How do I replace my CD drive on my Dell Dimension 4600 with a DVD RW drive

Gerry, November 2006

If CD and DVD drives have IDE connector, then there are 40 pins, not 16. I'm sure Carlito ment well, but I'm just saing this so you wouldnt think where is 16 pin connector.

Another thing, when you take out CD, make sure you check position of jumper on it' back. See if it is set as MA (master), SL (slave), or CS (cable select), and then set the same on DVD.

Since you said it is DVD RW, then you most probable need some burning software as well as DVD player software.

Zoran, November 2006

Firstly switch off P.C and remove the plug from the mains or from the P.C. Remove the enclosure.Take note of where all cables are connected to the CD Drive. Have yourself a good light to see what you are doing. It is vital and most important that you note exactly where each cable is connected on your drive. you should have a small white plug of about 4 wires mark this plug so that it is the same one that gets connected as you may find one or two of these lying loose for connection to other hardware. carefully remove the connectors from their installed positions to do not pull on any wires. You may need a small flat blade screw driver to prise any connectors from their positions.Once all cables have been removed undo the retaining screws which hold the CD drive in place you may have screws each side. Once screws removed and all plugs disconnected carefully pull out the drive. Install the new DVD drive carefully line this up into position so it is level with the front of your p.c once happy put all the screws back in and tighten the unit. Depending on access it may be better to connect the cables before screwing into position. make sure when connecting the cables especially the long 16pin connector that it is in its splined locater before pushing home. It is most important that all the plugs go back as they were removed. Check your work and make sure nothing has been left inside the p.c. Put the enclosure back on the p.c and plug into the mains and start the p.c. If you have windows XP this should automatically recognise the new drive. Allow a few minutes while XP installs the new drive. Now this is complete and your new drive is ready to use.
You may need to download software to play films on your p.c. if the p.c has no DVD rom drive and only had a CD drive then this is most probable.Hope this answers your question fully!

Carlito Corway, November 2006