External CD-RW/DVD Advice Needed

Miroslav

Hello,

Might be a silly question but, if I were to purchase an external CD-RW drive, would I need the internal CD-RW drive to be working to install it (ie, Software)? My internal drive is not working and until I get it fixed in the next week or two, the PC is not much use as I need to re-install my Internet Software and the PC runs about 20 times faster than the PC i'm using right now!

Thanks

esuhl

I'm not 100% sure, but I think Windows XP should have the necessary drivers built in. If you're using Windows 98/ME, you could probably download drivers from the manufacturers website, or copy them from CD (using another computer) onto floppy disk(s) or USB keys.

L400ras

why not remove the internal drive and replace it? internal drive as less expensive to buy, you should pick a cd -rw / dvd combi up for £20 total? perhaps less. dvd writers are only £30 max for a decent pioneer drive etc - ever thought of upgrading for an extra tenner. just a thought.

If you are worried about installing the internal drive, it is really as simle as unscrewing the case, unscrewing the drive, remove cables and replace. cant go wrong if you are only using 1 drive.

HTH

Miroslav

esuhl wrote:

I'm not 100% sure, but I think Windows XP should have the necessary drivers built in. If you're using Windows 98/ME, you could probably download drivers from the manufacturers website, or copy them from CD (using another computer) onto floppy disk(s) or USB keys.

I have Windows ME. Would drivers fit onto floppies? I didn't think they would?

Miroslav

L400ras wrote:

why not remove the internal drive and replace it? internal drive as less expensive to buy, you should pick a cd -rw / dvd combi up for £20 total? perhaps less. dvd writers are only £30 max for a decent pioneer drive etc - ever thought of upgrading for an extra tenner. just a thought.

If you are worried about installing the internal drive, it is really as simle as unscrewing the case, unscrewing the drive, remove cables and replace. cant go wrong if you are only using 1 drive.

HTH

I thought about replacing the drive myself, but I am not technical enough. It sounds easy, but what if I do it wrong? Will I blow myself up? Will it affect the warranty - I have 4 months left and have been told today by PC Service Call that I can take the PC to PC World and get it fixed there, rather than get someone in to my home when I may not be available.

It sounds really easy to replace, but.......

Noticed some hanging cables inside the PC, not sure what they are, but there is a gap where the back of the CD Drive is.........I will open it up and see what the cables say etc, sa it may have just come loose?

wonderfullife_2

Hi
As long as your computers not plugged in, then no, you won't blow yourself up, will it invalidate the warranty, possibly yes, only because its PC World, if you upgrade Dells computers yourself that doesn't invalidate.
Yes check the cables on the back of your cd drive, make sure they are plugged in okay.
If PC World are going to repair it for free, then I would let them do it. But if not, to replace your old drive would take about 5mins, its as simple as taking your old drive out, looking on the back to see where the little plastic pin is situated, and then setting your new drive up the same way, and then putting your new drive in, connecting the 2 cables, and away you go.

Hope this helps

Miroslav

wonderfullife wrote:

Hi
As long as your computers not plugged in, then no, you won't blow yourself up, will it invalidate the warranty, possibly yes, only because its PC World, if you upgrade Dells computers yourself that doesn't invalidate.
Yes check the cables on the back of your cd drive, make sure they are plugged in okay.
If PC World are going to repair it for free, then I would let them do it. But if not, to replace your old drive would take about 5mins, its as simple as taking your old drive out, looking on the back to see where the little plastic pin is situated, and then setting your new drive up the same way, and then putting your new drive in, connecting the 2 cables, and away you go.

Hope this helps

All seems to be connected with the PC to the internal CD drive, just 2 things worry me. 2 cables, with white plastic thins with numbers P6 and P7 are not connected to anything.

I might as well get PC World to replace it, ang go from there.

wonderfullife_2

Miroslav wrote:

2 cables, with white plastic thins with numbers P6 and P7 are not connected to anything.

Hi
This is fine, these are just spare connectors, nothing to worry about.

PS If you buy an external drive, why not an DVD writer, have a look here.
http://www.cclonline.com/product-categories.asp?category_id=122

Miroslav

wonderfullife wrote:

Hi
This is fine, these are just spare connectors, nothing to worry about.

And there was me looking for a hole to put them in

I will see what PC World can do to my PC to help me.....time for my next problem......

Miroslav

Okay, PC is now at PC World. They tried to tell me i'd have to pay for the new drive, before admitting I didn't.

I've just looked at their paperwork and they are saying I still have to pay, so when I go and collect, i'm expecting a bit of hassle.

So, provided I son't cause any damage to PC World staff, I may need some advice about getting my PC back tomorrow