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I need to replace the optical drive in my laptop.  I have an Acer Aspire 5100-5033 that came with a Matshita UJ-850S.  I have had nothing but trouble with this drive from the very beginning and now it has to go.  Any suggestions on a reliable replacement, preferably one that will have XP drivers available to go along with Vista drivers.  I currently use XP, however I would assume eventually I'll go back the Vista Home Premium that came installed.

This should do the trick if your current drive utilizes IDE interface.

What surge said was a good idea. The would work easly for you. But are you comfortable with opening you laptop up and replacing it? Incase your not heres an external solution that plugs into a usb 2.0 port. Same as the internal only it plugs into a usb port. Only draw back is you'll have to carry it with you where you go, and its does tend to be a little slower than internal drives.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136146

Well Its not slower than what I have been seeing, and I don't really hafta carry it anywhere.  My optical drive works just fine for reading discs, however apparently it is rather popular for buggering up when it comes to writing discs.  Keeping in mind what I am thinking of replacing is an 8x writer, and most fullsize externals are 15-20, better featured, and absolutely will not be made by or associated with matSHITa, or panasonic or any other susidary!   I am sure if I decide to do it I could swap out the internal without much fuss.  Its been a while since I've torn apart a laptop I intended to put back together, but I have about a decade ago.  I don't know why this hadn't crossed my mind already. hmmm now I have to ponder. Thanks.

By the way would anybody happen to know what the interface would be for my internal if I do decide to go that route? I've looked but haven't found much about it anywhere.