Hi,

I want to install a new CD-ROM in my laptop.
Any advice, info, links to guides would be appreciated. I have never taken apart a laptop, but I have taken apart loads of PC's.

thanks,
Max

I recommend an external CD drive providing you have an interface to support one (pcmia,usb,parallel)

Internal CDrom Drives on Laptops generally come in 2 varieties, swappable and permanent. It will depend greatly on your particular laptop if it supports an internal cdrom drive. Check the manufacturer first to see if your model can handle one. You cant simply plug in a CD cable in a laptop unless it has accomodation for this.

Installing a permanent drive in a laptop requires great care, as most require alot of disassembly to gain access.

If you want, post back your model and brand of Laptop and we can help you find the best solution.

Good Luck.

Hi,
I got a ChemBook 7200. There is a "permanent" internal CD-ROM installed that does not spin enough to fully read the CD's.
I had a estimate done for about $90 to replace the CD-ROM. I want to try to myself as the CD-ROM drive is being sold for $10 on ebay- Toshiba XM-1902B. Perhaps I can remove the bezel of the new drive and use my old bezel on the new pulled drive. Maybe I need to be convinced not to try. :)
The CD-Rom drive and floppy are sandwiched on top of each other, if that matters.
thanks,
Max

Well Max, I can see your reasons for wanting to. A laptop is more like disassembling a portable disk player. The clearances are very small, and some of the clips that hold the case on are brittle and sometimes difficult to dislodge. If you are careful, and perhaps take some notes on where everything fits, then it is possible to do the work yourself. Be especially careful about ESD, as the components are all crammed together and you may come in contact with components easier than a desktop. A small non-magnetic screwdriver set can work wonders also. Just remember this, a laptop's components are much more expensive and difficult to replace than a desktop, so great care and patience is required to do the job. You cant just go out and buy the parts at your local computer store. In most cases I recommend taking Laptops to a qualified service center, but after seeing how "qualified" some of these people really are, I cant say theyd do a better job, although they are responsible for damage instead of you. Just my 2 cents!

You get exactly how I view the majority of computer "techs" that are out there.
I am wondering if there are any general guides online that I could use.
As I am a little leery of opening up a laptop.
thanks,
Max