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    help replacing dvd burner on Acer Extensa 4420

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by mddolson, Jun 10, 2009.

  1. mddolson

    mddolson Newbie

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    Greetings all.

    I've had this notebook/lap top since new year 09.
    It is an Acer Extensa 4420-5239, w/Vista Home prem.

    The DVD burner (Hitachi) has become intermitant.
    Dealer wanted $249 to replace it,(1/2 the cost of the new laptop) so I ordered a new one on eBay. ($80)

    I've replaced drives on my home workstation, but never opened a laptop before. I figured it would be a good idea to pick a few brains before cracking the lid.

    I would appreciate any advise/instructions etc from anyone who's done this before. I've purchased a panasonics 870 dvd drive (guaranteed to be compatable by the vendor)

    Thanks in advance

    Mike D Dolson
     
    mddolson, Jun 10, 2009
    #1
  2. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    Welcome to notebookreview,

    The swap should be easy. Turn your ACER off and turn it upside down. You should find a single screw holding in the optical drive. Simply remove the screw and slide the optical drive out.
    Once removed, there is most likely a small metal clip/adaptor on the back of the current optical drive, which is fastened with 2 or so small screws. You will need to take this off and install it on the new optical drive. When installed, you can simply slide it in and you are all set.

    $80 is a bit high for an optical drive. You should have been able to find one nearer the $30-40 range.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jun 10, 2009
    #2
  3. mddolson

    mddolson Newbie

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    Thanks for the tips K-TRON.
    I'm Canuk, so my $ are smaller than yours. LOL,
    I just used round numbers,the drive price= $50 US, exchange, shipping handling, taxes & duty make up the rest (actual total was $74.21 Can).
    Based on the dealer quote $249. I'm satisfied.

    regards

    Mike D

     
    mddolson, Jun 11, 2009
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  4. mddolson

    mddolson Newbie

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    The swap went easy as you suggested it would.
    I removed the driver, shut down the laptop.
    One screw as described (took a minute or two to find it).
    Slid out the drive, swapped the little bracket with two microscopic screws.
    Slid in new drive, secured the screw.
    started up the laptop, and Vista recognized the drive, installed driver and we're back in business.
    I ve burned a couple of DVD's and all is well.
    Thank you for the advise.

    Mike D
     
    mddolson, Jun 29, 2009
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  5. mddolson

    mddolson Newbie

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    Just a quick update, its been a month since I replaced the DVD drive and it's working well.

    thanks for the help.

    regards

    Mike D
     
    mddolson, Jul 29, 2009
    #5