"Rescuing" a CD from a disconnected disc drive

Discussion in 'Internal Hardware' started by Sheldrake, Jul 10, 2012.

Recommended: Click here to Fix Errors and Optimize Windows

  1. Sheldrake Bronze Member

    Bronze
    Message Count:
    10
    Likes Received:
    1
    My System
    Loading...
    Hey!

    When I was building my current PC, I ended up using a few parts from my old rig. A few days after using my new machine I realized that I had left a CD in the disc tray of the old computer, which is now sitting in the closet.



    I really don't want to hook everything up in the old machine (which is currently lacking a power supply and a few other components that are in my new desktop) just to retrieve a CD. Is there a way to open the disc tray manually?

    Any input would be much appreciated.

    - Sheldrake :3
    Sheldrake, Jul 10, 2012
    #1

  2. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

    Manager
    PCHF Staff
    Message Count:
    40,368
    Likes Received:
    3,756
    My System
    Loading...
    Hi,

    Do you have a paperclip handy? We could always try the age old paperclip trick to get the drive open
    Crush, Jul 10, 2012
    #2

  3. Sheldrake Bronze Member

    Bronze
    Message Count:
    10
    Likes Received:
    1
    My System
    Loading...
    I'm sure I could find one somewhere around the house. Is there a certain "technique" I should be using? Somehow the idea of viciously digging in sounds a bit dangerous for the drive.

    - Sheldrake :3
    Sheldrake, Jul 10, 2012
    #3

  4. Google Advertisement

  5. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

    Manager
    PCHF Staff
    Message Count:
    40,368
    Likes Received:
    3,756
    My System
    Loading...
    :hilar Yes indeed, that would be quite dangerous.

    What brand is your drive?

    40133393_1.jpg

    See the little button below the DVD icon? Stick the paperclip in there and the drive will open. Should be roughly in the same spot no matter the model
    Crush, Jul 10, 2012
    #4
    Sheldrake likes this.

  6. Sheldrake Bronze Member

    Bronze
    Message Count:
    10
    Likes Received:
    1
    My System
    Loading...
    Oh, that simple, eh? Does the drive have to be plugged in or anything?

    - Sheldrake :3
    Sheldrake, Jul 10, 2012
    #5

  7. DCiAdmin Administrator & Tech Team Leader

    Manager
    PCHF Staff
    Message Count:
    24,527
    Likes Received:
    3,395
    My System
    Loading...
    The drive can be completely disconnected. This is a manual release.
    DCiAdmin, Jul 10, 2012
    #6
    Sheldrake likes this.

  8. Sheldrake Bronze Member

    Bronze
    Message Count:
    10
    Likes Received:
    1
    My System
    Loading...
    Alright, thanks for the tip guys! I'll try that right now.

    - Sheldrake :3
    Sheldrake, Jul 10, 2012
    #7

  9. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

    Manager
    PCHF Staff
    Message Count:
    40,368
    Likes Received:
    3,756
    My System
    Loading...
    You're welcome :mrgreen:
    Crush, Jul 10, 2012
    #8

  10. Arctos You may call me Arctos.

    Elite
    Message Count:
    11,142
    Likes Received:
    2,636
    My System
    Loading...
    I know a certain cdr / dvd drive maker who's name starts with a L, who supply a nice pin to do this with their drives. (or they did when I got one)...

    Edit: Here's the pin, the pix is a bit dark but it's viewable...

    [IMG]
    Arctos, Jul 10, 2012
    #9
    Lord Chance likes this.

  11. Lord Chance PCHF Jester

    Elite
    Message Count:
    3,085
    Likes Received:
    1,430
    My System
    Loading...
    I've supplied my whole customer base with those bloody drive keys over the years.:D
    Lord Chance, Jul 10, 2012
    #10

  12. Arctos You may call me Arctos.

    Elite
    Message Count:
    11,142
    Likes Received:
    2,636
    My System
    Loading...
    I will not part with my one, as it has come in handy for situations just like the OP's problem...
    Arctos, Jul 10, 2012
    #11

  13. Lord Chance PCHF Jester

    Elite
    Message Count:
    3,085
    Likes Received:
    1,430
    My System
    Loading...
    Not to worry Mate. I use those cheap jewelers screw drivers to make mine. I'll send you some if need. :)
    Lord Chance, Jul 10, 2012
    #12

  14. Arctos You may call me Arctos.

    Elite
    Message Count:
    11,142
    Likes Received:
    2,636
    My System
    Loading...
    Thanks LC, but I will be right...
    Arctos, Jul 10, 2012
    #13

  15. DCiAdmin Administrator & Tech Team Leader

    Manager
    PCHF Staff
    Message Count:
    24,527
    Likes Received:
    3,395
    My System
    Loading...
    Unbending one of the larger paper clips serves the same purpose. I've had my "paper clip key" for several years. :)
    DCiAdmin, Jul 11, 2012
    #14
    Lord Chance likes this.

  16. Wolfeymole Elite PCHF Werewolf

    I've Donated!
    Tech Member
    Message Count:
    20,467
    Likes Received:
    1,287
    My System
    Loading...
    If by perchance the drive does not have a hole then simply hook up a spare power connector temporarily in the new box to it and press eject.

    When I used to disassemble PC's for a living I had a spare PSU plugged in on the bench for just exactly that reason
    Wolfeymole, Jul 11, 2012
    #15
    Lord Chance likes this.

"Rescuing" a CD from a disconnected disc drive

Recommended: Click here to Fix Errors and Optimize Windows