i want to install a internal DVD+/-RW+/-R drive.....help?

Question

i want to take either my cd-rom out and replace it with the DVD+/-RW+/-R, or my existing cd-rw drive. can i do that with out messing up anything? i have a dell dimension 3000

Answer 1

I did it about a month ago on a Dimension 3000 without a problem. My comp had an extra bay which I used.
I your case, I'm assuming all your drive bays are used. Replace one of the devices with the DVD recorder and you'll be fine. Set the jumper to cable select.

Answer 2

It's a fairly simple process. A lot of drives require drivers to get them working, so make sure you have a disk with them on it or something before you get started.

All you have to do is open up the case (dimensions have a little release thing ont he back left of the case that allows you to take off the left side panel), make sure it's unplugged and that you have one hand on some metal part of the case and the other hand can work with everything (so that electricty doesn't pass through your heart -- only 1 hand in at a time -- and so that you're grounded and you don't cause static electricity harm to your hardware).

If you want to replace the drive (which may very well be easier), you just need to unplug the cords and unscrew it and take it out, and then simply put the new drive in in the same way and plug in the same plugs to the same place. You will want the jumpers in the back of the drive to meet the other one (or if it is a different manufacturer, you want it to be set as MASTER, most likely)

If you don't, you need to take off the cover of the optical drive bay so that the drive will show from the front of the computer, then put the drive into the bay and screw it in. there might be some metal brackets you need to put on the outside, and then you can just insert it into the bay. Then you need to plug in a power cord from the PSU into the male port with 4 little metal things. You also need to plug it into the motherboard via a scsi cable. You also might have to plug it into the video card, depending on what kind of components you have. And in addition, if the drive is a second drive, you will probably wnat the jumpers in the back set to SLAVE .

It's sort of complicated. You may want to ask dell for help.

Answer 3

it's quite simple, actually. unscrew the cover of your tower, take off the face of the open expansion bay, and snap the drive in. i would test it before putting the cover of the tower back on. The only thing you could do to "mess up" anything is if you messed with the other drives/cords/and such or if you were to snap off one of the prongs for the driver. If you're still nervous, call Dell and ask them to walk you through it while you're on the phone in case something goes wrong or you have more questions. Good luck!

Answer 4

yeah man, no problem, most new drives are just plug and go. they usually come with a cd you install the program with and since you have two drives on your comp you should be able to put the disc in the other one after you hook the new drive up.

Like I said they really practically just start working on there own once you hook them up. The instructions that come with the drive are usually pretty decent as well.

Answer 5

Yes, it is possible. The only thing you need to make sure is to set the jumper (something colorful at the back of the drive) of your new device follows the exact jumper on your soon-to-be-replaced device (funny term, is it?)

The rest, just plug the cable as usual. Voila! Your new device is ready to go.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

you can remove your cd-rw drive and put it in but i suggest you keep them and remove your A drive most programs use a cd now or you can install an external DVD+/-RW+/-R drive my com.has 5 drive slots in it and i have a drive in each

Answer 7

ANOTHER OPTION: purchase a USB external CD-Rom enclosure. plug your new drive there then plug into one of your Dell's USB 2.0 ports. But all the previous posters were dead on in their suggestions.

Good luck.