I need help with my cd-rom..?

Question

I have a compaq computer and the cd rom has stopped working. So I was wondering if i could take a cd rom out of a packard bell computer and put it in place of my compaq cd rom. Would the packard bell cd rom work in my compaq computer and if so would u explain step by step how to take the cd rom out of the packard bell and exchange it with the compaq cd rom. Please help..

Answer 1

All recent CD drives are interchangeable. They have the same physical size and matching interface. But check something else first.

A CD can quit working because its software driver gets hosed. I always pop in a Linux Live CD and boot it, to check out hardware that stops working under any operating system.

I assume your computer can boot from a CD and that booting the CD is in the boot-order list ahead of booting from the hard drive. If not set that way in ROM BIOS, you should enter BIOS setup and adjust the settings. Windows preboot may offer a boot order menu, which serves the same purpose. Grab a tech friend for help if needed.

In this case, being able to boot any CD would "prove" that the problem is with the driver, not the hardware. You can try booting the Windows operating system CD that came with either of your computers, or a Linux Live CD.

If that didn't work, open up the case and disconnect all the wires from the rear of the problem CD player. If you can't figure out how, get a tech friend to do it. Then put the wires right back together again and try to run a CD or boot from your test CD. You just checked for dirty or loose plug contacts.

If your CD still doesn't work, now is the time to replace the CD drive with another. If you decide on buying a new one, know that you can upgrade the old CD with any CD-type device, including a dual-layer DVD writer. That's exactly what I did on this old machine. Nothing changes in how the wires connect, only the capabilities (given proper drivers and software).

IMPORTANT: Be sure the slave/master jumper on the replacement CD makes the same selection as the one you remove. If you don't have a clue what this means, ask that tech friend. Improper setting of this jumper can make your CD drive not work. If the replacement CD doesn't work, reverse the selection and see if THAT was your problem!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Take off both pc sides then undo the 4 screws holding the cd rom. Compare it to the new one and ensure the little jumper on the back for master or primary is in the same position and put together the reverse of removal. Take notes of which way the cables plugged in as well. Its real easy , go for it.

Answer 3

that happened to my old gateway once. here are a few awnsers...

1. you could check if it is plugged in.
2. see if a new cd-rom will work and if it does buy a new one.
3. If nothing at all works you may have to buy a new computer. )-:


I hope this helps :-)

Answer 4

Yes
if the hard drive is on the cable with a cd/dvd the jumper is master hard drive cd/dvd slave if the hard drive is on the same cable boot hard drive set jumper to master other drive to slave or leave jumper off it slave on cable with cd/dvd cd/dvd jumper master hard drive jumper slave or leave jumper of BIOS should be set to AUTO DETECT for all
also have a look at if any problems
http://www.buildyourowncomputer.net/learntobuild.html

Answer 5

same thing happened to my p.c and changing the cd.rom worked just fine and it's easy to relace it ...
unplug the p.c and open the casing and you will see some wires attached to the cd.rom(at the top) you just simply remove them and do the same with the other p.c
it's best to put labels on the cables so you know exactly where they go..then connect and it should work...good luck..

Answer 6

yes, they are interchangeable, just take the broke one out and put the other one in, Im me for instructions