Home
This illustrated guide explains how you can replace the optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-RW) on a Toshiba Satellite A50 or A55 laptop. Both models are the same, so disassembly steps will be the same too.
UPDATE: The page I was linking to is gone. You can use a guide for Tecra A2 posted at www.irisvista.com/tech/ it’s similar to Satellite M55. I posted drive removal and replacement instructions in the comment 12.
The author says:
Make sure that front panel of new DVD-ROM / DVD-RW (next will be mentioned as DVD-ROM) is approximately similar to old one.
I would say it has to be exactly the same, not just approximately similar. Even though all front panels look the same, they might be different mounting point, so make sure the new drive comes with the front panel.
The author says:
Insert paper clip to emergency hole (F) in order to eject DVD-ROM. Carefully remove DVD-ROM from the notebook.
Yes, you can open the optical drive with a paper clip and then carefully pull if from the laptop, but I don’t think it’s necessary. After you lift up the keyboard, as it shown on the step 5, and remove the screw E securing the optical drive, as it shown on the step 6, you can push the optical drive from the laptop with a screwdriver without opening it with a paper clip.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, take a look at this disassembly guide (step 13). I wrote this guide for a Tecra A2 laptop and it’s similar to Satellite A50/A55.
The best way to find a new replacement optical drive for you laptop is searching by the part number. Usually you can find the part number on the old defective optical drive and it looks something like that: P000417120
If you install a wrong optical drive, you can get IDE error message after the replacement.
Find the part number and google for it. If you have a Toshiba laptop purchased in the United States and cannot locate the part number for your optical drive, leave a comment with the laptop model and laptop part number and I’ll help you to find the part number for you optical drive.
January 4th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I need help in find the part number for a toshiba sattellite l355 dvd drive. model PSLD0U-00800X
November 18th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Bobby,
I guess you are asking about the optical drive, correct?
Here are part numbers for drives you can use: V000100700, V000100710, V000100850, V000101190, V000101200, V000102040, V000102290.
You can use either one, they all double layer DVD burners.
Here are instructions for a Satellite A205 laptop: http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/toshiba-satellite-a205/laptop-disassembly-1.htm
DVD drive removal instructions are shown in Step 3.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Can I inquire about the part numbers for A205-S5803 part # PSAF3U-0P8015?
Thanks in advance.
September 8th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Drew S,
First of all, you’ll have to find out if your problem is related to the drive itself or software. Find a bootable CD and try booting the laptop from that CD.
1. Insert the bootable CD into the drive. Windows installation CD is a bootable CD. Toshiba recovery disc is a bootable DVD. You can use either one for this test.
2. Restart the laptop and press F12 as soon as Toshiba logo appears on the screen.
3. Select CD/DVD optical drive and press enter.
If the laptop boots from a CD but the optical drive will not work in Windows, most likely you have a problem with software.
1. Delete CD/DVD drive entry in the device manager. Restart the laptop and let it redetect the drive.
2. Try reinstalling Windows from scratch.
September 8th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hi – My laptop optical drive isn’t working. My computer is the Toshiba Satellite A205 s4777 can you tell me what parts may work as replacements? Thank you,
Drew
August 24th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Do you know where I could find information for English parts? like the other Dan on this forum I’m looking for an optical drive that has a part number starting with G, G8CC0002t520 . its bought in england this laptop.the toshiba satellite pro A120 it is. I’ve been messing around for ages trying to get other drives and flash them to master (IDE settings) but have decided to give up and try and get the same drive again! can’t find anything on ebay so I’m looking for a compatible drive.
Much thanks,
Dan Gent
August 1st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Hi,
My optical drive isn’t working on my laptop and I was wondering if you could help me
find what models I could use to replace it. My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite A205-S5843 and I tried looking for the model number on the optical drive but couldn’t tell where it was.
Thanks,
Alex
July 14th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Pete,
I don’t remember this model off the top of my head by I believe all you have to do is remove two screws from the bottom and pull the drive from the laptop.
Check out this photo.
July 14th, 2009 at 3:57 am
I need to replace the optical drive (original CD-RW DVD ) on my Toshiba A45-S121 laptop . Any differences in R&R for the procedure from the original post ? Part# ? Any other information/links on using the Sony Optiarc from Newegg or other generic drive on this machine is appreciated ?
Thanks- Pete
May 4th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Ron B,
Sure I can help. There are many optical drives listed for this model. They are all DVD/CD-RW Combo Drives.
Here are part numbers: K000024100, K000021290, K000031510, K000031420, K000029570, K000037970, K000031430. You can use either one.
Google the part number and find what you like.