How to Install a CD Burner in a Home Computer

CD burners allow a greater flexibility in transfer and storing of data than ever before. In the past a user may have had to pay for this installation, but no more. Not with today's technology advancements make it possible to do it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Flathead screw driver
• Phillips head screw driver

Instructions

1. Unplug the home computer and remove the case. Some of the older machines require the use of a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the casing to the CPU. However most newer machines have a one latch system for removing the casing. This latch is typically on the back top of the home computer and just requires the installer to press and move the latch away from the home computer.

2. Remove an old or broken CD burner before replacing with a new one in the home computer. Locate the old drive and remove the screws holding it in place. Then unplug the ribbon cable and the power source from the old burner. The burner should now be totally detached from the computer and is now ready to be replaced.

3. Locate an open bay if the CD burner is not replacing an old or broken burner. An open bay is indicated on the front of the home computer with a plastic plate that is roughly the same size as the new CD Burner. If one does not exist then an external CD burner is the option. An external CD Burner connects to home computer by USB cable and is not installed inside.

4. Find the jumper settings on the back of the CD burner and set it to slave. Different drives have different jumper settings, so consult the manual that came with the CD burner to establish what to do to set your jumper settings to slave.

5. Ensure that the plastic bay protector at the front of the computer has been removed. The bay protector can be removed with a flathead screwdriver in most cases. Now insert the new CD burner in the open bay in the computer. Then secure the bay by putting the screws in that came with the CD vurner or from the old drive if the drive is a replacement.

6. Locate the ribbon cable and the 4-pin power connector that are inside the CPU of the computer. Insert both of these item into the available slot in the back of the new CD burner.

7. Restart the computer and verify that the new CD burner is recognized and installed correctly. To do this open up the My Computer icon on the desktop or on the start menu. The CD burner should now appear as a drive. If it does not appear check the cables and the jumper settings before restarting again. Now put the casing back on the CPU. The CD burner should now be ready for the software to be installed.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ground yourself when working inside the computer. Do this by touching something metal other than the computer before starting. Static electricity can damage a computer.