How to Change a DVD ROM Drive

Optical drives are easily replaced, especially if they're the same drive.

Changing a DVD read only memory (ROM) drive is a matter of removing the current drive and mounting the new one in its place and then attaching cables and sometimes setting jumpers. When the two drives are identical it is easy, but there are complications when going from an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) drive to Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) drive, such as finding an available port or adding a controller card. Download a specialty software when changing from a DVD ROM to a DVD read-write drive to make the transition work.

Things You'll Need

• DVD ROM or DVD RW drive
• Data cable
• Available data port or adapter
• Power lead
• Screwdriver set
• Anti-static wrist strap

Instructions

1. Power down the computer and remove the power cable.

2. Remove the case cover and disconnect the power, data and compact disc (CD) music cables from the existing DVD ROM drive if it is an IDE type of drive or remove the power and data cables from the drive if using a SATA type of drive, which does not have a CD music cable.

3. Remove the screws that hold the existing drive in place and slide the drive out through the front of the computer.

4. Set the IDE master, slave and cable select jumper on the new drive to the same position it is set to on the old drive if using an IDE drive.

5. Slide the new drive into the case and attach the screws to the drive leaving them a little loose until the final alignment with the front face plate is made.

6. Reconnect the power, data and CD music cables to the new drive if using an IDE type of drive, or connect the power and data cables if using an SATA drive.

7. Install an SATA adapter card into an available PCI slot if using an SATA drive to replace an IDE drive and there are no SATA ports on the motherboard to use. Connect the SATA data cable to the new adapter card and then to the drive. Remove any unused cables from the computer.

8. Install the software that came with the drive when the system finishes recognizing the new hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• SATA drives do not use jumper settings because only one drive can attach to a cable.

• Use an antistatic wrist strap when working inside a computer to prevent damage from static electricity. Always perform a backup of important information before working on the inside of the computer.

References

• HighSpeedBackbone: Technology Guide : Installing an Optical CD DVD BlueRay Drive

Resources

• Western Digital: Jumper Settings