DVD Burner install?

[mullethead]

Let me first say hello to everyone. I have been lurking around and reading for a few weeks. I am starting to slip into the world of the workings of the computer. I have a Dell Dimension 4500 with a Intel P4 2.0 ghz, 512 mb ram. I have a cd burner only now and have ordered a Lite-On DVD burner( model sohw-1693s ). I am wordering if I will need anything else to install this. Cables maybe? I am going to build my first computer this fall, doing a little upgrading on this that my son will take over gives me the chance to get inside the case. Thanks for the help and the great site.

[Freakitchen]

Hi there!

The course of action i'd recommend is to totally replace your CD burner with the DVD burner. Your new DVD-RW will write both CDs and DVDs and is therefore all you need.

This way, you can just use the existing cable that was plugged into your old drive. Last thing to check is whether the data cable is '40 wire' (coarse ridges on the cable) or '80 wire' (very fine ridges). If it's the former, set the jumper on the back of the drive to the 'Master' position (assuming its the only device installed on that one cable). If the latter, set it to 'Cable Select'.

Freakitchen

[mullethead]

Hey thanks for that. I didn't think about replacing the cd burner, but sure does make scents. That is definately the route I am going.

[glc]

No need to determine the cable type - just set the jumper to the same position as the working drive you are replacing with it.