First and foremost, you will have to launch yourself into immediate action. Seconds can make the difference between whether your laptop lives or dies. Your first move should be to unplug the laptop from it's power source. If you are running on battery power alone, immediately begin removing the back cover so that you can get to the battery. This will likely require a screwdriver, so hopefully you have one nearby.
Once you have removed the battery, dry it completely, and set it off to the side. Move quickly on to the next step, which is taking the memory sticks out. Most computers have two, but this varies by model. This too will likely require a screwdriver. As soon as you get these out, dry them with a paper towel, and store them in a safe place, preferably not near a power source, as static can damage them.
If you know a great deal about computers, you can remove other parts, and dry them individually. However, if you are like most, you should leave the rest of the parts alone. Pull out your hairdryer, and go to work drying these other parts. Every nook and cranny should be covered. It make take you a while, but do not stop until you are completely satisfied that all parts are completely dry.
You may be tempted to test your laptop at this point, but you really should wait at least twenty-four hours. This is because no matter how long you used the hair dryer, there is no way to be absolutely certain that everything is completely dry. This waiting period will allow time for any other moisture to evaporate. During this down time, you may wish to remove your computer keys and clean them. This may not be necessary if it was water that was spilled, but if it was anything with sugar in it, they are going to be sticky.
The moment of truth comes the next day. Carefully reassemble the parts you removed, and give it a go. If it works, consider yourself extremely lucky, and never put liquids near your laptop again. If not, well, it is time for a new laptop.
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