Lets start with replacing a CD-
Always be sure to turn off your computer and unplug your power cords before removing the cover(s). Failure to do so may result in electrical shock or death and will certainly end in a ruined PC.
This is will work with a CD/DVD or Floppy drive since the cables are the same, only slightly smaller. But its very easy to distinguish which is the power cord from the two.
These are very easy to replace as long as you dont need specific parts. If you do, then you’ll need to order the drive directly from the manufacturer. After you have removed the case cover or side panels, find the drive you are replacing and find these two cables. The one on the left is an IDE cable, the one on the right is the power cable. You want to mark the IDE cable somehow. Possibly write ‘top’ with a sharpie marker on the cable close to the drive.
Next just gently pull both cables straight back out of their slots. They may be hard to pull out, but they will come. Be sure to check for any snap locks in case they are locked into place in such a manner. The picture to the left shows the mount screws. These may be on both sides of the drive, so you may need to check the other side as well. Remove all screws for the drive with a philips head screwdriver. After the cables and screws are removed, the drive will slide forward out of the case.
After you have taken your new drive out of the box, you will just reverse these steps to install it, replacing the screws firstly, and then the cables. Be very careful to push the IDE cable in straight. Don’t let one side go in to far, to fast or you might bend or break a pin.
Reboot your computer and let it recognize the new drive.
Older systems will require you to press “del” while booting and enter the bios setup to finish installing the drive most PC’s will do this automatically and then ask you if you want to save the new information. Rule of thumb, the f10 button is ‘save’ in most bios set up areas.
If you just installed a CD/DVD Writer, you will need to probably install the burner software (Nero, etc) as well. Instructions will be included in the box your new drive came in.
