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How to install DVD drive on your PC

BILL HUSTED

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The most important thing about the upcoming introduction of Windows Vista has nothing to do with the merits of the new Microsoft operating system.

Here's the big deal. Vista will only come on a DVD, not a CD.

Having a DVD drive on a computer -- up until now -- was a choice, not a requirement. Microsoft's move opens the door to other programs that will arrive only on a DVD.

If you have a new computer, or are buying one, no big deal. You have a DVD drive.

If you have an old PC that doesn't have one, it's time to add a drive. If you have a computer with a DVD drive that can only play but not record, it will work with Vista .

Today we'll talk about moving you to the modern age in a way that does not require a trip to the repair shop, or a new computer. Even if a screwdriver seems like an exotic tool to you, this is something anyone can do at home.

If you haven't priced DVD drives, you're in for a pleasant surprise. There's no need to pay more than $100.

Any computer store will have shelves full of DVD drives. You're looking for one that can read discs and record them, too. You want one with this on the box: DVD +/-RW. You'll also see speed ratings. Look for 16x. Finally, you want a drive that proclaims it can take advantage of the latest DVD technology -- double layer, sometimes called dual layer. That creates a disc that contains about twice the amount of information as the first DVDs.

DVD drives come as internal or external models. An internal model fits inside the computer case. An external DVD drive connects to the computer using a USB port. So you can install one without opening the case. Check your manual to make sure your computer has the current fast USB 2.0 connection. If it does, the DVD drive will work fine. And, even with an external drive, you can stay under $100.

There's not much to explain about connecting an external DVD drive. The instructions will be easy to follow.

Instructions for installing internal drives are usually clear, too, but I'll briefly go through the steps to give you an idea what you'll face. Follow the directions that came with your drive, even if they differ from what you read here.

Start by opening the case of your computer and looking inside to get oriented. Locate the hard disk or your current CD drive. Most will have two connections. One connection is for power, one for data. These connectors snap into place and -- usually -- will only fit one way.

The data cable -- especially on older computers -- will be wide and thin, like a ribbon. It's called a ribbon cable. There's a red stripe on one side of the cable. It will have three connectors, one attached to the circuit board, one attached to your current CD drive or hard disk, and one in the middle that is free. You'll use that middle connector for your DVD drive. If you find a second ribbon cable, with nothing attached -- and some computers will have a free one -- then attach the DVD drive to the end connector of that cable.

The power connector is an ordinary-looking round cable. It looks like the one already connected to your CD drive or hard disk. If you don't have a free power connector, you can buy a "Y connector" that attaches to an existing power connector and create two connectors from the single one. So you'd unplug the power cable to one of your drives, attach it to the Y connector and use the extra connector for your DVD drive.

Your new drive will slide into an empty compartment inside your computer. These compartments are called bays. The outside of your case will have a knock-off cover over that bay. Carefully remove that knock-off cover when you are ready to install the DVD drive.

Drives fit in these bays one of two ways. The drive may slide in and be secured by screws that come with your new drive. But a modern computer probably will have a bay that eliminates the need for screws. With that kind of bay, you slide in the drive and spring clips keep it secure.

Now you can connect the ribbon cable and the power cable to the DVD drive. A red stripe on the side of the ribbon cable helps you install it the right way. The manual will explain how. Follow the instructions that came with your new drive if a third connection for audio is required.

If you're lucky, you won't need to do a thing to let your computer know about the new drive. However, some computers will require that you set some tiny switches -- called jumpers -- on the back of the drive. Check the manual that came with your computer, or the manufacturer's Web site, to see if that's the case.

If this step is needed, use the jumper switches to set the new drive as either a master or slave. Keep in mind that a drive connected to the end of the ribbon cable is a master. A drive connected to the middle of the cable is called a slave.

Finally, install any software that came with your new drive.

If you're feeling queasy by now, keep in mind you can use an external drive with no assembly required. You probably will be able to install your drive in about the time it took to read this column.