External CD-DVD Drive for Toshiba Laptop

boblink · 08-11-2009, 08:21 AM

Hi, the CD-DVD Drive on my Satellite Laptop apparently is broken and I was thinking about purchasing an External CD-DVD Drive and would appreciate HELP.
In the event that I need to RE-Install Windows, would I be able to do this with configuration (i.e. using an External CD Drive) since I believe that I will need to boot from the CD to begin the reinstall and I am not sure if the Laptop will "recognize" the External drive?
Thank you,
Bob

**Tyree** · 08-11-2009, 10:54 AM

Best scenario for external drives is to assemble your own. Pre-Builts often use cheap circuitry and are prone to failure.
Look in the laptop bios and see if it has Boot From USB listed. If so, it will boot from the USB external device.
Either of these Apricorn external enclosures are excellent and they include a version of Acronis. Use the Hdd of your choice. If/when the Hdd fails you only need to replace the drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817362004

boblink · 08-11-2009, 02:51 PM

Thank you for your help Tyree.
Bob

**Tyree** · 08-11-2009, 08:50 PM

You are very welcome, best of luck and please let us know how it works out.

08-11-2009, 08:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
boblink Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp	External CD-DVD Drive for Toshiba Laptop Hi, the CD-DVD Drive on my Satellite Laptop apparently is broken and I was thinking about purchasing an External CD-DVD Drive and would appreciate HELP. In the event that I need to RE-Install Windows, would I be able to do this with configuration (i.e. using an External CD Drive) since I believe that I will need to boot from the CD to begin the reinstall and I am not sure if the Laptop will "recognize" the External drive? Thank you, Bob

08-11-2009, 10:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,614 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: External CD-DVD Drive for Toshiba Laptop Best scenario for external drives is to assemble your own. Pre-Builts often use cheap circuitry and are prone to failure. Look in the laptop bios and see if it has Boot From USB listed. If so, it will boot from the USB external device. Either of these Apricorn external enclosures are excellent and they include a version of Acronis. Use the Hdd of your choice. If/when the Hdd fails you only need to replace the drive. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817362004 __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

08-11-2009, 02:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
boblink Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp	External CD-DVD Drive for Toshiba Laptop Thank you for your help Tyree. Bob

08-11-2009, 08:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,614 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: External CD-DVD Drive for Toshiba Laptop You are very welcome, best of luck and please let us know how it works out. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.