USB flash drives and water.

[Tom Mitchell]

On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 06:52 Ian Bruntlett <ian.bruntlett at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have a couple of USB flash drives that *might* have gone in the washing
> machine a few days ago. They seem to be bone dry.
>
> I am wondering - can I risk connecting them up to a computer to see if
> they are still working? Or should I do something else? I have a USB
> extension lead - would that be of help?
>

Some will be fine.   The classic drying agent is rice.  Toss the USB device
in a bag with a cup of dry rice.  Allow it to dry for a couple days.

Isolate the rice, dry in a warm oven or discard. Rice does risk a toxic
fungus/bacteria so reuse as a drying agent or discard.   Do save those do
not eat silica gel packets.  They work better than rice. Refresh them in a
warm oven.

An external powered USB hub is less expensive than computer repair.  Many
are fully encased with plastic and can be used after drying with paper
towel.
-- 
Tinny keyboard.. Mobile ... I am
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