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How to replace the DVD drive in a laptop.

Before you go out and buy a new DVD drive, it’s best to which type you need. No I’m not taking about choosing between a DVD reader or writer. There are two different types of connector a SATA or PATA(IDE) and you need the one that’s right for your laptop.

So to begin with you going to have to release the DVD drive from the laptop, most have a screw on the bottom of the laptop that holds the DVD drive in place. This screw can sometimes be hidden in the memory compartment. To locate the screw it’s usually about 14.5cm from the edge of the DVD drive. Some manufactures put a CD icon next to the screw to identify it but not all.

Once the screw is removed simply pull out the DVD drive, it may need a bit of a wiggle. Once the drive is out have a look at the back. View the 2 pictures below to identify which is the right connector for you laptop.
Now you know which is the right drive connector you can purchase the drive of your choice.

Once you have your new drive you’ll probably have 2 things you need to do before fitting it to your laptop.

1st) Take the holding bracket off the old drive and attach it to the new one, so that it can be held securely in place.

2nd) The facia cover of the DVD drive may be a different design from you old one, it’s simple to swop. Instructions below (do the same for both drives).

1) Eject the drive tray, if it’s already disconnected use a paper clip or pin in the small hole for the manual release, turn it upside down and extend the tray all the way.
2) You can see there are 3 clips holding the facia to the drive, start off with the big wide one. Using a small flat-head screw-driver push the clip down and under to release.
3) Once the wide clip is under but not out move to the next clip and push it out.
4) With the first two clips free the third clip will easily come free with a little wiggle.
5) To put the facia back on, simply push the end with the single clip first into place, then the other side and voila it’s done.
Finally slide the drive into your laptop and lock it into place with the holding screw and you’re done. You have successfully changed the optical drive.

Note: When Windows starts for the first time after the drive has been installed, Windows will detect the new drive and install the necessary drivers automatically.
That's it.