Replace or Remove CD/DVD Drive in Dell Precision Desktop
The model pictured is a Precision 3450 Small Form Factor. Any Dell Small Form Factor should be similar enough for these instructions to work, with allowances for small differences between models.
Power down the computer
Disconnect the power cable from the back of the computer
Lay the computer down flat, with the removable side (lid) up, and the face (front) of the computer toward you.
Locate the light blue latch near the back right corner of the computer, then pull the latch to the left, and remove the lid using the the “handle” formed into it to pull first away from the front of the computer and then up.
Next, locate the 3 locking tabs with blue squares that secure the top edge of the face of the computer, then gently lift to disengage them.
Tip the face toward you, then lift it away to remote it.
Next, locate the lock for the assembly that holds the CD/DVD drive (also known as an optical drive). It will have an image of a padlock on it. If the image showing has the padlock closed, the assembly is locked in place. Slide the lock piece toward the back of the computer to unlock it. There should now be an open padlock visible.
Locate the wire harness that is tucked into a clip next to the assembly lock, and disengage all the wires from the clip.
Now, gently lift the assembly, using the lock as a handle. It will tip toward the side of the computer, and you’ll need to disengage the tabs from the side of the computer. Don’t lift the assembly too far, there are still wires attached. Turn the assembly over once you’ve freed the tabs from the frame.
Locate the wires that are plugged into the back of the optical drive, and the wire clip the wires are tucked into. Free the wires from the clip, then unplug them.
The assembly will nob be free in your hands. Locate the small latch at the back side of the optical drive and press toward the bottom of the assembly to disengage it.
With the drive latch pressed, slide the optical drive out through the front of the assemble, opposite the latch.
If replacing the drive, slide the new drive into the assembly, latch first, then reverse the unwiring/ unplugging instructions above to get it connected.
Once the drive is out or replaced, reinsert the assembly in the computer. You’ll need to align the tabs with the notches in the frame which they came out of, then lower the lock side back into place. Be sure the wires are not caught in the latch. When everything is lined up properly, and the wires are out of the way, the assembly will lay flush with the front of the frame. Then lock it back in place so that the closed padlock appears.
Now it’s time to put the face back on. Align the 3 tabs at the bottom edge of the face with the square holes they’ll fit into and hook them in before tipping the top of the face back into place. Because of the zoom needed to see the tabs and holes, only 2 are visible in the image below. The 3 locking tabs at the top of the face should all click into place.
Time to close up. Lay the lib back onto the frame. You’ll need to set it down so that there’s about 1 inch between the front edge of the lid and the edge of the front of the frame. If the spacing is incorrect, the lid won’t slide toward the front of the computer. Readjust spacing until the lid will click/lock back into place when you slide it toward the face.
Plug the computer back in and power it on, and it should be ready to go.