How to Install a DVD-ROM Burner to a Laptop

A DVD burner is the drive that allows you to write data or video/audio files on a DVD disk. The amount of information that can be written to a DVD is typically 4.7 GB. However, double-layer DVD burners can write up to 8.5 GB of data on a disk. Devices with a LightScribe-enabled optical drive allow you to burn DVD labels as well.

An installation of a new DVD burner on your laptop may be required due to the failure of the original hardware or as an upgrade from a CD/DVD-ROM (read only) drive.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop DVD burner
• Paper clip

Instructions

1. Switch off the laptop.

2. 

   Insert an edge of a paper clip into the emergency eject hole of the DVD drive to open it. Gently pull out the disk tray.

3. 

   Locate two screws (one on some laptop models) on the back laptop panel that secure the DVD drive. You may need to consult your laptop manual for the information specific to your laptop.

4. Unscrew the screws and carefully pull the DVD drive out of the laptop.

5. Insert the DVD burner on the place of the old drive and slide it all the way down.

6. Complete the hardware installation by securing the DVD burner with the screws you removed in Step 4.

References

• Upgrading & Fixing Laptops For Dummies; Corey Sandler; 2005

Resources

• Laptop DVD Burner