I require to change a DVD rom on a Mitac 8355 Laptop. I have a new drive ready, just need to know how to do it! Can anyone help?

Check jumpers on your ROM.

If you are using Windows OS, most of the CD/DVD Rom drivers are generic you do not need to install any drivers for the devices to function. If it is the firmware that need updating, go to the manufacturer support to download the firmware file to update your DVD Rom firmware.

If your Windows system cannot detect your DVD Rom, it could be your DVD drive had failed. Is the DVD drive settings for set correctly ie. if your DVD drive is of IDE interface. No settings is required for SATA interface.

Hope it helps.

Hi Tony,
Thanks for the details you have mentioned. The steps you have taken are correct and if the System/ hardware is ok, it should boot from CD Drive. Whenever i have faced such an issue, i always started afresh to check each hardware (CD, DVD, ROM, Hard Disk, Cables, Connections etc) and most of the times the issue was optical drive or CD/DVDs.

So, I recommend that make sure that the CD/DVD ROM is functioning properly. When the system is set to boot from CD/DVD, it must try to read CD/DVD after power on. It is indicated by spinning of the optical drive and blinking CD ROM LED. If there is a bootable CD in the drive, it should boot. You may try to boot the system through DOS bootable CD. Also, if you still have the OS on your system, you may check the CD ROM through windows.

Let me know if any further clarification/ assistance is required.

GoodLuck!
Dont forget to appreciate the solution if I could have been of any help!
CreativeTECH

Hi errajeev_iit,

The CD/DVD Driver is an Operating System generic Driver and it can be re-installed from the Device Manager. Please press with Window Logo and the R Keys on your Keyboard to open the Run window, then type devmgmt.msc and press the Enter Key to open the Device Manager. After that, on the Open Device Manager window, please click the "Actions" menu and select the Scan for Hardware changes option. This will re-install the CD/DVD Drive Driver in the Computer.

Hope this helps.

Please let me know if you have any questions or require further assistance.

Thanks for using FixYa.

You don't need to replace the Hard drive in the laptop, you can usually upgrade, or install vista from the CD-ROM / DVD-Rom.

If your laptop does not have a DVD drive to install vista, you may use file sharing to install it from another computer on the network. To do this follow these steps:

1) Place the Vista DVD in second computer
2) right-click on the DVD-drive that has the Vista DVD in it, and select " Share..."
3) You may need to press the "Advanced sharing" button to enable sharing, if so, do that, and just hit the " apply " button
4) OK out of all of those menues
5) on your laptop open " my computer" and click the " map network drive "
6) browse to the location of your drive on the other computer, and click " OK "
7) install Windows vista

If you do however need a new hard drive for your laptop, you can usually get them from any PC store such as Bestbuy, fry's, or online from places such as NewEGG.com, and Tigerdirect.com.

You will need to know what type of hard drive you have, and how to replace it. The manual for your laptop usually has this type of information.

SIDE NOTE:
When putting Vista on a laptop, be sure it meets the minimum requirements.

go to boot sequence in the order
CD/DVD
Hard disk
others

try reinstalling the drive

Change settings for the dvd rom at the my computer.

not an easy one to fix,

first you'll need to find out if it's the lens adjustment or a laser problem. this will require you to open up the drive, and test it running open, use protective glasses to shield your eyes from the laser.

buying a new one is faster less time consuming and about 20 dollars. Removing it and connecting the new one, anyone can do 4 screws, and to diff cable that only fit one way.

hi the removel of the dvd drive is easy as taking out the battry 1. Remove the battery from the bottom of the laptop 2. Make sure the laptop is NOT plugged in. 3. There is a release button for the CD/DVD ROM drive on the bottom of the laptop, simply press and hold the release switch and pull the CD/DVD drive out. replace it with your new 1 good luck