Installing a CD-RW Drive?

[BarryH]

I'm sure there must be some computer whizzes on here, how hard is it to install a CD-RW drive into a PC?

My son recently bought a new PC that was built by someone where he works, unfortunately the PC only had a read only CD drive fitted and the guy that built the unit has moved away from the area.

Anyone any advice on what to replace the read only drive with and how difficult a task is it?

Cheers
Barry

[UlrichS]

Barry,

I have done this several times and it is quite easy. But why remove the old drive? You can easily install a second drive (CD/DVD-RW dual layer capable, over here in Germany available for around 30 euros) and use both of them to copy CDs/DVDs.
The new drive is normally detected automatically by the BIOS. You should only take care that you use the same 'connection' (I don't know the correct expression for it) either IDE (old) or SATA (new).
Another option would be the use of an external USB drive, which are available for 50-60 euros. They are all 'plug & play'.

Hope this is of help.

Ulrich

[BarryH]

Hi Ulrich,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Is there a way in which we can find out what type of drive is already installed, IDE or SATA? Can we look on the system anywhere?

Cheers
Barry

[UlrichS]

Hi Barry,

I usually open the computer to find out. I have attached scans of the connection cables.

Hope this helps.

Ulrich

[BarryH]

Thanks for all the help Ulrich.

Cheers
Barry