How to Install Mac-Compatible DVD Burners

DVD burners are optical computer drives that encode or "burn" data onto DVDs so you can store information from your computer on DVD. Mac-compatible DVD burners are available for every Mac model, including the latest Mac Mini. You can upgrade your CD burners or other optical drives to be able to do more with your Mac. A Mac compatible DVD burner will allow you to store information on DVD as well as do things like watch DVD movies and listen to music recorded on DVD.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac Mini computer
• Internal DVD (or other optical) drive
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Putty knife

Install Mac-Compatible DVD Burner for the Mac Mini

1. Power down your Mac Mini so it is completely turned off. Then unplug all of its cables from the wall and the computer. Touch a metal part of the case to diffuse any static electricity.

2. Turn the Mini upside down and put it on top of a towel or cloth with the Apple logo's leaf facing you.

3. Insert a putty knife between the silver outer case and the plastic inner case. It should go in about 3/4 in. Bend back the putty knife until the case pops free, then repeat it on the other side.

4. Pull the white plastic case, near the vent, up and away from you until it is free.

5. Take the AirPort antenna board and pull it off of its posts. If you do not have AirPort installed, you can skip this step. Remove the yellow tape that keeps the button cable secured to the black plastic. Then, unscrew the three black Phillips-head screws that keep the logic board and plastic framework together.

6. Lift the top unit so you can see inside the computer. If you have AirPort or Bluetooth installed, you will need to disconnect those cables.

7. Remove four Phillips-head screws that connect the optical drive to the black plastic framework.

8. Peel off the yellow tape that keeps the Bluetooth cable secured to the black plastic. Then, pull the Bluetooth antenna board from its slot.

9. Turn over the unit and carefully remove the fan cables and speaker cables.

10. Flip the device over again. With both thumbs, push the optical drive away from you while holding the plastic framework. The drive will pop free. Lift it and its interface board off.

11. Unscrew the two silver Phillips-head screws that hold together the optical drive and its interface board. You have now un-installed an optical drive and can replace it with a Mac compatible DVD burner.

12. Put the computer back together by following these instructions in reverse order. However, this time install your new Mac-compatible DVD burner instead of the optical drive that was already in your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure about your ability to install a DVD drive on your Mac, you can pay somebody else to do it. A computer repair service or possibly the store where you bought the drive will be able to do the installation for you.