Thanks for the inputs. I was thinking more along the lines of replacing the current drive. I know that the external devices are handy, but having to transport more stuff, with the cords and all, sort of defeats the purpose of a having a portable computer.

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JimDZ: I did this recently to my HP ZE4540US laptop. First make sure you have instructions on how to remove the old combo drive. I am not sure about Toshiba, but HP had maintenance manuals available online. Once I had the instructions on exactly how to replace the drive, it was fairly easy. You may need to be very carefull and handle things with a delicate touch, as laptop parts can be flimsy. For my notebook, I had to remove a plastic panel above the keyboard, remove the keyboard, then two screws were holding in the drive. After I removed them the drive slid out. Then I just had to transfer the mounting bracket to the DVD burner and reverse the procedure. It went back together with minimal effort. I turned it back on and Windows recognized the new drive.

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Interestingly, HaroldW's instructions for removing the inboard drive also works on the Toshiba. I had to replace my DVD drive but I could not get Toshiba to confirm I could use a DVD\CD writer in my machine & they were expensive to buy, about £300.00, i.e. nearly $600 ! My solution was much cheaper. Bob Mitchell.

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Bob/Jim: I may not have explained myself enough. I have not installed a DVD Burner on a Toshiba laptop. I have only installed one on my HP ZE4540US laptop. Most laptop drives are of a "standard" physical design. I would strongly suggest that if Jim is going to do this, that he buy from a reputable dealer (that he can get a refund from if it does not fit) and beforehand he find instructions on replacing the drive. There are many different laptops with different internal hardware configurations. Drive replacement instructions for one laptop probably will not work on a different laptop.

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Thanks for the followup. No, I won't go tearing into my computer. In 1975 I bought an HP scientific calculator. Cost almost $100 which would be maybe $600 today. After a while had some problem with the keyboard and was going to "fix it" myself. Bad idea, and I was back to my trusty slide rule for a while. I'll probably just go with an external or pay Toshiba to do it. Thanks.

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