Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone. What if one accidentally spilled water or any liquid on his external HDD, what would one do to save the data and even the hardware? Are there any tips to do to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the hardware?
Of course don't use your HDD if it is still wet. All you have to do is wait until the External HDD is dry. You unplug your HDD from your PC or Laptop and let it dry. What you need to be afraid of being the controller that communicates the data from the hard drive platters to the computer might fry. Wait until the casing of your HDD is dry, and try to turn it on. If it is not working anymore, you can open the case and get the hard drive if you want to save the files on your external HDD.
Here is some instruction on how to open the case and get the hard drive, but i am not sure if your external HDD is the same in the HDD i used to instruct.
Locate the two rubber pads on the bottom of the enclosure near the front, curved surface. Remove these two pads. Depress the two tabs below using a small flathead screwdriver.
Slide the clear plastic LED front panel conduit forward and remove.
Rotate the hard drive/carrier assembly sideways and then lift away from the case.
 Remove the two screws holding the metal connector casing. Slide it upwards and remove it.
Slide the circuit board upwards (away from the drive), just like you did for the metal casing.
Remove the 4 screws holding the hard drive to the metal carrier. You’ll see that it is a standard 3.5″ desktop SATA drive, and you are done.
Hope this tip can help you.
Thanks
If it is an external hard drive, it should be fine if you spilled water on top by accident because the top or the exterior of the drive is sealed. But you need to check if the USB port got wet. Disconnect the USB cable if it is connected then wipe the wet area.
To prolong the life of your hard drive and to protect the data, protect the drive from getting wet. Avoid placing the drive near a wet area or something that has liquid like a glass of water. If you are drinking a cup of coffee or a glass of juice, place your glass away from your external hard drive.
