Reinstall with broken DVD drive

[BillW50]

In Ken Blake, MVP typed on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:52:31 -0700:

They are more expensive for laptops than for desktops, and usually
harder to install.

Actually Ken, hard drives, RAM, and optical drives are generally much
easier to replace in laptops vs. desktops. And you usually can remove
the optical drive just by removing one single screw. And the optical
drives are virtually all generic, called slimline design.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

In Ken Blake, MVP typed on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:52:31 -0700:

Actually Ken, hard drives, RAM, and optical drives are generally much
easier to replace in laptops vs. desktops.

Sometimes yes, sometimes, no. It depends on the laptop.

But granted, my word "usually" is too strong.

 

[Roy Smith]

In Ken Blake, MVP typed on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:52:31 -0700:

Actually Ken, hard drives, RAM, and optical drives are generally much
easier to replace in laptops vs. desktops. And you usually can remove
the optical drive just by removing one single screw. And the optical
drives are virtually all generic, called slimline design.

This is true for newer models, but the older models are harder because
they require more disassembly for those kind of upgrades.

 

[PM]

Physically reinstalling the DVD drive didn't do anything. I tried it a few
times and cleanes connectons etc.

So I got an external DVD drive and it has booted and reinstalled of that
just nicely despite nothing i the bios indicating a boot from a USB was
possible.

 

[PM]

And external DVD drive seems to have been the answer!

 

[PM]

I borrowed and exterbnal DVD drive (though wasn't very hopeful) and it booted
off that like adream. XP reinstalled now - just trying to sort out drivers!

Thanks for your help