If you have just the DVD drive on the other computer, it must have been set
up as a "master drive". This means that when you transfer it to the other
computer, you will have to do one of two things. Either leave the CD drive
as it is and set up the DVD drive as the "slave drive" -- this will entail
repositioning the "jumpers" on the back of the drive. It the jumper
positions are marked well and good otherwise you might have to refer to the
instruction sheets that came with the drive.
Do NOT connect a CD or DVD drive on the same IDE cable as is used for the
hard disk. You might have to buy a special IDE cable that will enable both
the CD drive and the DVD drive on the same IDE cable.
Remember, the MASTER drive (with the jumpers set up accordingly) go on the
END of the cable while the slave drive goes on the middle connector.
You will also have to go into BIOS and engage the additional drive you have
installed before things will work properly. Do you know how to do that?
As with everything else, it is a simple process when you understand the
principles involved and know HOW to do it. Otherwise, it can be a daunting
task.
You will then also have to load any software applicable to the new drive
being added such as WinDVD etc that will enable you to watch DVD movies etc.
But WHY don't you just buy a new drive. The plain CD or DVD drives are so
cheap nowadays. Even the ReWrite (RW) drives are quite reasonable and a
DVD-RW or DVD-RW drive will also let you write or re-write CDs or DVDs. If
you buy the retail version, it will come with the IDE and sound cables plus
some useful software such as WinDVD etc.
Or you can go wild and build yourself a brand new computer but mind you it
is probably cheaper to buy a brand new computer these days than to build
one. But then you won't be able to brag that you built your computer
yourself. The computer I built before the last one even sports a bugs bunny
stick on. I love it but that didn't stop me from selling it on to a friend.
You are hereby warned. Don't catch the bug !!!!
--
choro-nik
***********
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:6dad01c475cd$2459d8f0$(E-Mail Removed)...
> i have 2 computers. the first is about 6 years old, runs
> Win 98 and has a dvd internal drive. the second is about
> 4 years old, runs Win XP and has a cd drive. I want the
> dvd drive on the second computer. is it possible to
> manually switch them? I don't know too much about
> computers, but if i just memorize where the plugs go is
> that good enough? do i need the drivers to install them
> or will Win pick up a new hardware? I figure it can't be
> too complicated, but i don't want to potentially mess up
> both computers.
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