How to Convert an Internal CD Drive to External

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By G. K. Bayne
eHow Contributing Writer

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With the advance of USB technology, adding an external CD drive to any computer with an USB port is a simple task. If you happen to have an extra, or older internal CD drive, it is a simple task to convert the internal drive to an external USB drive. All you will need is an optical drive conversion enclosure, which can be found at most stores that carry electronics or at many online retailers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

USB Optical Drive Enclosure
USB cable
Drivers CD (for older versions of Windows)

Step 1

Insert the internal CD drive into the enclosure, following the enclosure manufacturer's instructions. An enclosure may be as simple to use as sliding the CD drive inside and connecting the adapter. Other enclosures may have to be fitted around the CD drive, and require a screwdriver or other tools to complete.
Step 2

Connect one end of the USB cable to the CD drive.
Step 3

Connect the other end to your computer's USB port.
Step 4

Verify that either your Windows or Mac operating system recognizes the new drive. On both systems, a new window will appear on your desktop confirming the new hardware.
Step 5

Use the CD drive the same way you would any other drive on your computer.

Tips & Warnings

On older versions of Windows, such as Windows 98, you may have to install the drivers that came with the enclosure to get the operating system to recognize the new drive properly. Once the internal CD drive has been converted to an external drive, it can be used with any computer that has an USB port. For some enclosures to work correctly, you may have to change the jumpers on the CD drive itself to designate it as a "master" drive. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to do this. The external CD drive may be a bit slower though the USB port than if it were installed internally. In most applications, the slowdown is not noticed at all.
Some external enclosures will do both CD drives and hard drives. Some enclosures will only work with one or the other type drive. Make sure you purchase an enclosure that works with CD drives.

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