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nwaltham

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Changing CD ROM Drive on Compaq 3060

Hello,
Is there a guide available on how to replace the CD-Drive in a Compaq 3060. I am fairly proficient in servicing computers, and most of the parts in the 3060 seem to be reasonably accessable with the exception of the floppy, the CD and the Speakers. I would like to replace the CD drive with a CD-Writer

Thanks in advance,
Nicholas Waltham
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dually

Assuming that the cd-writer is of the same type (IDE) as the cdrom, there shouldn't be any problem with installing it.  Remove the old cdrom from Device Manager, then turn off your system.  Take off the case, remove the old cdrom physically...making note of how the cables will need to be reattached to the cd-writer and making sure that they all fit.  If your cd-writer needs a jumper set to make it a Master or a Slave on the IDE cable and the IDE controller make sure you do that before attaching the cables.  After you make sure that the configurations are correct for the drive and the cables are attached, with the case cover still off, reboot your system.  Either Windows will detect it and setup the drivers for it, or you will have to do that manually using the install disk that came with it.
nwaltham,

Are you asking how to physically remove the drive? Some Compaqs,
PB's and others require removing the entire drive cage assembly
before accessing individual drives.

Cumbo
Many Compaqs require the use of a torx screwdriver.  It is shaped like an Allen wrench that went on a diet.  You can buy torx bits at any large hardware store or auto parts store.  
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ASKER

Hello,
 Thanks your comments. The problem is a physical problem rather than a software problem. The 3060 is a highly unusual shape The CDROM is mounted behind the mother board, but there may be another way in to it, taking off the LCD screen and the speaker grill, hence the question. I don't know where all the screws are!

Regards,
Nicholas Waltham
Do you have room to put in the CD-Writer and leave the CD ROM in there? The reason why I ask this is because I use my CD-R all the time, and I can tell you right now, it helps to have a CD ROm and a CD Writer on the machine for copying and for data storage. Plus, your Cd writer may not go past 8x. I have seen some programs (games mostly) that require you to have a CD ROM that will go 10x or above.
The HP CD-RW 8100 reads at 24X and writes up to 8x.  I replaced my regular CD-ROM drive with one of these so I don't need two.  Installation is a snap!
Kayton,
 The one I plan to install is the 8100, it did very well in a recent review of CNET. However the trouble is physically getting at the CD-ROM drive in the 3060. Its an 'inovative form factor' aka 'wierd shaped' computer. (I like it though)

Regards,
Nick
Soulds let you will need to take it into a shop and have a person that is sharp with both desktops and laptop hardware to the install.  Are you the Seattle, WA area. I could do it for you. I know the 2100 series are terrible at replacing the cdrom drives in. (they are baby desktop coases).
Just checking compaqs web page-- you have the 4 disc changer in there? Is the face plate for it like a standard cdrom (full size face)?
Michaelham,
 Thats right, I have the 4 disc changer, and it appears to be full size. Unfortunately I am not close to Seatle, I am in Cali, Colombia, South Amercia :-)

Regards,
Nicholas Waltham
Your computer is a Presario 3060??
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cristianc

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Oh looks like you have your answer now, Great job cristianc.
Excellent,
 Thank you very much for the very complete answer. My email address is nwaltham@email.com. It would be great if you could sent the pictures as well.

Thanks again,
Nicholas Waltham