How do you replace a DVD drive on a VGN series Laptop??

[Whykie]

I have a VGN FJ1Z/W, 14 inch laptop. DVD drive packed up just 2 months out of warranty. Typical of Sony's quality these days.

Anyway, before I start taking random screws out and am left unable to put it all back together can anyone offer any guidance for this specific laptop.

Thanks in Advance.

[MattWilson]

Have you bought another drive yourself?

If you haven't then its probably best to let the sony team get you a new drive. Its probably not all that much more expensive than buying it yourself and you don't have to worry about getting it wrong.

Just looked it up and it'll cost you £191.61

[Whykie]

Thanks but that is a hell of a lot of money for a DVD drive!!! You could almost buy a new laptop.

If you go to ebay and search for item number 6853207468 you will get to a Sony DW-Q58A drive for £48.50 delivered. I can't imagine its that difficult to fit and it will save almost £150!!

I contacted the seller and he also advised this cheaper drive (item number 140133628321) MATSHITA UJ-850 8X DVD±R/±RW/RAM/DL Multibay Burner. Any thoughts on that one anyone? Im more tempted by the Sony one even if they do keep breaking on me (lost a PS2 and home cinema DVD drive recently too).

Still very interested in instructions on how to replace if anyone has them and any thoughts on the cheaper drive.

[MattWilson]

Don't go with the sony one, that is the drive that has had many problems. I guess to install the unit you will just have to take off the back cover and find out what is in the way and remove it.

Go with the Matshita drive though

[rich912]

In my experience the Matshita UJ series drives have as many problems as the DW-xxxx (re-badged Lite-On drives). The DW-D56A, for example was a real donkey!!

The choice is up to you but bear in mind that if you go for a different model of drive the bezel (front face plate) may prove difficult to attach without modifications…

[Whykie]

Still looking for some guidance on this. With all the problems with Vaio DVD drives someone must have experience of changing one on a VGN FJ laptop. Anyone???

[Whykie]

Back to the top. Still looking for help on this. Cant cope any longer without a DVD drive so need to order a new one from ebay. I just need to know how easy it is to fit. Someone must have opened up a VGN (FJ1Z/W) laptop before. If no one can help I will just get the screwdriver out and go for it. Some guidance or help would be appreciated tho.

[SifuMel]

Hi Whykie,
Hope this is of some help. Had the same problem with an NEC E600 hence the upgrade to a Sony Vaio. I did manage to find a site that had the service manual for the NEC and upgraded to a DVD burner instead of just a DVD player. Had to buy a new bezel as someone else mentioned. I did a quick search and you can buy a service manual for $10 from www.electronicsrepair.net/comp2sony.shtml. I'm not recommending the site but a quick search showed it is possible to get the info you need.
I did use a company in Singapore for my NEC parts at PCHub.com but they didn't have the service manuals. They have Sony parts I checked.
My advice from experience is don't do it without the manual.
Good luck.

[Whykie]

Thanks.
I tried again finding the manual and by searching for "service" manual I found one on ebay for £2.49.
Unfortunately its not that helpful at all. Just lots of exploded views that arent very clear at all and dont show how to replace a DVD drive. It may come in useful if it all ends in bits. Ive ordered my new drive so will just start removing screws and hope for the best, unless someone else can help before then.
Thanks.

[Whykie]

Well I did it!!

Got a second hand drive for £27 off ebay and it works great.

I wouldn't really recommend trying it tho for anyone without patience and steady hands. It wasn't easy.

Heres how.

Took off all the screws on the back.
Took off 3 screws on upper side of DVD drive slot
Removed battery and released 2 clips in there.
Carefully remove base with laptop in normal upright position. Be VERY careful as there are several wiring looms still conected to both sides. You dont need to remove these, just create enough space to remove the keyboard.
Once the keyboard is out, you will see a metal plate with holes in beneath it. Remove that too. You then gain access to the retaining screw for the drive. Remove that and the drive will slot out. It then has a plate attached to it that you need to remove and fix to your new drive.
Then just do everthing in reverse.
Theres lots of screw to be removed so I would reccomend making notes for each lot as to exactly were they came, and maybe taking photo's as you go to remind you of how everything fits. Be very careful when seperating the base as there are lots of delicate bits.

Hope someone oneday finds this useful !!