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My old (as in, geriatric) computer crashed really hard roughly six months ago, right before black Friday, so I got a new one. And only now did I realize that it does not have a CD drive.

(I mean seriously, I knew I was lazy and unobservant, but why the heck did it take this long for me to even bother thinking about re-installing some of my old CDs? I blame Steam.)

Anyway, it has the standard USB ports, and a DVD drive that looks like it could possibly be removed, but I'm not an expert on that.

Speaking of that, my computer skills aren't 1337 H4XX0r level, so I don't know how to build one, but I'm competent enough that I can figure out how to install mods, if that's at all helpful illustrating what I'd be able to handle.

As for my computer itself, it's a Windows 8, but I don't know enough about hardware stuff to say much else. I know there's a way to get that information from the computer itself, but I don't know if it would be a good idea letting the whole internet know that stuff, or if it's even necessary.

So if anyone knows if there's something I could buy that would read CDs and plug into my USB drive or easily modify my computer, or if I HAD to get some professional help, who would be the least likely to rip me off and what should I ask them?

Also, if anyone knows how I could bring back the start menu instead of this start screen crud (seriously, why do I have to spend so long looking for the calculator, then force it to take up half my screen?!) that would be great too!

They sell USB disk drives that can burn cds too for like ten bucks at Walmart. I have the cheapest one Walmart sells and it still works fine.

Do they sell ones that run CDs, too, or do they do both? (Sorry for my ignorance, and thanks for the help!)

You know, I don't know if it will run a game or program or anything like that, the only thing I've used it for is making cds for my car and watching DVDs. I gotta assume it will if it plays DVDs but I'm not a very techy person either so I'm honestly not sure. This is the one I have, maybe someone who knows about this stuff can read the description and tell you for sure.

You can find external CD drives at your local hardware store. They connect via USB.

Wait what? Why do you think you need a CD drive when you have a DVD drive?

DVD and blu ray drives can read CD. They work the same way and should be reverse compatable . Have you actually put in a CD to try it out? what happens

If you need a CD burner then any DVD RW drive can do that

[edit]

I did some research. Apparently you can get dirt cheap DVD drives that don't support backwards compatability. So what kind of hardware did you get?

I know there’s a way to get that information from the computer itself, but I don’t know if it would be a good idea letting the whole internet know that stuff, or if it’s even necessary.

It's safe to tell us your PC's information of your hardware components and its very, very useful for us to know if you want us to help you. We can't hack you by knowing what your DVD model number is. Believe me. Also tell us what your PC's brand and model is

Now if you gave us your passwords, that would be a different story.

Also this:

Also, if anyone knows how I could bring back the start menu instead of this start screen crud (seriously, why do I have to spend so long looking for the calculator, then force it to take up half my screen?!) that would be great too!

You can't sorry. Not in Windows 8.

Microsoft removed the start menu for Windows 8 but they do bring it back due to popular demand in Windows 10

But you can pin the calculator to the metro interface or task bar

@start menu:

You can’t sorry. Not in Windows 8.

Not completely true. You can download 3rd party apps that simulate it. I think the one my work uses is Start Shell or something. It looks like a start menu, functions like a start menu (even when you hit the windows key), but replaces the windows logo with a seashell.

@dvd/cd: If you have access to another computer you can create an .iso file and use a program like ISO to DVD if you need it to be a bootable cd, else yes, you should invest in a cheap external dvd/cd/blu-ray drive. I'd go blu-ray. Blu-ray ftw. #iLie

Okay, thanks everyone.