To install a CD Rom drive is an easy process that requires a bit of attention to detail. Just follow the step-by-step process below, provided by me, and you will be fine.

IDE - An IDE cable is a big wide grey cable, and chances are any computer that has an IDE cable connection is more than a few years old since new computers these days are all going to SATA, our next connection type.

SATA - The new SATA connection not only has a faster data transfer speed, but they are also much easier to plug into the drive. SATA drives also automatically detect which drive is master or slave, so there is no need to change the settings on the back of the drive like older ones made you do.

Now that you understand more about those two connection types, you can proceed with this tutorial and upgrade your CD drive properly.

	1. First, if your computer is running, shut it down and turn the power switch to OFF.
	2. Then remove the power cord as an important safety measure.
	3. Find and then remove the screws holding the case cover on.
	4. After that, remove the case cover or panel from your personal computer.
	5. Find the big external drive cover, where the CD/DVD drive will be installed, then remove it.
	6. Before sliding the drive into the drive bay, set the drive jumpers to either master or slave. If the drive will reside on its own IDE cable, select the master setting. If the CD/DVD drive is being added to an existing IDE cable, choose slave. (Note: If you have a newer drive that uses SATA cable technology, it does not require to be set as master or slave since it detects it automatically)
	7. Please note, if your drive bay requires slide rails, attach them onto the sides of the CD drive.
	8. Now slide the CD/DVD drive into the drive bay.
	9. If the case is not using drive rails, attach the drive to the bay using the screws provided.
	10. Attach the CD-Audio cable to the connector on the CD/DVD drive.
	11. Attach the other end of the CD-Audio cable to the motherboard or audio card to the connector labeled CD Audio.
	12. Next, plug the IDE cable into the motherboard, if one isn't already in place.
	13. Plug the drive connector of the IDE cable into the drive. (Note: This could also be the new cable form called SATA, which is a much smaller cable and easier to install)
	14. Now attach the 4-pin power connector to the drive.
	15. Replace the case cover or panel.
	16. Reattach the case cover or panel with the screws.
	17. Plug the power cord back into the computer.
	18. Finally, turn the power switch on the power supply back to the ON position. That is how you install a cd rom drive.

Installing a CD ROM Drive's Software

Your CD ROM drive should come with software to install a CD Rom or DVD. If not, most likely it is just plug and play so then you don't have to do anything at all but start your computer.

But in most cases you do have to install your CD ROM drive. The installation is simple, just insert the disc in your CD drive and the installation should begin. If not, then go to my computer, and double click the CD drive icon.

Also, if you wanted to install a CD ROM or DVD drive and you are using windows, the hardware wizard should come up when you restart your computer.

Just follow the instructions to install the drivers for the new CD drive. You also may be asking yourself, if the CD drive isn't installed then how can it be used for the software installation. The reason is because Windows install temporary drivers that operate the CD drive until the new drivers are installed over them.