How to Install a Drive to RIP, Play & Burn DVDs & CDs

Typical DVD drive

A DVD burner is a disc drive that can play and burn DVDs and CDs. Burning a disc is the process of copying information to a DVD or CD. Ripping, the process of copying the contents of a DVD or CD to the computer's hard drive, is a software function and is not specific to a type of DVD burner as long as it can read DVD and CDs. All DVD burners are designed to be able to read and write/burn DVDs and CDs.

Things You'll Need

• DVD burner
• Computer
• Phillips head screwdriver (non-magnetized)
• Data cable (either IDE or SATA depending on the drive)
• Power cable (either molex or SATA depending on the drive)
• Molex to SATA power adapter (if necessary)
• Audio cable
• Motherboard manual

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer to avoid electrical shock, and remove both side panels to access the inside of the computer.

2. Remove the filler piece on the front of the case to where the drive is to go. The filler piece is about an inch high and about 5 inches long. It can be removed by pushing the piece from the outside. Some cases have a metal filler piece as well, which can be removed by alternately pushing in and out on the piece until it comes loose.

3. Insert the DVD burner into the case from the front. Push it in until the side screw holes align with the screw holes on the case.

4. Screw the drive in on both sides to secure it.

5. Connect the data cable from the back of the DVD burner to the motherboard. The back of the DVD burner has two connector ports. The left is for data, the right is for power.

6. Connect the power cable from the power supply unit to the back of the DVD burner. If the computer does not have SATA power cables, but the DVD burner is an SATA drive, use a molex to SATA adapter.

7. Connect the audio wire from the DVD burner to the motherboard. The audio wire is included with the burner and is two thin wires connected together with a thin, rectangular connector on each end. Refer for the motherboard user manual for the exact location of the audio connector, as it is different with every brand.

8. Replace the side panels to close the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If the DVD burner came with a software disc, insert it into the drive and install the software to view and burn DVDs. CDs can be ripped, played and burned using Windows Media Player. DVD ripping programs can be purchased or downloaded, but ripping DVDs may violate copyright laws.

References

• Tune-up: How to install a DVD or CD burner