Well I think my CD/DVD drive is gone or is dying rather. Though I would like a bit of input from you guys if possible before I go buy a new one.

So tonight I was going to install AOE2 (a game) (though this problem can happen on anything I am trying to install) and it stopped at 51%. The drive just died down and nothing happened. I tried it numerous times, about 5 and it stopped at the same point every time. Though the computer wasn't frozen, just the install stopped and the cd-drive died down (no noise, lights etc). This has happened with other things i've tried to install, though not every time. And sometimes i've been able to install something without this happening at all and others, it has stopped at a certain % but after about the 3rd attempt or so it went through.

I went to my laptop and tried to install AOE2 there, and it worked first try with no problem.

So I am pretty sure I have a drive problem here, it is rather old, probably about 4 years at least now. I've swapped it out over a couple PCs and I guess it is time for a new one.

Though just wanted a confirmation that you believe that this is the problem as well, from you experts here before I go buy a new one.

Thanks guys!

Hello Maizon,

Sounds like you are correct.

You can try a different molex power connector before replacing the drive completely. Maybe the power connector is just bad. And if you have another optical drive in another machine that you know works fine, you can just swap them to be safe just to test. Then you'll know for sure.

Thanks a bunch, I appreciate the tip and help. I will give it a shot this evening!

Hello Maizon,

If you are a daring person you might try cleaning the drive. This procedure is not for the faint of heart. After all it could mean opening your drive up.

But! Before you go to the trouble, Get a can of compressed air and blow the dust out of the drive. It may be all it takes. Just be careful and not blow directly on the laser. Also make sure there is no finger prints or scratches on the disk. I know...it worked in other drives but remember the drive is old and its laser gets weaker over time.

I could tell you the drive is failing but it may just need cleaning. My advice for what it is worth is try cleaning before tossing. Good Luck!

LC

Oh my, it worked! Lord Chance, thank you so much! (And you too Wadd! Though I'm glad I didn't have to buy a new one :-P) All I did was blow it out with a can of air. Though I can understand how a piece of dust would cause it to work now and then and maybe not other times. Depending on where the dust was gathered.

Popped it in, and it went through to 100% first try. The expansion did as well, first try. I guess cleaning is all that it took.

Well thanks a lot, i'm back up and running without having to buy new parts!

Amazing how things (that many times look bigger) can sometimes be such a little thing.

Well done Maizon! Good job...

LC