How do I flash DVD-rom firmware from another computer using slimtype adaptor?

[jakobkraft]

I have an older Dell CPi laptop with a single dvd-rom with an old firmware. Due to occasional dvd-movie freezes I thought I should try to update the drive firmware. I created a bootable floppy with the new firmware but the laptop doesn't have built-in floppy drive. I have an external floppy drive which I connected, then I changed the boot settings in the BIOS, but the laptop still WON'T boot from the floppy.
Someone on another site suggested flashing the firmware from another computer using slimtype adaptor -- but given that I don't know what a slimtype adapter is (although several searches have gotten me better acquainted with the amount of sliptype drives that are currently available) I was hoping to find out more, like HOW do I do this....?

Any help would be greatly appreciated -- thanks in advance

 

[DaveSimmons]

You find an adapter than changes the rear connector to 40-pin IDE, you attach the DVD drive to a desktop computer, you reboot the desktop with your boot floppy.

Or look for a newer slimline drive, in case the problem is really that the tracking/optics are starting to go on this drive.

 

[Nocturnal]

Just check out Newegg.com. Search for slim dvd. You'll find many that you can buy. Some are under $100.00.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

Why not make a bootable CD with the firmware on it. Then boot to DOS and update firmware.

 

[jakobkraft]

Originally posted by: CalvinHobbes
Why not make a bootable CD with the firmware on it. Then boot to DOS and update firmware.

I would do that except what I'm trying to update is my laptop DVD-rom, which is the only dvd/cd rom on my laptop - and naturally, you can't have the drive that you're trying to update in use while updating firmware...kind of a catch-22.

I guess I'm stuck doing the slim adapter IDE thing...thanks anyway...