550-153na Replacement Slimline DVD Writer (Important bit -> keeping the original front bezel)

[ShR33k]

The father-in-laws HP 550-153na Slimline (laptop style) DVD writer doesn't write anymore (still reads). We're looking for a replacement DVD writer, but we'd like to keep the original front bezel as the size of the bezel is (roughly) double the height of that of a standard slimline DVD drive bezel.

We're tried different media, and also updated the firmware of the drive to the latest on the HP site - but still fails to write.

Model:  GUD0N (S05NT)

HP PN:  762433-800

Spares PN: 781418-001

KCC-REM-HLD-GU90N

As it happens, I repair laptops and actually have 5 spare internal slimline DVD drives in the house - but the front bezel doesn't align up with any of them, so the front bezel must have the clips in non-standard positions.

The bezel seems to have 2 P/N's:

844047-001

799790-001

and also has C-3598WH written on it if that helps.

Any help would be appreciated.

[old_geekster]

@ShR33k, welcome to the forum.

You should try HP Partsurfer.  The computer is new enough that HP should have the part.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[ShR33k]

Hi old_geekster,

Thanks for the speedy reply!  I tried the partsurfer link you provided but unfortunately it states no functional equivalents are available. 

I have also tried the HP part store - https://parts.hp.com

which unfortunately didn't help much either - that tells me the "part isn't orderable".

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

Thank you for the additional information, @ShR33k.

You may want to try ebay to see if someone is selling the drive.  There are many HP products sold on ebay.

[ShR33k]

Yes - I brought a second hand one off ebay now

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-110-450-550-Series-550-153w-450-a60na-251-A123w-DVD-RW-Drive-781418-00...

I was hoping to find a new compatible replacement, like Sony, Panasonic, LG, Asus etc... a different model to the one inside which may of proved more reliable, but compatible with the bezel - but I've conceeded and get the same model.  Its cheap enough to live with. If this goes in the future, it may be a case of an external drive... why don't HP make use of "standard" equipment?! ... terrible !

Anyway - thanks for your help old_geekster !

[ShR33k]

[UPDATE] I've brought a replacement off eBay looking for the part number: 781418-001 and received

Model:  GUD1N

HP PN: 820286-6C1

KCC-REM-HLD-GU90N

Which also fits the stupid double height bezel! YIPPEE !!!

This drive was also manufactured in 2016, whereas the original was manufactured in 2015 - so got a newer drive in it too!

I'm glad I didn't receive the same drive incase the same issues persisted (in case its the father-in-laws media thats actualy causing the issues).

Just thought I'd post this update incase anyone else is in the same position - gives them more scope to get a replacement.

[old_geekster]

Thank you for the update, @ShR33k.  We always appreciate hearing the outcome of a situation.