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How to insert a CD in the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive - ThinkPad

How to insert a CD in the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive - ThinkPad

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How to insert a CD in the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive - ThinkPad

Note: If you have a ThinkPad laptop, make sure the laptop actually has a CD/DVD drive. Only select models of ThinkPad laptops come with CD/DVD drives. Most newer systems no longer have built-in CD/DVD drives. Models without CD/DVD drives must use an external USB drive or other solution.

The following instructions explain how to insert a CD into the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive on any ThinkPad system with a CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive.
Notes:

  • Not all ThinkPad systems come with a CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive installed internally on the computer.
  • The format capabilities of the drive are listed on the label on the external cover of the drive.
  • The CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive can be opened using the emergency eject hole if the drive will not open and a disc needs to be removed.

    CD-RW/DVD drive cover

Open the drive tray using the drive eject button - do not force or pry the tray open. The tray will pop out partially.

Or

Windows 10, 11

  1. To get to This PC, open File Explorer from the taskbar and select This PC in the left pane.
    File Explorer
    File Explorer
    This PC in File Explorer
  2. Click the DVD drive icon and click the Eject button on the toolbar or right-click the optical drive and choose Eject from the menu.
    Eject CD
    Image 1
    menu
    Image 2

Once the tray is partially open:

1. Slide the drive tray out fully.
Attention: Do not touch the drive lens.

CD-ROM drive tray fully open

2. Align the center hole of CD with the drive spindle.

Aligning CD on spindle

3. Install the CD by pressing the CD near the center until all three positive lock-down devices on the drive spindle lock into place.
Note: The CD must be installed into and not merely placed onto the tray. When you insert the CD, the label should be facing up.

Pressing CD onto spindle

Fully inserted CD

4. Carefully close tray.

Additional Information

Typically, the disc will start playing automatically. If it does not play, open Windows Media Player, and then, in the Player Library, select the disc name in the navigation pane. Troubleshoot Play a CD or DVD in Windows Media Player.

Note:

  • Windows Media Player is included with Windows 10 desktop. Note that the app no longer plays DVDs.
  • Windows DVD Player app enables Windows 10 PCs with an optical disc drive to play DVD movies (but not Blu-ray discs). You can buy it in the Microsoft Store. Read more DVD playback options for Windows.
  • Blu-ray Disc format is not supported in Windows Media Player or Windows DVD Player app. To play a Blu-ray Disc, use a non-Microsoft program that supports Blu-ray playback and a device capable of reading Blu-ray Discs.

If a message occurs that says the computer is missing a codec or that a DVD decoder is required, you are probably trying to play, burn, or sync a file that was compressed by using a codec that Windows or the Player does not include by default. For more information about codecs, see Codecs: frequently asked questions.


Alias Id:EMON-3LLR58-KR
Document ID:HT004167
Original Publish Date:01/04/2011
Last Modified Date:12/03/2024