D: drive is kaput. Portable/External CD-ROM drive recommendations?
Question by No Note: D: drive is kaput. Portable/External CD-ROM drive recommendations?
I have a fairly old PC – I believe it’s an HP 1600 pcs or whatever from 2000/2001 I think. Anyways, the CD drive doesn’t work anymore. CD goes in. Green light comes on. Drive makes usual spinning noises. Nothing. Disc isn’t read at all. Everything else on the pc works fine(a little slowly, but I know that’s from age).
So, I want a quick fix. If I get a portable CD drive, is it as easy as plugging it into the back of the computer with a cord? I’m not computer savvy, so I’m trying to avoid anything that involves opening the PC and removing the old cd drive and installing a new one. It has two usb ports so I’m fine for the most part but there are still some CD’s that I’d like to use.
If it is possible to do the above quickly/simply, please let me know which product will go well with the above mentioned brand.
Best answer:
Answer by Helpful person
A USB CD drive is as easy as plugging it into the USB port (and maybe loading software from a disk that comes with it.) However, if your USB ports are USB1 then the data transfer will be rather slow. (Even if you have USB2 I would still try to open the case and check the ribbon connectors.)
If you do have USB1 ports then the option of replacing your present drive is not too difficult. (The trickiest part is usually figuring how to open the computer case. I’m not kidding this can be difficult.) Once the case is open check that the ribbon connector attached to your CD is properly seated at both ends. This is probably the problem. If it still doesn’t work then it is not too difficult to replace the drive.
While you have the case open be sure to vacuum out all the dust that has accumulated over the years. You may also wish to add faster USB ports. This is very simple.
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Category: How To Fix A Laptop
A Usb it is plug and play simple to install, but this days you do not buy CD burners internal or external you get a DVD burner for the same price and you can burn CDs and DVDs and cost the same.