also @ TechSpot: Internet Defense League seeks to protect online freedom

TechSpot

I just washed a USB key...

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by MYOB, Feb 14, 2005.

  1. MYOB Newcomer, in training

    In the 40 degree (celcius) cycle in my washing machine

    Nothing much important on it, but any chance of getting it to work again?
  2. StormBringer Newcomer, in training

    if no soap dries in it and you allow it to dry thoroughly for a few days, its quite possible. Although, if any moisture gets trapped in the plastic cover, its prolly going to kill itself and possibly the USB port when you use it again.
  3. Nodsu Newcomer, in training

    A coworker of mine washed his generic USB key.
    All the data was intact after drying it off.
    Now it just smells of washing powder :p
  4. MYOB Newcomer, in training


    In light of that, I think I'll try it first on an expendable machine (I have plenty... Dell laptops with no batteries that run as nothing more than test monkeys)

    Being the impatient bugger that I am, I just hairdryered it. And it works! No data loss, nothing wrong except it now smells of Surf and the Disgo logo and the logo of the company who gave it to me (freebe) are gone....
  5. Phantasm66 Newcomer, in training

    LOL!!!

    Hehe that was really funny.

    Actually, I am sorry to hear that.

    I have washed things (not unlike) that before, so I do feel your pain.
  6. LNCPapa TS Special Forces

    I've heard from many people that if you simply wash it again with just water and are patient enough to let it dry completely out it should be fine. I've never done it myself though.
  7. Phantasm66 Newcomer, in training

    I heard once that even some fairly electronic things can survive if soaked and then left to dry for like.... a year..!
  8. MYOB Newcomer, in training

    Considering its working now, I don't want to tempt fate by washing it again....
  9. AtK SpAdE TechSpot Chancellor

    Washed many things

    My dad did my laundry (which is ussualy my moms job) he washed my PDA. He realized it was in there after a while. (loud noise). I let it dry and waa-laa it still works.

    Sean


    BTW-The PDA i had before this was run over by my moms car, so i dont have very good luck with them