Optical drive dismantling

[risk_reversal]

Hi, I am having problems with my CDRW drive. It seems to be able to read pressed music cds and programs but burned data/music cds are problematic in that windows does not seem to recognise them. The drive does not seem to start spinning with these.

I wanted to clean the lenses but having read that CD disc cleaners can do more harm than good, have decided to dismantle the optical drive and clean the lenses with isopropyl alcohol.

The problem is, I have never opened up one of these puppies before.

I wonder if anyone can post a link to a site that gives a step by step account of how to do this.

Many thanks for any help provided

[hoxlund]

if you have never done this and don't feel comfortable to just dive in and crack the case by yourself

try to avoid this and get a friend to do it and watch him

but basically you unscrew 4 or 8 screws on the drive slide the top open and use some caned air on the lense

[risk_reversal]

Cheers hoxlund. It seems pretty simple from your description. I was just concerned that there might be some components that drop out when you pull the casing off.

I take it isopropyl alcohol is ok to use on the lenses

Good Luck

[hoxlund]

i would use isoprop alco. and q tip, then lightly blow it off with canned air

[risk_reversal]

Cheers hoxlund.