How to Replace a Laptop DVD/CD ROM Drive

At some point in the life of a laptop computer, the owner may wish to replace the CD/DVD drive, either to upgrade to a faster/better model, or because the original drive has bitten the dust. With a little preparation, most laptop CD drives are relatively easy to replace.

Things You'll Need

• Small Phillips screwdriver (#0 or #1)

Instructions

1. Turn off the laptop and unplug the AC adapter. Remove the battery.

2. Turn over the laptop. The CD drive is normally held in place by only one or two small screws, located towards the middle of the computer. Sometimes, there is a picture of a CD drive next to the screw. Many times, the screw is underneath a label, necessitating the removal of the label.

3. Remove the screws.

4. With the screws removed, the old drive should slide out easily. Slide out the drive.

5. Slide the new drive into the case, and replace the screws.

6. Boot up the laptop. Install driver software if necessary, and make sure that the drive is recognized by the operating system.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have difficulty removing the old drive, sometimes it helps to start up the computer, eject the tray, and turn it off again with the tray ejected. This gives you something to hold on to in order to slide the old drive out of the case.

• If the new drive comes with drivers on a CD, and if the old drive still works, make sure you download the drivers onto your hard drive before replacing the drive, or it may be difficult to install the drivers.

• If the old drive is broken, but the new one requires drivers, most drive manufacturers have the drivers available for download on their respective websites.

• If the laptop is still under warranty, replacing the CD drive yourself may void that warranty.

• Make sure that the new drive is compatible with your laptop model. An incompatible drive may install registry keys that cause the computer to act sporadically, or to not recognize the new drive at all.

References

• Laptop Repair