How to Install a Secondary CD
10 easy steps to add a CDRW or DVD to your computer
Improve your computer set up by adding an additional CD. Here's how to do it.
The purpose in installing a secondary would be if your computer has a CD but you want to add a CDRW or DVD. Here are 10, easy-to-follow steps to help you on your way.
Step 1 – If your computer is not powered off be sure to shut it down properly. Never install a component with the computer on. This could irrevocably damage your computer's main board.
Step 2 – It is assumed that you have the drive you wish to install. Remove the side panels of your computer's casing. Your main side panel removes easily. The other side panel will have a couple of screws. You will have to locate these. Once you have located them, unscrew them all and the side panel should easily slide off.
Step 3 – You should have an open 5 ¼" drive bay slot. From the inside there should be a thin metal sleeve. Once you remove it than you should see a plastic piece that covers the drive bay opening. Remove it and you should be able to fit your secondary drive in there.
Step 4 – Before you slide your drive in the bay, check the back where the jumpers are. You want to move the jumper to SL which stands for "Slave". When they come from the factory they are set defaulted to CS which stands for "Cable Select".
Step 5 – Move the jumper on your primary CD drive. It will also be set at CS. Move it to MA which means "Master". Your current drive will be the master and your new drive will be the slave.
If the new drive is to be the master than you just want to reverse the jumpers on both drives. The new drive would be set to master and the old drive to slave.
Step 6 – Slide the new drive into the open bay. Make sure to line it up with the front of the case. Once you have that done, look for the package of screws that came with the new drive.
Step 7 – There should be 4 screws that come with the drive. If you check the bay, you should be able to line up the screw holes with it. Carefully use a screwdriver and put in the 4 screws. Make sure they are snug but not too tight - you don't want to strip them.
Step 8 – Locate the cable running off the old drive - there should be a second connector. The second connector will plug into the new drive. Be careful to not bend or break the pins. Also, plug in one power connector to the new drive.
Step 9 – Connect your computer to power and video and power it up. The purpose of this is to check and make sure your new drive is recognized. You can either boot to BIOS or all the way into Windows.
Step 10 – If the drive is working fine. Power it off and attach the side panels. Once you have done this your done and your computer is ready to go.
