Optiplex 790 Not reading discs

Question

So i was gonna install a game and i will do the beep noise but sometimes it will clunk this will stop the spin any fixes?

Jaxpet · Accepted Answer

Ok i fixed the issue I straightened the ribbon cable on the disc drive and it works now

fireberd · Answer

Considering the age of the 790, it sounds like the drive is defective. Easiest fix, use an external USB connected CD/DVD Drive.

bradthetechnut · Answer

What form factor/size is your 790?

Jaxpet · Answer

i dont have that

Jaxpet · Answer

its sff

fireberd · Answer

The 790 is a 2011 era machine. Not uncommon for an optical drive to fail in a 10 year old machine.

If you have to buy a new drive, best option is an external USB connected drive as originally suggested.

bradthetechnut · Answer

You can get those slim DVD drives off of eBay. They'll likely be used or refurb off of eBay. But if you a external drive as fireberd suggested, you can get it brand new.

If you do the slim drive option, suggested search term: "Optiplex 790 sff DVD drive."

I checked Amazon. Looks like they have them new: https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Burner-Dell-Optiplex-Computer/dp/B01HYOH8OK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=optiplex+790+sff+dvd+drive&qid=1628786720&sr=8-4

bradthetechnut · Answer

So what makes an external USB DVD RW better?

fireberd · Answer

Brad, an external CD/DVD drive is not a better device in technical terms. However in some cases its an easier way for many users, who are not technical, rather than have to take it to a repair shop to have it replaced.

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 790 Not reading discs

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