New build annoyance - IDE optical drive

ScarySquirrel · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:28

Hi all,

So I've just built my PC, installed my DVD-RW optical drive, only to find out that times have moved on and IDE connections appear to not be used any more, which means I can't install Windows

Other than ordering a drive and waiting until Tuesday for it, do I have any other options for getting Windows installed on my machine?

ScarySquirrel · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:32

Ignore me, I just checked my Mum's Dell and that has a SATA optical drive. I'm going to steal that to install Windows

RJC · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:33

If you have old pc and a USB you could install windows using the USB, do a google search for some guides.

Edit: seen your reply above.

ScarySquirrel · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:35

The case of her Dell is friggin' riveted on

Martini1991 · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:36

MS has a tool that allows installation from USB, it converts the ISO etc and makes it bootable.

matthab · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:48

Easy put windows on a pen drive!

Akagi · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:49

ScarySquirrel said:
Ignore me, I just checked my Mum's Dell and that has a SATA optical drive. I'm going to steal that to install Windows

haha, loving your logic there

i believe that you can buy SATA to IDE adapters, although i severely doubt their reliability.

ScarySquirrel · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:51

I'll try the USB thing, thanks all.

Now I can't find my Windows 7 CD

Good news is that the PC boots first time into BIOS and it didn't explode. Yay!

ScarySquirrel · 30 Jul 2011 at 12:53

....and I have no USB pen drive..... FUUUUUUUUUU-

ExecutorKevin · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:03

pick up a £4 usb pen from your local supermarket.

ScarySquirrel · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:09

ExecutorKevin said:
pick up a £4 usb pen from your local supermarket.

Good plan!!!

I found the Windows 7 CD/DVD, so will pop out shortly and grab one. Has to be at least 4Gb right?

ExecutorKevin · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:11

I would get at least an 8gb, and after you've finished with it take it back and say I didn't like it and get a refund

(Don't do that if you have a conscience haha)

PhillyDee · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:11

Buy a USB dvd drive from supermarket / wherever.

They are quite handy things!

darael · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:13

An 8gb stick is more comfortable - anything more, is overkill. Even use an 8gb SD card in a cardreader, if you have them.

ScarySquirrel · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:13

darael said:
An 8gb stick is more comfortable - anything more, is overkill. Even use an 8gb SD card in a cardreader, if you have them.

Very random, but I just came to ask that question. I have LOADS of 8Gb SD cards and a card reader, result

Thanks

ExecutorKevin · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:14

should have thought of that

ExecutorKevin · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:15

waiit how are you going to boot off a card reader?
I'm sure the bios only accepts pen drives, someone correct me on this!

PhillyDee · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:18

ExecutorKevin said:
waiit how are you going to boot off a card reader?
I'm sure the bios only accepts pen drives, someone correct me on this!

Boot Other Device would probably work.

koolpc · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:20

Can't you stand her pc next to yours as tight as possible and connect her DVD via Sata to your mobo, power on hers and then yours and bobs your dogbreath!! Should work, done this before.

PhillyDee · 30 Jul 2011 at 13:24

koolpc said:
Can't you stand her pc next to yours as tight as possible and connect her DVD via Sata to your mobo, power on hers and then yours and bobs your dogbreath!! Should work, done this before.

Not when you cannot get into the case it riveted together

Pretty sure the Dells just take a couple of clips to undo the case.