CD/DVD Drive in Notebook

**cyfanatic** · 12-15-2009, 07:56 AM

I really don't want to buy a new notebook at this point...but my CD/DVD drive has stopped reading media. How difficult is it to put in a new drive. I have a bit of knowledge with computers...more with desktops than notebooks. I have a pretty standard Dell notebook that is about 4 years old.

Any suggestions as to where to purchase a new CD/DVD drive?

Thanks!

**HandSanitizer** · 12-15-2009, 08:01 AM

Depending on what model it is...It should be a 10 second job.
It should just pop out and then you slide then new one in.

**cyfanatic** · 12-15-2009, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by HandSanitizer

Depending on what model it is...It should be a 10 second job.
It should just pop out and then you slide then new one in.

Now that is what I like to hear! Thanks! I was hoping I would not have to remove the casing or anything...would I?

**HandSanitizer** · 12-15-2009, 08:08 AM

What is the model of you laptop?

**ISUAgronomist** · 12-15-2009, 08:08 AM

Usually a screw or two to "free" the drive. Slide it out...slide in new and replace screws to hold new drive.

**cyfanatic** · 12-15-2009, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by HandSanitizer

What is the model of you laptop?

Dell Inspiron 9300

**ISUAgronomist** · 12-15-2009, 08:13 AM

Documentation

This should show you how to do it for your model.

**HOTDON** · 12-15-2009, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by cyfanatic

Dell Inspiron 9300

That's funny. I have a 9300 with a bad drive too. My stopped writing some time ago, and now has issues reading too. What did you get for a replacement drive?

**cyfanatic** · 12-15-2009, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by isuaggie

Documentation

This should show you how to do it for your model.

Thanks much! I don't think I could screw this up? Wait...I shouldn't have gone there...tomorrow I will post saying I blew my computer up!

Any suggestions as to where to buy from? Best Buy or online somewhere?

**cyfanatic** · 12-15-2009, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by HOTDON

That's funny. I have a 9300 with a bad drive too. My stopped writing some time ago, and now has issues reading too. What did you get for a replacement drive?

I haven't purchased one yet. Open to suggestions. I have a friend who purchased a 9300 the same day I did. His drive went bad a month ago. I was wondering if there was an update that caused the problem? Probably not...but strange that both drives went out at the same time.

**HandSanitizer** · 12-15-2009, 08:20 AM

Online would be the best place IMO..
But, I do know you probably won't be too happy with the price of a Laptop CD/DVD Drive. They are a "bit" more expensive than desktop drives.

**ISUAgronomist** · 12-15-2009, 08:21 AM

If you want to get it direct from Dell (refurbished):

CD/DVD Drives : System Drives : Parts & Upgrades | Dell

**BigBake** · 12-15-2009, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by cyfanatic

I haven't purchased one yet. Open to suggestions.

If you want to avoid opening it up you could always go with an external and just connect by firewire or usb.

**cyfanatic** · 12-15-2009, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by isuaggie

If you want to get it direct from Dell (refurbished):

CD/DVD Drives : System Drives : Parts & Upgrades | Dell

Thanks. That seems pricey? So...would something like this work?

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...-DO-NP&cat=DVD

Or do different models have different shapes/sizes?