How to Remove a DVD Drive in WindowsXP

Removing the drivers that run a DVD drive or any other installed device is done through the Device Manager screen of Windows XP. Physically removing an optical drive in a laptop is usually just a matter of pressing a release on the bottom of the case. The process of removing a drive from a desktop or tower computer may vary a bit depending on the manufacturer of the PC. The steps below outline the general procedure.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Phillips-head screwdriver

1. Device Manager

   Right-click on “My Computer,” click “Manage,” then on “Device Manager.” Device Manager also can be found under “System Tools” on the Control Panel.

2. DVD Drive Identification

   Expand the DVD/CD-ROM drives list by clicking on the "+" sign next to the words or double-clicking on "DVD/CD-ROM." Right-click the specific DVD drive you want to remove and then click “Uninstall.” Confirm the removal when asked by clicking “OK.”

3. Prepare to physically remove the DVD drive by powering off the equipment and discharging any static electricity by touching the chassis. Then open and remove the cover.

4. DVD Drive Removal

   Locate the power and drive cable to the DVD drive at the back of the drive. Disconnect these from the drive by pulling on the sides of the plastic piece that connects to the DVD, not the wires themselves. Disconnect the drive cable from the system board as well.

5. Remove the drive itself either by pressing on the tabs on each side of the drive or sliding the device release mechanism to the side and then pulling it out of the drive bay. If the drive is housed in a cage either with other drives or separately, it may be necessary to remove the cage first and then unscrew some very small Phillips-head screws that mount the drive in the cage.

6. Insert a drive panel cover in the new empty slot on the front of the PC. Replace the cover, reconnect power and boot up the computer. Verify the success by checking “My Computer” as above to see that the DVD drive is now gone.

Tips & Warnings

• If the DVD drive is Plug and Play, it is possible that simply disconnecting it and then restarting the computer will be enough to remove it from the Windows XP system.

• The power cable, which usually has other power connector extensions on it, stays connected in the computer.

• Before doing anything inside the computer, turn off power, disconnect the power cable and discharge static electricity.

• If at all possible consult the owner’s manual before beginning work.

• If the computer is still under warranty, check whether removing the drive will void the warranty.