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The eject button on my cd / dvd drive is broken. I can still eject using windows explorer from the context menu. I need to reinstall windows.
Is there a function key combination i can use from the boot up screen ?

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3 Answers

up vote 5 down vote

You can always stick a fine allen key or unfolded paper clip into the little hole (usually just under the tray):

alt text

This image is apparently of the Inspiron DVD drive and you can see the hole on the right next to the button:

alt text

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I think he is talking about a laptop. I don't know if his slim dell laptop CD device has such a hole. – Ivan Petrushev Apr 17 '10 at 19:39
@Ivan - ah, I thought these were standard - indeed it appears they are. See the new screen shot – ChrisF Apr 17 '10 at 20:08
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up vote 2 down vote

I guess i can do:

eject cdrom

from a ubuntu live cd.

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Doesn't help him reinstall Windows. – Hugh Allen Apr 17 '10 at 21:45
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up vote 2 down vote

Eject the CD from your current install of Windows, place Windows re-install CD in drive, close, reboot, and install Windows. Windows will go through its install basic stuff, reboot, finish Windows install, and then boot up into a fresh copy of Windows. From there, you can eject the Windows CD from the new Windows.

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