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DIY external DVD-Drive

The EeePC and I'm sure some other netbooks come with a recovery DVD - problem is that netbooks (understandably) don't have an internal DVD drive, so being me I didn't want to go out and buy an external one, because I simply wouldn't have any use for it . instead, I started looking around for stuff I had laying round the house...

I happen to be using a case and drive with IDE connectors, but SATA should also work

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Step 1What you need

- Old unused external HDD/HDD enclosure (or a used one if you want a temporary external Drive)
- Unused DVD drive
- Screwdriver
- Patience

Notice that the connectors inside the enclosure must match the connectors on the DVD Drive for it to work. I happened to have an old IDE drive and an old external HDD which is also IDE connected. I don't know about the modern ones, but i guess it would also work with SATA.

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16 comments

Nov 2, 2011. 2:33 AMMRedu says:

Really good guide and has many uses, like installing windows 7 or an OS of your choice to a cheap netbook.

Dec 20, 2010. 9:32 AMpatrickvaz says:

HI,
After this setup, can i hook it on to a TV via usb and does this drive be seen on a TV, like maybe save some movies on the hard drive and play the same to the tv??

Mar 25, 2010. 6:14 AMeddy180 says:

I tried this with 3 different SATA drives, 1 (dvd writer) didnt work. The other two did work!

Oct 28, 2010. 11:18 PMlopipops says:

I think you need to put the DVD's jumper into master

Jan 30, 2010. 3:08 PMtwitsl says:

I looked on ebay and found a ide to usb device. you can use that is you have a power supply.

Dec 4, 2009. 11:51 AMopanocat5 says:

Nice man!

I was about to pay about £40 for one of those! Now i can get another thing to install on my little netbook as well

Dec 5, 2009. 9:08 AMwh173y (author) says:

you're welcome :)

Jul 16, 2009. 12:56 AMDJNASHA says:

NICE P.S U CAN GET VANTEC ADAPTER 4 17DOLLERS AT FRY'S

Jul 11, 2009. 6:58 AMgonlgn says:

does it really work same as external?

Jul 11, 2009. 7:06 AMwh173y (author) says:

yupp, I restored my eeepc and installed office 2007 with it.

Jul 7, 2009. 5:05 PMmikedoth says:

I'd put the word "IDE" in the intro to the Instructable.

Jul 8, 2009. 1:09 AMwh173y (author) says:

works the same way with sata drives

Jul 8, 2009. 10:37 AMmikedoth says:

Only if you start with a SATA enclosure. But that's my two cents. Good instructable overall, I think i'll try making one.

Jul 8, 2009. 2:38 PMwh173y (author) says:

well... yeah, i assumed it would be self-explainatory, but yeah - have fun making it :)

Jul 7, 2009. 3:54 PMguyfrom7up says:

nice, but typo: on the first page it should say internal, not external, but very useful instructable. But for those who are looking for a cheap solution, while this is certainly cheap, you can also get an external drive ffrom dealextreme for 40 bucks, just letting people know. This is a good alternative, and the best alternative to an expensive 100 dollar external drive.

Jul 8, 2009. 1:13 AMwh173y (author) says:

thanks for the tip, edited it also, nothing beats a real, cheap external drive but i thought it's nice to know you have a cheap and dirty possibility on your hands :)