This guide shows you how to install a CD drive.

Power down the PC completely.

initiate the computer to set up the CD or DVD drive.

Tray of a CD/DVD drive in laptop

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The method for opening the case varies depending upon your system model.

Most use a panel or door on the side of the computer.

Older computers may require you to remove the entire cover.

Remove the drive slot cover.Most computer caseshave several slots for external drives but only use a few.

Any unused drive slot has a cover that prevents dust from entering the computer.

Remove the 5.25-inch drive slot cover by pushing tabs either on the inside or outside of the case.

Sometimes a cover might be screwed into the case.

Set the IDE drive mode.

Place each equipment on the cable into the appropriate mode.

One drive is the primary, and the other drive is the secondary.

One or more jumpers on the back of the drive usually handle this setting.

Consult the documentation or diagrams on the drive for the location and tweaks.

If the drive will reside on anIDE cablealone, set it to the Primary mode.

You may also run into some drives that use SCSI or SATA cable connections, too.

Place the CD/DVD drive into the computer.

The method for installing the drive varies depending on the case.

The two common methods for installing a drive are either through drive rails or directly into the drive cage.

Attach the internal audio cable.

Typically, a small two-wire cable with a standard connector handles this.

Plug this cable into the back of the CD/DVD drive.

Lastly, plug the cable into the connector labeled as CD Audio.

Attach the CD/DVD drive to the computer using an IDE cable.

Usually, the drive resides secondary to the hard drive.

Plug the drive into the power supply.

After you implement the drive, kill the computer.

Replace the panel or cover to the computer case.

Fasten the cover or panel to the case using the screws you set aside when you removed the cover.

Plug the AC cord into the power supply and flip the switch to theOnposition.

The computer system should automatically detect and use the new drive.

Since CD and DVD drives are standardized, you shouldn’t have to install any specific drivers.

Consult the instruction manual that came with the drive for instructions for your particular operating system.