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9. Install the CD or DVD drive
Since you already learned about the use of the IDE cable in Step 6 (Installing the hard drive) all you need to learn now is how to physically install the CD/DVD drive.
Typically the CD/DVD drive goes in the very top bay of the computer case, but before you do that, make sure the IDE cable is long enough to connect both devices that will be on that cable. If the CD/DVD drive is going to be the only device, then this won't be a problem.
Installing the CD/DVD drive:
Since with most cases it would be nearly impossible to slide the CD/DVD drive in from the inside, we'll focus on installing it through the front of the case.
Make sure you've removed any plastic panels or metal tabs that might be covering up the extra bays inside the case. If you haven't already done this, then refer to Step 2 (Preparing the case) .
One more thing you should do before putting the drive in is to check the jumper settings to make sure they coincide with the setup you've determined. To refresh your memory, please refer to the example diagram in Step 6 (Installing the hard drive) to see what the settings should be.
When you're ready to physically install the drive , just slide it into the bay you've selected for it. Everything should go smoothly, if it doesn't then you should check for any obstructions that may be blocking it.
Once the front of the drive is flush with the case you're ready to secure it with screws. Sometimes the CD/DVD drives come with a bag of four small screws. Don't worry if it didn't since you can go ahead and use the small thread screws that came with your case. If the cover of your case doesn't come off in one piece, but rather has two panels that slide off (as is typical), then go ahead and take the panel off the other side if you already haven't. This is necessary to access the screw holes on the other side of the drive. It's a good idea to use all four screw holes available, unlike the hard drive installation, because you will be pushing the button on CD/DVD drive quite often, and the more secure it is the less chance there is of it coming loose. Sometimes a CD or DVD drive will have eight screw holes available. Four screws are plenty and using eight screws would just be overkill.
Install the Floppy Drive:
I won't go into as much detail on this part since it basically follows the same pattern as the CD/DVD drive did. The only difference is that the bay is smaller. Find the floppy bay and slide the floppy drive in making sure the front of it is flush with the front of the case. Sometimes cases have a hidden bay where you will need to load the floppy drive in from the inside of the case. Secure it in with some screws and move on to the next step.
Once you secure the drive with all four screws you're ready to connect all the devices with the IDE cable.
Connect the devices:
Now that you have all the devices in the computer, you're ready to connect all of them.
Refer once again to the diagram to see which devices you want to connect together. Make sure your master and slave settings are correct. Refer back to Step 6 (Installing the hard drive) if you need to check your hard drive settings. Remember to locate the primary and secondary IDE plugs on the motherboard. You'll want the hard drive to be on the primary. Once you're sure that you know how everything is going to be set up, go ahead and take the IDE cables that came with your hard drive or CD/DVD drive and connect the devices to the motherboard. These cables are keyed so they can only go in one way. The only exception to that rule is the floppy cable.
Below: IDE1 is the Primary IDE plug
Note the number 1 below the bottom left corner of IDE1
That should coincide with where the red wire on the IDE cable goes.
Below: The same concept but slightly different
Notice the white corner on the bottom left of each plug. This signifies Pin 1
Below: notice the arrow pointing towards Pin 1
The floppy cable is usually keyed but can sometimes go in either way. The best thing to do is look at where Pin 1 is (as seen above) on both the floppy drive and the motherboard. Also, remember that the part of the floppy cable that twists goes closest to the floppy drive itself. If you still aren't sure as to how to connect the floppy drive, just ask a question on the Message Boards .
Now you're ready to