It can happen to any one…. You have no problems with your computer for a couple of years then…Your DVD Rom (or CD rom) quits working and you need to have a new one installed. Then you find out just how expensive that will be and decide to make a do-it-yourself project. …You find out that it will not only cheaper but it looks pretty simple to replace…right????
Well…it can be easy if you have simple instructions…
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
1) NEW DVD Rom
2) Computer tower
3) Anti-static wristband (See Warning at bottom of Page)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Your First step will be to take off the side of the computer tower. To do that you will need to VERY CAREFULLY lay the computer on its side with the side panel that you need to take off side up. Then you will need to un-screw 1 or 2 screws from the backside of the computer. Some computers (like Dell) will have a lever instead of screws (See yellow circle in Pic 1) but most will have screws. When that is done you will need to press down and push out on the side panel (toward the back). It should slide right out. Then set the computer upright again.
2) Once that is done, you will then need to open the front faceplate by pushing in on the clip(s)on one side (See Blue circles in Pic 2). It should open easily. If it refuses to budge don’t yank on it. Instead, study it carefully to find out if maybe there is another clip or something else blocking it. You don’t want to break the clip(s) or you will end up having to tape the faceplate back on.
3) Carefully disconnect the IDE ribbon -- the wide gray ribbon (see red X’s in Pic 2) and the power cable -- the one that has 4 colored wires (see purple circle in Pic 2) from the end of the DVD Rom ONLY. There is no reason to disconnect them from the motherboard. (PLEASE READ WARNING AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE!)
4) Next you will need to take out your old DVD Rom. To do this you will need to unscrew the one (or two) screw that is holding it in (See yellow circle in Pic 2). These will only be on one side. Once that is done, carefully pull out the old DVD Rom (from the front) and set aside.
5) Carefully slide the New DVD Rom in through the open slot in front and adjust it by aligning it with the screw hole(s). Then screw it in.
6) Carefully connect the IDE Ribbon to the end of the DVD Rom (Wide slot) then connect the power cable (Small slot).
7) Carefully close the faceplate then put the side panel cover back on by pushing down and sliding it in (toward the front). Finish by putting the screws back in (the back) if there are any.
Congratulations!...... YOU just replaced your own DVD Rom…AND saved yourself some Money too!! J
WARNING!!!
I must WARN you that if you don’t have an anti-static wristband you must make sure that if you decide to touch any parts inside the computer – like the Motherboard, Memory etc – you MUST make sure that one hand is constantly grounded- in other words one hand must be in constant contact with the outside of the computer while the other hand is touching the inside parts or you can send a shock into your computer which will have devastating effects to your computer.
TIP :
Keep track of what screws go where. It will make it a lot quicker and easier when you put it back together J
