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I need a computer master!

post #1 of 7
3/6/05 at 5:16am
Thread Starter 
I have big problems on my computer and need to switch my DVD-drive, which is the bootable one, to my CD-R drive when my computer is trying to re-install windows. My DVD drive sucks and won't read anything anymore, so it's crucial that I get them switched over. If anybody can help, I promise I will work a street-corner for you for years.
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post #2 of 7
3/6/05 at 5:35am
Are you saying you want to switch out the bad drive for the working drive and then re-install Windows?

If so, right-click on MY COMPUTER and choose Properties. This should bring up your SYSTEM PROPERTIES menu. If you are using Windows XP, click on the HARDWARE tab and then choose DEVICE MANAGER. Find the bad DVD under the appropriate listing and choose to uninstall it. The computer will most likely ask to reboot. Choose NO and shut down your computer.

Then, unplug your computer, open the side, remove the screws holding the bad DVD drive in, unplug the power connector and ribbon cable from the back of the drive and slide it out.

Then, make sure your CD-R drive is set to master (there's usually a diagram sticker or etching of some sort on the top of the drive describing this) if it's not already, slide it into place, screw it in and plug in the cables.

If you plugged everything in right, it should boot up with any errors.

Good Luck!
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post #3 of 7
3/6/05 at 10:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alki Dave
I have big problems on my computer and need to switch my DVD-drive, which is the bootable one, to my CD-R drive when my computer is trying to re-install windows. My DVD drive sucks and won't read anything anymore, so it's crucial that I get them switched over. If anybody can help, I promise I will work a street-corner for you for years.
You should be able to switch the boot order in the Bios settings. I forget how to get to that... something like pressing F10 before your memory test when the comp boots up. Should be able to set your CD-R drive to the bootable drive from there.
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post #4 of 7
3/6/05 at 12:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oerwinde
You should be able to switch the boot order in the Bios settings. I forget how to get to that... something like pressing F10 before your memory test when the comp boots up. Should be able to set your CD-R drive to the bootable drive from there.
i believe its DELETE that's supposed to be pressed. at least on mine it is.
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post #5 of 7
3/6/05 at 9:14pm
Thread Starter 
I got to the BIOS page, but I can't figure out where to change the drive at. Also, this is an external CD drive connected through a USB port. If that matters....
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post #6 of 7
3/6/05 at 9:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alki Dave
I got to the BIOS page, but I can't figure out where to change the drive at. Also, this is an external CD drive connected through a USB port. If that matters....
Yes, that matters. As in, you may not be able to boot from it... Few motherboards (and only the newer ones) offer boot-from-USB. Contact your computer manufacturer, or if the computer was custom-built the motherboard manufacturer, for information on boot-from-USB.
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post #7 of 7
3/7/05 at 12:42pm
What motherboard do you have? Can you post the model number or BIOS version?
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