Internet Aired Out

[Stewy13 0]

Well just tonight I was cleaning my room when I thought it would be a good idea to do the same to my computer and I remembered that someone had given us a Air can so i decided to but that to use.

I sparyed my graphics card fan and my main fan because of all the dusk and then I decided that it might be a good idea to reinstall my modem because my computer wasn't ramdomly crashing (Which I thought was due to overheating) So I tried to put the modem in but it didn't fit right so I decided it would be best not to.

Well now my internet was acting weird so I restarted it and when everything was loaded my MSN wouldn't load up nor would my Weather program, and then a screen poped up saying my Ethernet wasn't installed so I clicked like I usally do (Next, Next) and then it said it couldn't install but if I wanted it could look up on the net, well having no internet that wouldn't work so I stole my wireless internet receiver from my other computer so I could get it and after trying it couldn't get the right program.

So here I am wondering if the spray can shot out some liquid messing up the built-in Network card or if my computer is just being stupid and I need an awnser soon because the other computer needs the receiver back.

Thank you Simtroplis because I know you will help me fix this.

[hym 358]

The air can may have sprayed water on the modem.  There is nothing wrong with using compressed air to clean dust off of computer components, but NEVER hold the thing for more than a half-second blast.  Holding it longer significantly increases the chance of the canister spraying liquid on the parts and ruining them.

[Stewy13 0]

Well I do know that you are suppost to only use quick blast but the problem is that I did but it shot it out right away. Also where I did blast was no-where near the Ethernet.

[bourneid 13]

    Well with air cans it depends on how it was used...I know this sounds like "no da" but when you use compressed are inside your PC you need to use short burst...being compressed it can create condensation when constant pressure is aplied to the trigger. As to how to fix it ?? possabley if no damage was done when trying to use the card if there was condensation in the connection pins once it dries out you may be able to get it to work....though the damage may have already been done.
    Also make sure that you did in fact get the card completely seated. Also, dumb question but you did have the computer shut off during this didnt you? I ask because I had a buddy from work make the mistake of doing a little "work" on his PC while it was still running.....not a good idea...lets just say that he will not make the mistake on his new computer.

[Stewy13 0]

Well then maybe this is my fault because I did infact try to install the modem while the PC was on, my bad?

Also I did blow the fans when it was on too but like I said it was no where near the Ethernet area

[hym 358]

Generally speaking, it's wise not to work on the system hardware when the machine is on.

[Stewy13 0]

Well my computer knows its there but it says it needs an updated driver but in the back of my PC it isn't flashing green like it should plus in Network Connections it doesn't say Local Conection just 1394 and the wireless connection so I'm not sure whats what so is there something I just need to find on the internet because this computer doesn't have any CD's unless I request for them but thats going to cost me 2 weeks....

[hym 358]

Do some looking on the Internet.  Someone else has doubtless had this problem before and has probably posted a solution, although you might need to do some deep digging to find it.

[Meg 368]

It sounds odd but there is a lot to be said for carefully vacuuming the outside of your CPU.  There are a variety of air intake vents that can get clogged with dust, especially if you have the CPU on the floor under the desk.  I maintain the computers for several relatives and it's amazing how much dust the vacuum can draw out of the CPU.

[organicsabre 1]

Advice:-

Don't hold the aircan upsidedown, do a quick squirt on the back of your hand before using to get any residue condensation out of the nozel. After 3 or 4 squirts, repeat (back of hand bit)

Never install hardware while the machine is running, it confuses windows and can cause hardware conflicts!!!

Make sure the device is snug in its PCI slot.

Follow Skigeeks advice, a carfull vacume using a small cylinder vac and the plastic edge nozel, just hover the nozel close to the items (don't put it on them, I've seen it happen!!!) it will suck up all the dust, you'd be amazed at what cloggs up your system after 6 months!!!

[Skink000 0]

I agree Ski,

Last summer had the chance to put together a machine that will probably have to last a good number of years and it aint on the floor. Kept prevoius machines in dust city on the floor and dust gets into fan bearings which kills fans which can kill everything. Dust would coat everything and act like insulation holding in heat, not a good thing. Only problem now is where to put huge photoprinter (Canon i9900)? I have a big desk but not that big. 

[Stewy13 0]

Alright, well the problem is solved. I have no idea what I did but I removed my graphics card and this weird card that has slots that I have never seen before anyways I rearranged them and installed the modem succesfully and then the worst happened It wouldn't start up so I was like "Oh crap I ****** it up and I'm out like $300-$400 so that means no trip to Toronto or no chance of getting a laptop any time soon. Well then I got in a rage so I took the air can and blow the heck outta that damn machine then I sat down and stared at the computer for awhile.

What struck me odd though was that the little light on the back was still on so I unplugged the cord from the back waited for it to die and then put it back in and bang, it starts up no problem. After waiting for the thing to load up I get hit with the install screens, oh please Computer God (To some of you Bill Gates, or is he the devil? Anyways) please work, after going through all of them I didn't get one for the Ethernet so I'm thinking aww man I might have to switch computers and use the lesser computer then I saw some green, I look at the computer and there the slightest light of green coming from inside there, I looked at the back and TA-DA it was working.

I want to thank all of those who tried to help me and I really can't thank you enough because if it wasn't for the quick replies I would have done something stupid.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

for general cleaning of things like fans, there is nothing like a vacuum cleaner. Air blasts can blast you out of business, yes?