Cleaning thermal paste from CPU socket

[Dabombinable]

I was putting together my LGA775 rig as a test bench this morning, and whilst checking that I had the correct CPU (X5450) I accidently dropped it onto the socket upside down. And since the CPU had thermal paste on it the part of the socket touched by the CPU got covered in thermal paste (MX-4). Is there a way I can clean it out properly as my current attempts have failed and I can't get the motherboard to post. (If cleaning doesn't solve the non-post issue I'll go to troublshooting and post there-I've done everything in the pinned post and the thermal paste is the only possible cause for the motherboard not posting).

[harrynowl]

Pour a good amount of 99% alcohol into the socket then let it dry naturally. Pretty sure that should work.

[Enderman]

use compressed air to blow the paste off the pins

 

oh and btw you always put thermal paste on a cpu AFTER you put it in the socket.

[Toddwjp]

add some isoprop, let it disolve, rince with more prop. then wait for dry

[lx_srs]

Pour a good amount of 99% alcohol into the socket then let it dry naturally. Pretty sure that should work.

This.

[orangecat]

You could try using a toothpick to scrape some off.

[Dabombinable]

Sorry for not quoting but I'm on my tablet and none of the browsers let me.|
I only have access to methylated spirits as both my CD cleaning kits are missing, would it do the job instead?
I've tried scraping out the thermal paste and it doesn't work that well.

[Wiflare]

It might be beyond repair, an image of it would help develop a plan of action.

[lx_srs]

You could try using a toothpick to scrape some off.

Don't do this.  Chances are you'll just spread it around.

[bloodstrike11]

Try indigo thermal paste cleaner. You can find it at frozen cpu.

[Dabombinable]

It might be beyond repair, an image of it would help develop a plan of action.

(got quotes working) I managed to get it posting once after removing the thermal paste (found some isoprop) only to have the North and South bridges start smoking. Beyond repair doesn't even describe it.