How to Install a DVD/CD Drive on a Dell Computer
If your Dell computer shipped with only a CD-ROM drive, you can upgrade that drive to a CD and DVD writer for less than $100. Installing a CD or DVD reader or writer in your computer is not difficult, and you can do it in a matter of minutes.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- CD or DVD drive
- Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
- User guide
Instructions
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1
Turn off your computer and remove the power cord from the back of the unit. Let the PC sit for a few minutes to make sure that all the electricity has been discharged.
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2
Remove the case from your Dell PC. The exact case removal procedures vary from model to model, so it is a good idea to consult your user's manual if you have one available. For computers that are designed to sit horizontally on a flat surface, the case release lever is probably located on the top of the unit. For tower style computers the release lever for the case is probably located on the side.
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3
Pull the case release lever to loosen the cover, then pull the cover away from the case and set it aside.
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4
Locate the drive bay for the CD or DVD drive. If the computer currently has a CD or DVD drive, look for the connections that run from that drive to the motherboard of the PC, then carefully unhook the flat gray IDE cable and the small white power cable from the back of the existing unit. Then use your screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the existing CD or DVD drive in place and slide it out of the drive bay.
If the computer does not currently have a CD or DVD drive installed, look in the computer case for a flat gray cable with a white connector on it--this is the IDE ribbon cable. One end of this gray cable will be attached to the hard drive and the other end will be attached to the computer's motherboard. Locate the extra connector in the middle of the cable--this will be attached to the new CD or DVD drive.
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5
Attach the flat IDE connection and the small white power cable to the CD or DVD drive. The power cable is a small white connector with four holes designed to fit over the prongs on the back of the CD or DVD drive, while the IDE cable is a flat gray ribbon with a large white connector designed to fit into the slot on the back of the drive.
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Slide the CD or DVD drive into the slot on the computer. In most cases the slot for the drive will located right underneath the hard drive. Once the drive is in place secure it with the screws that came with the drive, then replace the case cover and turn your PC on.
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7
Boot your PC and watch for any messages regarding a change in the system's configuration. Accept any changes and continue to boot your PC. Then right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Explore" from the menu. Look for a "D" or "E" drive--this is your new CD or DVD drive. You can insert a CD or DVD into the drive to make sure it is being recognized by the system.
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