How to Replace the DVD Drive on a Dell Inspiron 2500

Unless you order custom options, the Dell Inspiron 2500 ships with a read-only CD-ROM drive.

In its default configuration, the Dell Inspiron 2500 notebook includes a 24x CD-ROM drive without the ability to burn discs or view DVD movies. In addition to limiting your ability to play media, the CD-ROM drive can hamper the installation of software due to the fact that many of today's programs and games ship on DVDs rather than CDs. Replace the CD-ROM drive of your Inspiron 2500 to resolve this issue.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Compatible CD or DVD drive

Instructions

1. Turn the Inspiron 2500 off, disconnect it from the power supply and remove the battery.

2. Lay a towel across a sturdy work surface to avoid scratching the lid of the Inspiron 2500. Place the computer face down on the towel so that the underside faces you. Slightly off-center on the underside of the CD-ROM drive, you will find a single screw anchoring the drive to the computer.

3. Remove the anchor screw for the CD-ROM drive. With the screw removed, the flat rod on the underside of the drive can be moved.

4. Use the flat rod to pull the CD-ROM drive out of the system.

5. Insert the replacement CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and replace the screw.

References

• Dell Inspiron 2500 Service Manual: Fixed Optical Drive

Resources

• List of Dell Inspiron 2500 Part Numbers