Replacing a DVD or CD drive is a very simple process.

Many of you have computer systems that you wish to upgrade.   This is a very simple process and should take less then 5 minutes.  You will also save money doing it yourself rather then bringing it somewhere to have it done. You will be amazed how simple it is, and wonder why anyone would spend $50-$100.00 to install something like this.

What you will need.

1. Philips Head Screwdriver, no magnetic heads please. Magnets and computers are not friends!
2. Bowl or Cup to hold the screws.

Step 1.

Unplug your computer.  Take the power cord out of the back of the computer or pull the plug out of the wall.  Simply shutting off the computer is not enough.  A touch in the wrong spot can cause serious damage to your computer even when its shut off, so pull the plug to prevent this.

Step 2.

Touch something metal.  We want to get rid of any static electricity that you might have.  Now lets open your computer case.  Most of the time there will be 2-6 screws on the edges of the computer case.   Take the sides off the computer.  The case itself might come off  in 1 big piece or 2 pieces depending on what computer you have. Put the screws in the bowl or cup.

Step 3.

Locate the drive you wish to replace. Make sure you looking at the correct drive. Some computers have more then one DVD or CD drive.

Step 4.

There maybe up to 3 connectors to remove, however there will always be at least 2 connectors.  Connector one (the closest to you) will be the power connector (White connector).  Grip it firm and pull.  The second connector is the IDE cable, it’s very wide.  Twisting your wrist slightly from left to right while pulling -  it should come out very easy.  The third connector which is not always there is the audio cable. This  is on the far side of the DVD drive and should be a little black plug with a clip at the top.  Push the clip down and simply pull it out.

Step 5.

Now that all the wires are out, look for the screws that are holding the drive in place.  There can be as many as 4 on each side.  Once removed put them in the bowl so you don’t lose them.  Once you remove the screws - tap the back of the drive and push it forward.  Grab hold of it and pull it out.

Step 6.

This step is the reason that 99% of the time CD and DVD drives are not working and people assume they are broken, when they aren’t.   It’s called the jumper settings.  On the back of the drive your going to replace you will see a set of pins with a little tiny clip (3x2 rows of pins).  Marked on the DVD/CD it will show a small diagram with 3 options - Slave, Master and Cable Select (CBL).  The new drive must have the same jumper setting as the old drive for it to work. This lets the computer know where on the IDE cable (The wide cable you pulled out) your new drive is.  If you get this part wrong the computer will not notice your new drive and it will not work.  Simply look at the pins on your old drive and make sure that the little clip (jumper) is in the same spot as your new drive. If it isn’t, just pull the jumper out (you need small hands or a pair of tweezers) and put it in the correct spot.  Try not to drop it, its hard to find in a carpet :)

Step 7

Slide the drive through the top and make it flush with the rest of the case.  Put 1-2 screw in hold it steady.  If you can't see the back of the drive you may need a flashlight.

Step 8

Putting cables back in - this may be a pain because you’re in small cramped area - just take your time. Do not force any cables - you may break or bend pins on the drive and this you don’t want.  When putting the cables back in, I recommend putting the IDE cable in first (the wide cable) because it’s in the middle. You can put the power and audio plugs in from the left and right side. .

Step 9.

Plug the computer back in, leave the case off.  Power the computer on.  Make sure the computer recognizes the new drive before putting the case back on.  Let the computer boot to the desktop and see if it finds new hardware.  Test the new drive; see if it can read a CD / DVD.


* There are some cases that require the sides to be on before it will power on.

Step 10.

Look at your computer. Make sure the drive is flush with the computer - you want it to look nice as well as work correctly.

Step 11.

Unplug the computer again and screw in the rest of the screws to hold the drive in place.  Put the case back on the computer and screw that in place.

Step 12.

Congratz your done - you just saved yourself time and cash.