Installing a new External USB, DVD/CD-RW+DVDRW

Hello::wave I am Installing a new USB - DVD/CD-RW+DVD-RW combo (External) onto my Dell PC Win XP3. Do I just Plug and Burn (Play) or do I have to format or run an install Program first? Will it automatically be recognised as the new "Drive D"! The original internal DVD-CD-RW Rom Drive (D) has Passed away, what do you think Guys

 

It will be recognized without installing a thing. The drive will probably be assigned the letter E because, even though the internal drive is non-functioning, it is assigned the letter D.

Make sure your burning program sees the drive. The program might see both D and E so when you burn anything, be sure you select the correct drive.

 

The only problem I see is if you need to reinstall Windows from a CD — that would have to be from an internal drive.

But there are ways to do so from a bootable USB flash drive (I've done it myself).

 

It depends on the machine. I've used external drives to boot off of or install from many a time.

 

Thanks everyone! plodr I never had a "DVD burner" before only the old internal DVD/CD-RW. what program do I have to install? Or do you just mean a "DVD burning program" like "Handbreak" or Nero? Thanks again to you all Dasha

 

Yes, I meant a DVD burning program. If there is none on the computer and none came with the external drive, then you get to install what you want.