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Thread ID: 28208 2002-12-13 07:59:00 Replacing CD-ROM with CD-RW nzotago (2257) Press F1
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105680 2002-12-13 07:59:00 Hello All,

I am very keen on getting a CD-RW drive and having been looking at external options but was wondering if replacing my old CD_ROM drive (I only have two 5.25 bays) is a viable option for someone with middle of the road computer skills.

Anyone with advice on this or if you know of information on the net I would greatly appreciate it.

Merry Xmas

Nathan
nzotago (2257)
105681 2002-12-13 08:18:00 Hey

So your familiar with changing hardware in your PC then??? I would personally go for it and make the upgrade. However, a few rules to remember:

1) download the latest drivers from the CDRW manufacterers website and use them
2) remeber to remove your current CDRom from Windows before you remove it from the system (and even BIOS if your up to it - if not don't worry - BIOS should update itself)
3) If your computer came with an "Upgrade Manual" take a look at that - it often contains useless information that idiots like me forget (not to mention a good way of doing it)

Also - whatever happens make sure you keep the power cord plugged into the wall and the computer while you "attack" it. Even if it's not turned on it will ground the computer (and save you the hassle and disappointment of frying something)



CyberChuck
cyberchuck (173)
105682 2002-12-13 08:25:00 Well I've only got middle of the road computer skills and I installed my own CD-RW drive. :-)

If you regularly get PC World magazines you'll find a back issue within the last year on how to do it, otherwise do a search on Google for "How to install a CD-RW drive". This site (www.techtv.com) looks like it might be useful but there aren't any pictures unfortunately.

Be aware that if you plan to use your CD-RW like a CD-ROM for playing games, etc then the laser will wear out much quicker than a CD-ROM one will as they are different.
Susan B (19)
105683 2002-12-13 08:25:00 hi
u say u have 2 bays, is there anything in the other?
U couldjust put the CD-RW in there (if its free) and it would be heaps easier, plus, u could would get a longer lasting CD-RW by only using it for writing cd's, and using the Cd-rom for reading
fergie (424)
105684 2002-12-13 21:12:00 and also if u do what was suggested by fergie make sure u know which one u want to be Primary and which one u want to be Secondary/Slave. vk_dre (195)
105685 2002-12-16 02:28:00 Thanks for the advice all, I have an anti-static wrist strap thingy so fingers crossed I neither fry nor blow up any vital components .

Actually I only have one bay, the others the hard drive, my beast is an old PC General brought days before they went bust (lucky me) so not much in the way of expansion room .

Thanks Again

Nathan
nzotago (2257)
105686 2002-12-16 18:51:00 One more Question,

How exactly do I remove my current cd-rom drive from windows and the bios?

Apparently I should maybe consider myself a little to the left of the road.
nzotago (2257)
105687 2002-12-16 19:00:00 >How exactly do I remove my current cd-rom drive from windows and the bios?

You don't need to, it's detected when you start the computer. The the new one will be detected instead.
crozier (2004)
105688 2002-12-16 22:28:00 Thank you all for your assistance, the new drive is in and working fine. Will be back when I try and do the whole thing.

Thanks Again

Nathan
nzotago (2257)
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