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The W - Internet & Computers - DVD-Rom won't read CDs
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Oliver
Scrapple








Since: 20.6.02

Since last post: 3305 days
Last activity: 3299 days
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.16
Hey there...I have a very odd question to ask, maybe someone here can shed some light as to what to do?

My laptop (a Compaq Armada E500, running a P3 1ghz processor and 512MB ram and Win2000pro) won't read any CDs or CDROMS. If there's a very minor scratch, there's no chance it'll play. This is annoying, because I have some video game CDs that I'd love to reinstall on this system, but can't because of this problem.

Playing DVDs is no problem. I have scratched DVDs and there's no problem at all in getting them to play.

I've tried contacting HP, but since it's, according to them, an older system...they won't offer support. All they do is say "go to the nearest registered repair centre" or something to that effect.

I've looked around to see if there's a way to decrease the sensitivity of the laser or whatever, but I'm coming up empty.

Can anyone make any suggestions? I'll offer any information that may be necessary, providing I know how to get it.

Thanks a lot, guys!

-O

(edited by Oliver on 27.1.06 1109)


Whatcha gonna do?
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Guru Zim
SQL Dejection
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Since: 9.12.01
From: Bay City, OR

Since last post: 4 days
Last activity: 3 days
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#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.81
It might be cheaper to buy a DVD drive and replace your drive than any other option. A DVD drive can be picked up for less than $40 at most computer stores - any service call would be at least that.

If you have a DVD drive on your IDE chain, make sure that you look at the master/slave settings on the old drive when putting in the new one. Just match up the settings with the old drive. This is a really easy swap that requires a phillips screw driver and about 15 minutes.

Look it up on a computer site and your mileage may vary. I'm not responsible if you electrocute yourself, etc. Be an adult. I've done this hundreds of times and it is a simple fix.



Ignorance is bliss for you, hell for me.
Oliver
Scrapple








Since: 20.6.02

Since last post: 3305 days
Last activity: 3299 days
#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.16
I'm not sure I really understand what you mean, Guru. Unless there's a way to take apart a DVD ROM and install it in the slot where the DVD ROM is on this laptop, I don't think I can do anything with it.

I've thought about picking up an external CDRW, and using that to read CDs, but I only have one USB port and that belongs to my wireless networking stick. Though...I've heard some great things about those multiport USB bubs.



Whatcha gonna do?
Merc
Potato korv








Since: 3.1.02
From: Brisbane, Australia

Since last post: 4723 days
Last activity: 4702 days
#4 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.61
Go to a notebook service centre/Pc store and get a new laptop DVD drive.
That'll be the most cost/time effective way to go.
It's usually pretty simple to swap out drives on a laptop, undo a screw, possibly unlock a catch.
USB hubs can be good, but do you really want to carry an external drive with the laptop?
Guru Zim
SQL Dejection
Administrator








Since: 9.12.01
From: Bay City, OR

Since last post: 4 days
Last activity: 3 days
ICQ:  
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.81
Check this out for an idea...

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=compaq+laptop+dvd+drive&category0=

I'm not sure how the drive looks in the armada - is there a modular component you can take out? If so, just replace the whole unit. They usually aren't too bad.

Or, you could try cleaning the old one and futzing about with it.

Let me know if I've totally led you astray.



Ignorance is bliss for you, hell for me.
wmatistic
Andouille








Since: 2.2.04
From: Austin, TX

Since last post: 2552 days
Last activity: 1537 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.38
    Originally posted by Oliver
    I'm not sure I really understand what you mean, Guru. Unless there's a way to take apart a DVD ROM and install it in the slot where the DVD ROM is on this laptop, I don't think I can do anything with it.

    I've thought about picking up an external CDRW, and using that to read CDs, but I only have one USB port and that belongs to my wireless networking stick. Though...I've heard some great things about those multiport USB bubs.


Seriously I would avoid anything USB at this point. So many damn devices are using it, and it's flaky at best. When it works, it's fine. But that's half of the time for most people who have multiple USB devices. Find another route.
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