laptop help

mummyyummy_2

my friend has just bought a laptop from ebay (dell c400), it all seems to be working fine (well powering up, windows starting etc) but there doesnt seem to be a cd/dvd rom drawer part to it. would this be correct? do u have to buy extra parts for some laptops. I had a quick look to see if i can see one, i cant but then im a PC user so i really really dont have a clue re laptops. if there is nowhere to insert a disk, how do u install internet etc? thanks xmyx

mymatebob

Is there a slot on the side which would take a DVD/CD?
Have you looked into the hardware profile to see if there is a DVD/CD drive installed?

(Laptops are PCs but I take it you mean a desktop user.)

refused

Depends on what model laptop it is. Some have a CD drive, others dont necessarily come with one.

Have you got the model number?

All is not lost though, there is a few ways to tackle this problem....;)

mymatebob

Just had a quick look online for a spec for the DELL C400 and it may well not have a CD or DVD drive as these appear to be options on the original build

mummyyummy_2

mymatebob wrote: »

Just had a quick look online for a spec for the DELL C400 and it may well not have a CD or DVD drive as these appear to be options on the original build

ok that sounds about right as i looked all over and cant see a slot anywhere. so my next question is, what can be done about this? do they need a cd slot in order to install internet? im prob wrong but i remember when we installed ours, it was via a cd that you put in , followed the wizard then hey presto u had internet. (their laptop is wifi) its like this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DELL-C400-laptop-new-WIFI-wireless-XP-PRO-Office-512MB_W0QQitemZ200232447038QQihZ010QQcategoryZ177QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and yes im a desktop user lol, told you im clueless ha ha xmyx

ps that one i linked looks like it has some sort of slot on the side as does the one my friend has bought but its def not a cd slot, in fact it doesnt open or do anything!

mummyyummy_2

loaner wrote: »

It comes (new) with a (DVD rom or CD writer) and floppy drive which plugs into the slot on the left hand side next to the usb slot. Should be able to get one from ebay along with the cable, or buy a usb one.

It is designed to be lightweight portable laptop, so they aren't built in.

could you post a link? so i can show them what they've to look for? i know you cant recommend and im not asking for that just an idea? any idea about how to install internet? thanks xmyx p.s. u can tell mine was done for me cant you? lol

mummyyummy_2

loaner wrote: »

does she have a router?

some but no all have a wireless card under the £3$4 keys, but they all have an ethernet port on the back which will plug into a router or an ethernet modem (in which case no software is required).

theres a 802.11g wireless pc card made by comtrend slotted in on the left hand side under the keyboard..but we dont know what this is for and no she has no router, this would be first internet for them xmyx

mymatebob

Has she ordered her broadband yet?

mummyyummy_2

loaner wrote: »

search for c400 on ebay, and loads of examples come up, make sure you get the connector, described as a media bay cable with it.

ok but what i am searching for? a c400 cd rom? as for the router, do they just go ahead and order normal broadband from any isp provider then? sorry about all the questions, im a real techie thicko lol xmyx

mummyyummy_2

mymatebob wrote: »

Has she ordered her broadband yet?

no, it seems she thought as it was wifi she didnt need to lol xmyx i just asked another poster, does she just go ahead and order broadband as normal? she was thinking about mobile broadband? does anyone have any knowledge of this? looks like a stick you put into a slot on side of laptop, does this act like a router etc?

thanks again xmyx

mymatebob

Many providers will provide a router so no need to rush out and spend any money just yet.

Loads of threads and links on here about who to use and who will give the best value for money

(My personal is o2 as I get a discount from having an o2 mobile and their customer service is fantastic)

If I had this laptop I would buy an external DVD writer to go with it as that should do for most of her everyday needs.