desktop and being out in the cold in the trunk of a car for two days

[2Design]

I am on the road and don't have laptop - so I have my desktop computer with me

I will be on the road Thursday and teaching that night and then going to someone house for the night and will be there through Saturday morning - they have kids - so it would be safer in the car - but this cold weather in virginia will be in the 20s-30s over night it looks like

how will this affect my desktop computer and LCD liguid video screen??
I know I shouldn't plug it in and use for hours after I bring it indoors

Saturday night I will be somewhere where I can unload it and bring in for the next two weeks

suggestions - thoughts and cautions welcomed

[Jersey Devil]

1. Cold itself should be no problem but

if there is any chance that any dampness could have caused frost inside the box don't plug it in until it has had a few days to dry off or you could fry it. I personally wouldn't plug it in unless it has been wrapped tightly in a plastic bag in the car during the cold.

[trotsky]

2. The computer will be fine. As noted, just make sure it is warm and dry

before you plug it in again.

However, I would not take any chances with the LCD panel. I have seen what happens when the liquid freezes (although generally it has to be very cold for that to happen), and it's not worth ruining the investment. Thankfully with its size I would think you could find a closet shelf or something in the house you could put it? Somewhere out of the way.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

3. The LCD screen WILL freeze if left in the cold

Keep it warm or it can be easily damaged beyond (inexpensive) repair.

The rest of the machine will be okay- electronic circuits LIKE cold weather. They actally operate more efficiently when set up in a cold room.