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Using Internal CD-RW drive as an External device

Forum CPU & Components : CPUs - Using Internal CD-RW drive as an External device

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Conqueror   12-24-2001 at 01:02:27 AM

Sorry if this is in the wrong Forum, but I just wanted to ask if it is possible to use an internal CD-RW drive as an external device?

I want to transfer large files to CDs from a computer that doesn't have an internal CD-RW drive. The computer doesn't have a USB port either. I have a spare INTERNAL CD-RW and I want to use it as an external device so I could tranfer the files to CDs.

How could I do this? What cables/connectors/convertors would I need? Do I need special software to make it work? I want to use it using a serial or parallel port but not using a USB port.

<font color=blue><i>Mankind must put an end to War,
or War will put an end to mankind!<i></font color=blue>

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khha4113   12-24-2001 at 02:50:17 AM
- 0 +

AFAIK, SCSI CDRW can be external. Actually, there is no difference between internal and external SCSI ones (the external needs data storage case).
I don't think CDRW have parallel or serial connections as their data tranfer rates are too slow.
:smile: Good or Bad have no meaning at all, depends on what your point of view is.

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girish   12-24-2001 at 06:37:55 AM
- 0 +

If you dont want a hot-swap solution (like the USB) you can simply pull a IDE cable and a power connector out of the case and use it as and when you need it. Remember to power off your system before connecting the drive.

The IDE and power cables can only come out through the back panel to have some reasonable length to actually use them.

BTW I read somewhere about a hot-swap IDE panel, got to look for it.

girish

<font color=red>No system is fool-proof. Fools are Ingenious!</font color=red>

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Crashman   12-24-2001 at 08:00:52 AM
- 0 +

For around $140 (OUCH!) you can get an IDE drive to parallel port external case. That's the full price, I've seen them clearenced for as little as $45.

What's the frequency, Kenneth?

Reply to Crashman
Conqueror   12-24-2001 at 07:03:46 PM
- 0 +

Actually, the computer from which I want to tranfer files to CDs is a public computer at my university. I would get into big trouble trying to open it up!! I don't think it is possible to open it. I want a different solution. I want to use the serial/parrallel ports in the back of it. I know I have to modify the CD-RW drive a bit, but what do I have to do? Can anyone help? How do external Zip drives or external CD-RW work? Which ports do they use?

<font color=blue><i>Mankind must put an end to War,
or War will put an end to mankind!<i></font color=blue>

Reply to Conqueror
Olfin_Bedwere   12-24-2001 at 09:00:29 PM
- 0 +

Some CDRWs use the Parallel port, but they're very rare nowadays. You might have more luck finding a parallel port Zip drive though - but they only go up to 250MB.

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