 In today’s new age technology, everything evolves at the speed of light. Now technology comes out almost on a daily basis and there for makes it hard most of us to stay current with the latest hardware. The good thing about computer is that even though they update everyday, you can still swamp out something from your computer and replace it with something new. Most computer come with a regular CD Drive that can only read and write CDs. Now there are DVD and Blue Ray players. The advantage of having a DVD or Blue Ray is that they have more memory and there for can hold more file, pictures, videos music, etc.

 In order for you to change the CD Drive on your computer, you will need the CD that is both CD and DVD reader and burner. Make sure you find the correct size for your particular computer. At the time of the purchase of your CD Drive, you can ask if the item fits your computer case slot. Also keep in mind that the CD drive has to work for your current operating system (Windows XP, or Windows Vista). You will so need a ground strap; this will help you to stay static-free. Depending on your computer case, you might need a Philips screw driver.

 Before you start, make sure there is no power in the computer. Disconnect the power wire from your computer.  Wear the grounding strap at all time while working inside the computer  Have the computer in a safe location  Do not pull, cut or rip any wires that are not specified in the instructions.  Do not touch anything that is not specified in the instructions.

 Before you start opening your computer, you must first unplug everything.  In the illustration shown here, the top wire is used by a microphone and when are going to unplug, slowly pull the wire.  Most wire connections are the same and simple to unplug.  The bottom wire is a little more complicated. In order for you unplug you must unscrew to screws and then after that you will slowly and gently pull it out.

The computer we will use for this tutorial is a HP Pavilion Model Number 522n.

 Depending on your computer model or case, each computer has its on way of removing the side panel.  In this particular case, the back right side of the computer, it has to screws.  You must unscrew them and then after that you will slide the panel towards the back and then you lift it.

Slide the cover to the back and then pull

This case has a CD storage on the top. In side this storage there is a little black hole that you have to press down in order for the front cover to be release.

 This is the CD Drive that we will be installing.  This a Memorex CD Drive that burns up to 54x  As I said before, you can buy something expensive or go for something a little lower on the price. So as long as the CD drive reads and burns CDs, you should be good.

 Slowly insert the CD Drive in the slot that you will be installing it to.  Be extremely careful installing the Drive.  Make sure that it slides in with ease.

 This step is very important.  The IDE cable is the data cable. This cable transfers all the info to the hard drive and back  Once the drive is in place carefully connect the IDE cable in the back of the CD drive.  The connection of the IDE cable has an long black connection and is colored black and red.  The black connection is long and thin.

 This step is also really important that you do it carefully.  There is only one way that the power wire will enter and all you have to do is slowly and carefully.  The cable will not snap but it will only go so far.

 After you have Re-Install the side panel and the CD cover, re-connect all the wires and turn on your computer.  The drive will be picked up by your system, but you must install all the drivers you will need.  All this should be included in a CD that must be inside the box for the CD Drive.  Once your system is running, open the CD Drive and insert the CD.  Once the CD is in, a menu will pop up and that will be a step-by-step setup.

 Now that you have completed this, you can start saving money on your computer equipment. Many people believe it’s hard to do anything to your computer, but as you witness, it’s really not that hard. If you take it to a store such as Best Buy or Circuit City, they are going to charge you a pretty penny. Why pay ridiculous amount money when you can do it your self for free and for free.