch fire if damaged. It's important to be careful about the screw lengths when tightening them. Longer screws can short out the components and lead to smoke coming from your laptop. If you've introduced that much pressure, it could have damaged something critical inside.
GadgetGeek99: Is there any way I can fix this myself or should I take it to a repair shop?
Reply to this answer
It might be that the battery has gone bad from the pressure you applied with those screws. Sometimes things inside can break or short out if the screws aren't the right length. It's crucial to check that out as your next step.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
WorryWart88: I noticed the keyboard lights are coming on, but the display isn't working. Does that mean something specific?