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CD-ROMS & DVD Problems/mini laptop/ external cd-rw drive

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Expert: Mark Thomas - 12/22/2010


Question
i have an acer mini laptop. how do i make it recognize my compact disc external cd-rw drive?

Answer
Hello Tori

Very glad to help you out and thanks for posting your question. OK, Windows SHOULD have recognised the external drive when you inserted the usb connection into your laptop, I do not know what operating system you have but all are basically the same with new hardware.
Here are two methods to force your PC to install the drivers needed to run your cd/drive.

GO TO
CONTROL PANEL then
ADD/REMOVE HARDWARE
then ADD HARDWARE
and get windows to search for the cd drive, find it and install drivers for it. If it asks you to search the internet for drivers, uncheck that box and let windows system load its own drivers to run the cd player. ( You can always download your cd drivers for your make and model later).

OR

Plug in your cd player
Restart your computer and again it SHOULD see your new plugged in cd drive, if not please go to
CONTROL PANEL
DEVICE MANAGER
Click on CD/DVD Devices
If your player has been recognised everything is fine.

Post a follow up if you still have problems.

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CD-ROMS & DVD Problems

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Mark Thomas

Expertise

choosing all kinds of interior and exterior disk systems,for desktops,netbooks,laptops.and gaming rigs. Setting up in home or office environment. Installation of software and advice on network and hardware set ups. General polite and friendly advice to beginners and experienced users with just about all things in the computing world. (30 yrs experience ) Volunteer Expert Since Oct 2010. One of my friends and "guru" was a previous expert in this category,and in tribute to him and what he has taught me over the years,I am glad to help you. Please re - send question if I am shown as "MAXED OUT" There is a lot of problems out there

Experience

Systems Network installer and controller System roll out and beta tester supervisor Network administrator and system analyst. National Instructor in various PC systems I have been a computer "geek" for over 30yrs and and have purchased and repaired every computer from the ZX Spectrum in 1982, right up to my current advanced gaming system. I have encountered every problem and made every mistake along the way ! and can hopefully give sound practical advice to those new and old , as I have worn their shoes, and been there and done that.Volunteer Expert Since Oct 2010.

Organizations
All experts group (multiple categories )

Education/Credentials
1 x lifelong practical experience graduate Various National Courses and training supervisor grades too boring to list !

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