Javascript required
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / How to Install Software on a Computer Without Cd Drive

How to Install Software on a Computer Without Cd Drive

How to find what computer CD or disc drive I have

Updated: 11/13/2018 by Computer Hope

Microsoft Windows users

Computer CD-ROM

Microsoft Windows users can determine what CD drive is installed in their computer by following the steps below.

  1. Open System Information.
  2. In the System Information window, click the + symbol next to Components.
  3. If you see "CD-ROM," click it once to display the CD-ROM in the left window. Otherwise, click "+" next to "Multimedia" and then click "CD-ROM" to see the CD-ROM information in the left window.

Tip

Under "Media Type" the System Information tool lists what media the drive is capable of reading/writing. For example, it may contain "DVD writer," which means it's capable of reading and writing CDs and DVDs.

Note

Although Microsoft Windows may list a CD-ROM drive as being installed, this may only be a compatible drive to what is installed in the computer.

Other methods of obtaining additional information about the CD-ROM

You can also determine what CD drive by physically inspecting the drive; below is a listing of different methods of determining additional information about the CD drive.

  1. Many CD drive manufacturers display their name on the front of the drive with the speed (e.g., 52X), and sometimes the drive model. If you're unfamiliar with CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, or DVD drive manufacturers, you can find a listing on our CD manufacturers.
  2. The manufacturer's name may not be enough information, but you can find more information printed on the top of the drive.

Many CD drive manufacturers have stickers on the top of the drive containing complete information about the CD drive. We recommend opening the computer and, if needed, remove the CD drive to see the information on the top of the drive.

  • How do I open my computer case?
  1. Unfortunately, not all drives list the speed of the CD drive. Look for any two-digit number followed by an "X" (e.g., 52X) on the front, top, or bottom of the drive. If this number is not visible, use the model number of the drive to locate additional information about the drive on the manufacturer's website.
  2. If you cannot find a manufacturer or model number of the drive but found the FCC identification number, perform an FCC search using that number. For additional information about FCC numbers, see our FCC definition.

Product listing or specifications

If you're trying to list all specifications about your computer, make sure to list the CD drive with its model number if available, and its speed as shown below.

Black 52X Sony CD-ROM, Model CDU5211

Drivers or installation

If you're trying to determine what drivers to install, visit our CD-ROM driver's page for a full listing of disc drive manufacturers and links to their driver pages.

  • How to install a CD, DVD, or another disc drive.

Replacement or repair

If you want the CD drive information so it can be replaced or repaired, realize it can be replaced with any other drive that uses the same interface. For example, if your computer uses an IDE CD-ROM drive, we recommend it be replaced with another IDE CD-ROM.

Additionally, you may want to consider upgrading to a drive that offers additional support. For example, if you are replacing a standard CD-ROM, you may want to replace the drive with a CD-R or CD-RW drive.

  • CD-ROM help and support.
  • Computer CD and disc drive buying tips.

How to Install Software on a Computer Without Cd Drive

Source: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000495.htm