How do you remove your the cd-rewriter physically?

Question

I have a Compaq Presario, maybe that helps. Here's what I wanna do: replace the cd-rewriter with a dvd-rewriter. Do I also have to uninstall the cd-rewriter first or is it not necessary?

I meant: how do you remove your cd-rewriter?

Answer 1

If you can unscrew some screws and unplug some cables installing and removing drives is easy. Don't be intimidated by the computer! You will most likely be able to keep your cd-rw drive AND install the DVD writer so that your computer has both. Unless you have tons of extra hardware (cd drives and such), the deciding factor would be space in the front of your computer. If you have an open 'drive bay' to put the new drive in, you can keep them both. In that case, ignore the below instructions about removing the drive. But to answer your specific question:

Tools required: phillips head screwdriver, good lighting, uncluttered workspace, patience

Step 1: With the computer on, remove any disc from the CD drive. You'd be surprised how many people lose discs when they remove a cd drive and chuck it.

Step 2: Shut down windows and unplug the computer from the wall, for safety's sake.

Step 3: Remove the case from the computer, or just the side of the case. This depends on your case. Tip: Most cases made in the last decade or so were designed to be easy to remove so look for hints from the manufacturer about the easiest way to do so. Also you manuals would have details about removing the cover.

Step 4: If you are going to take out the cd drive so that you only have the new dvd drive installed: remove the cables from the back of the existing cd drive. Once the case is off, you'll see that your cd drive has several cables attached to its back. A power cable (4 prong), a data cable (wide flat ribbon cable) , and maybe some thin audio cables. You should be able to simply pull firmly on the connectors (not the cables themselves) to remove them from the drive. The smaller audio cables may have a little plastic tab to press which when pushed will make them easier to remove.

Step 4a: If you're gonna attach the new drive without removing the old drive, you'll need to find a power connector inside the computer that will be long enough to reach the new drive. Also the ribbon cable that connects to the first drive probably has another connector in the middle of the cable: you can use that to attach it to the drive.

Step 4b: If you are going to use the two drives: There is probably some kind of black plastic jumper slid over pairs of pins on the back of the cd-rom drive, next to where the big ribbon cable fits. Make sure the new drive is configured as "slave" or as "cable select." If after you install the drive, it won't work with windows you may need to change the jumper to a different setting. Not a big deal, but unless both drives are set to Cable Select, they need one to be on master and the other slave.

Step 5: physically remove the drive. It is likely held into the computer's frame by several phillips-head style screws (but some modern cases use plastic locks that you slide to unlock). Unscrew them, but keep an idea in your head as to how it was installed as you'll want to copy it when you screw in the new drive. You probably will push the drive through the front of the machine to remove it, once you take out the screws.

Step 6: slide the new drive into the front of the machine, making sure it is rightside up.

You may want to pass the power cable and ribbon cable through the front of the machine and connect them to the drive before you slide it into the machine as working inside the tight frame is tough sometimes.

Step 7: Attach said cables. The ribbon cable has a plastic block on one side to make sure that you can only attach it to the dvd drive correctly (the back of the drive has a corresponding hole for the ribbon cable tab).

Step 8: Screw (or attach) the drive into the case the way the old drive was attached.

Step 9: Plug the computer back in (yes without the case on) and after making sure that nothing will fall into the computer (water, screws, screwdriver etc) boot it up and let Windows install a driver for the new drive (or you install it as per instructions). Once you know it works, you can shut down the computer again and unplug it. If it doesn't work, check the connectors!

Step 10: Close the case, screw it back on, plug it in again, and go!

Answer 2

It may vary with different computer cases, however, it's normally quite easy.

Make sure your PC is powered off & unplugged before you start.

Discharge any static electricity you may be carrying by tapping your fingers on the metal chassis inside the PC....static may damage some internal components.

Firstly. unplug the IDE cable & the power cable that connect the CD drive to the mother board.

Next, there are usually 4 screws holding the CD drive onto a metal frame on both sides. Remove the screws.

You should now be able to push & slide the drive outwards of the
PC.

Intall the new one reversing this process.

Helpful detailed instructions on how to add a second CD drive:
http://www.epinions.com/content_1717018756

regards,
Philip T

Answer 3

Go in device manager (right click my computer>hardware tab> device manager button) and uninstall the drivers for the drive before putting in new one. It is always best to clear the device out of the system (registry, irq settings, etc) because conflicts can occur if not properly removed in some cases..

Answer 4

you dont have to remove it from the system softwarewise if that is your question.

just take the old one out and put the new one in its place. same mounting spot, same cables. boot up and everything will sort itself out.
even the drive letter will be the same.
i know it is hard to believe, but it is really as easy as that.

Answer 5

not necessary, windows will do the job

ermmm. that is if you're using windows