Cd drive

[trish432]

Would it be ok to replace a cd-rom in one computer with a DVD RW from another computer, or would it need to be a certain type?

[ChuckFickens]

that will be fine, as long as the connectors on the back look the same then any drive will work.

if it's an IDE one it will have a little jumper on the back that looks like this.

http://www.hardwarezone.com/img/data/articles/ 2004/1215/08-optical-jumper.jpg

just make sure it is set to either slave or master on the new one to match the one that was removed. and the red strip on one side of the flat ribbon cable always goes next to the power connecter.

[trish432]

Thank You, I`ll give it a try tonight.

[ChuckFickens]

Nothing to worry about when it comes to drivers either, just remove one and put the other one back in it's place turn on computer and it will sort everything out automatically.

keep in mind that windows can only write to CDRs with out extra software though so you will need to install some DVD writing software if you want to make DVD's

[trish432]

Just thought I`d let you know, I managed it ok. It`s a friends computer, it only had a cd player in, couldn`t record to it even.
I had a non working computer with a decent Pioneer DVD RW, so I`ve put that in.
Couldn`t work out how to set the jumper though, but went ahead, it`s working great, so luckily for me it must have been set same as the cd one.
Thanks again for the advice.

[trish432]

Forgot to mention,hadn`t seen your second answer and was really surprised when it worked right away without having to install drivers.

[ChuckFickens]

Glad it worked OK :)

[FickChuckens]

I taught out Chuck all he knows trish, he's not a bad lad.

[trish432]

Lol.