Installing a DVD-RW

Just bought a DVD-RW and not sure about whether I should install the software CD first or the actual hardware itself. The instructions in the box tell me how to fit the DVD. There is also a CD in the box. But nowhere does it say whether to install the hardware or the software first.

I know know this question is quite generic but I was wondering whether there is a general routine in all cases, e.g. always install software first, then the hardware. Alternatively, I understand it may be specific and depend on manufacturer and model.

Thanks

 

install the drive, if it finds it "new h/w found message", on boot up, i'd cancel it. then install the s/w that you have. - sos

 

CD/DVD drives do not require drivers (unless you're running WFW3.11 ). The CD probably contains burning software and DVD playback software and a manual.

 

Won't I need the "DVD playback software" to play DVDs?

 

There are many softwares to playback dvd. For Eg: VLC media player is one of the kind.
so just go ahead with your DVD-RW!

 

As stated above, there are MANY great DVD playback programs available, and many of them are free (VLC for example). So go ahead and install the drive. If it's an IDE/ATA drive, be sure you have the jumper set correctly; If it is alone on the data cable, set it to Master, if it's sharing the cable with a device that was there first, set it to Slave. Be sure the PC power cable is unplugged when installing the DVDRW. When it's installed, just boot up Windows as you normaly would and all will be well. If you need suggestions for burning software and DVD playback software, start a new thread in the Software forum. Good luck!

 

A DVD drive once fitted into a computer will be able to read the software DVD, even before the software on that disk is installed. The software, once installed, will enable the computer to burn to DVD, and depending on what it is, to play DVD movies.