How to Make an External CD-ROM Drive Work

A CD-ROM drive allows a computer to access information stored on a CD-ROM disk. Older computers and laptops may not have a CD-ROM drive. Sometimes a computer user may want to add an external CD-ROM drive even if they have an internal one, in order to make copies of CD-ROMs. Making an external CD-ROM drive work with your computer only requires a few items and a few steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• External CD-ROM drive
• Connecting cable (most likely USB cable for modern drives)
• Manufacturer's software drivers

1. Turn off the computer before connecting any device.

2. Connect the external CD-ROM drive to the computer using the appropriate cable. Most modern drives will use a USB cable but some older ones may use a serial or parallel cable for this connection. The cable, regardless of type, will only connect in one way and should not be forced. If the external CD-ROM drive has a separate power supply, connect that at this time as well to an electrical outlet.

3. 
    
   Found New Hardware notification

   Power up the computer as you normally would. Depending on your operating system and the make and model of the drive you are installing, the system may recognize and install the appropriate drivers for you. If this happens you will be notified with a pop-up window or message box.

4. Install the manufacturer's drivers for the external CD-ROM drive. This is recommended even if your operating system found the device and installed generic drivers for you. This will help optimize the use of the device with your system.

5. Reboot the computer system to ensure that all drivers have completed the installation process and that the operating system recognizes the external CD-ROM drive. You can now test the drive by inserting a CD-ROM and trying to access it through the My Computer icon on your desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to the manufacturer's website if possible to ensure that you have the very latest drivers available for your particular make and model of external drive.
• Never turn off your computer when it is in the process of installing new devices. Connect new devices to your computer only when it is turned off.

References

• Computing.net: Install External CD-ROM Drive
• CNET Forums: Install External CD-ROM Drive Manually