How do I replace my DVD writer in my Sony VAIO PCG-K215B?

[Mizuho]

I would like to ask if there are any experts or veterans who own or are familiar with the Sony VAIO K model notebooks.
I use a VAIO PCG-K215B, which is discontinued and my DVD writer is dying, the features have been severely reduced to approx. 30%.

It can no longer read/write DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW. It can read some DVD-R. Cannot write on DVD-R and read/recognised the burned discs.
It can read/write CDs.

So the laser is almost dead. Don't bother giving me the newbies lecture about virus scans, optical drive firmware, master/slave connections and DMA, because I've tried all of them. Plus I've even formatted and reinstalled my OS like 20 times already.

So you see, it is indeed a hardware fault, and I've like to know if anyone can assist and give me advice on how to replace my DVD writer.

I've posted photos of my laptop.

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/9774/dsc00006io7.th.jpg (http://img83.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00006io7.jpg) http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/374/dsc00007vy8.th.jpg (http://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00007vy8.jpg) http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3676/dsc00008qi2.th.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00008qi2.jpg) http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6191/dsc00009gi6.th.jpg (http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00009gi6.jpg) http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9004/dsc00010gc0.th.jpg (http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00010gc0.jpg) http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1037/dsc00011eq0.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00011eq0.jpg)

As you can see, the DVD drive is directly beneath the HDD bay, so I was wondering, do I remove the HDD and then replace the DVD drive underneath that way?

Current drive is a Pioneer DVR-K12D, and I was wondering what DVD writer would fit in my K215B.
Also, the faceplate of my current drive is somewhat curved on the right. So I was thinking would it be possible to remove its faceplate and put it on a new drive that I'll buy.
Would the NEC ND-7550 be compatible with my K215B? If not what drives would you recommend?

[foxyshadis]

You might need to remove the hard drive, or it might just be case screws holding it on - just keep unscrewing things until you can slide it out. :p

As for replacements, that can be tricky. I ran into a problem on my old X1000 and replaced the drive, but the faceplate didn't curve the same way and the two couldn't be swapped (even though both detached), so it's recessed into the case. Maybe I should have shopped harder, but slimline DVD burners were very rare then.

The sort of standard length of a slimline is 128mm, you might check to see just how wide that is on yours, to make sure you won't have to start cutting up your new faceplate if they aren't compatible. Based on the photos I think you're fine, because 128mm should be the length to the end of the little lip, and the faceplate just extends beyond. (You could even put a slotload in if that's the case.)

[Mizuho]

Apparently, I unscrewed the HDD bay, and found that beneath it there was a plastic platform, so the DVD drive isn't replaced that way.
I can see why the machine needs expert tools and specialists to open it up.
I know this already but I'd like to point it out...
there are 3 screws located DIRECTLY BENEATH the LCD screen, and it's physically impossible to unscrew them without removing the LCD screen entirely.

Look:
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2554/dsc00012qk5.th.jpg (http://img211.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00012qk5.jpg) http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3877/dsc00014bz4.th.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00014bz4.jpg) http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4636/dsc00013ne6.th.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00013ne6.jpg)

Before posting this thread, I contacted Sony and they said that to replace the drive it would cost AT LEAST US$280.

It's just absurd, that's a total steal.

[foxyshadis]

One of these might help, I don't know: http://www.eserviceinfo.com/equipment_mfg/SONY_43.html

I got stymied the same way trying to remove my acer's motherboard to fix a headphone lead, I know how you feel. =\

[setarip_old]

@Mizuho

Hi!Don't bother giving me the newbies lecture about virus scans, optical drive firmware, master/slave connections and DMA, because I've tried all of them. Plus I've even formatted and reinstalled my OS like 20 times already.I couldn't help but notice that you apparently have not yet tried running a DVD/CD cleaning disc on your burner.

Maxell makes one that sells for approximately $10US

[CWR03]

I couldn't help but notice that you apparently have not yet tried running a DVD/CD cleaning disc on your burner.

Maxell makes one that sells for approximately $10US
It's not recommended to use a cleaning disk on a laptop drive as the brush may pick up grease from the track components and transfer it to the lens.

Mizuho, have you considered an external burner?

[setarip_old]

It's not recommended to use a cleaning disk on a laptop drive as the brush may pick up grease from the track components and transfer it to the lens.Nonetheless, I've done it for years with laptops (and desktops), with no negative effects...

BTW, what is the source for this negative recommendation?

[Mizuho]

setarip_old, that's like one of the ABCs, and I certainly didn't miss that. Like I said, it's a hardware failure. The laser is dying.

CWR03, I have considered that, yes. But you see, I'm very active and often moving around the home, having to move my laptop elsewhere and stuff when tables need to be used.
I'm not a stationary laptop user. Plus I don't like having to plug a power adaptor everytime I need to read and write a disc.
I know you are thinking of... "okay how about the external USB powered slim DVD writers then?" Still, a no.

I just bought some more DVD-Rs. *Sigh* Verbatim this time 16x.
The Verbatims have manufactur code/dye MMC TTG02, the chance to recognising/reading the disc after burning is ... well like 20%, where the Maxells (dye code TYG03 [Taiyou Yuden] after writing are just almost never recognised anymore. So Verbatims are slightly better...

I know it's a laser failure because when I insert the burned DVDs into other computers, they read fine.

The old discs that I used, Ritek G04 (which I've ran out of now, hence needing the new blank DVDs) burn and read fine. Thus since my laptop drive is almost dead, I think I need to look for the old and not so advanced and fast DVD-Rs, which are getting rare by the month.

I took another look at the laptop this afternoon. I noticed I can unclip the LCD tube where the screen folds, but still need to remove the whole bar and/or screen entirely so that I can unscrew the hidden 3 screws underneath.

[Inventive Software]

Do you have a manual that states the layout of the components? That's one thing I found with my Dell laptop, they're kind in actually telling you how to replace / upgrade components! 2 screws and the hard drive's out, 2 screws and I have access to the RAM. 1 screw and the optical drive's out!

[setarip_old]

setarip_old, that's like one of the ABCs, and I certainly didn't miss that.Glad to hear that you've tried that, although you initially omitted mentioning it ;>}

[CWR03]

BTW, what is the source for this negative recommendation?
On the DVD case of a Maxell cleaning disk that I purchased at your recommendation.

[Mizuho]

Inventive Software, there's none available.
foxyshadis gave me a link to other Sony VAIO manuals though: http://www.eserviceinfo.com/equipment_mfg/SONY_43.html
But there isn't any for the PCG-K series.

Click on the "M.pdf" linking to the manual for the PCG-FX777/887, page 9, display assy/cover hinge.
My PCG-K215B's hinge is a little like that one. I just need to remove the hinge (thus +screen) so that I can reveal and unscrew those hidden devils.

[setarip_old]

Sorry to continue a bit off topic but:BTW, what is the source for this negative recommendation?

On the DVD case of a Maxell cleaning disk that I purchased at your recommendation.You've apparently purchased the "DVD-LC" item #190059, which is clearly stated on its primary label to be for "DVD players" and "Game Players (Playstation and XBox)".

The proper items for PC-related units (desktop and/or laptop) would be #101902, or (If you can find them) 340 or 345...