How to Use an External DVD Burner on a Laptop

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One of the disadvantages of laptops is that once you've purchased one, you really can't add anything to it internally . If you have a laptop without a DVD burner and you want to make a movie, you're stuck unless you can connect an external drive to the computer.

Step 1

Unpack your DVD burner and set it next to your laptop. The computer should be turned off.

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Step 2

Find the USB port on your DVD burner. This will be a square end with a plastic piece in the middle and a picture of three arrows coming out of a dot. Connect your USB cable to this port.

Step 3

Find the USB connection on your computer. Unlike the one on your DVD burner, this will be wider, rectangular and flat. Connect the other end of the USB cable to this port.

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Step 4

Plug your DVD burner into the wall, turn it on, and boot up your computer.

Step 5

Once your computer has booted, wait while Windows discovers the drive. It will install the necessary drivers and inform you when it's done. After the drivers are installed, you can use it just like any other drive, and it will appear in My Computer.

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