Combo Drive won't read DVDs - How to Install Tiger?

I have an iMac G5 with a Combo drive (Matshita CD-RW CW-8123) that no longer reads DVDs. It handles CDs fine. Other postings offer complaints about Super drives with similar problems, but I have found no solutions. My warranty has expired. I would like to install Tiger, but the installation disk is a DVD. So is the installation disk for iLife '06. Other postings have suggested that installing a new optical drive doesn't always fix the problem. Since I'll be paying for this, that doesn't sound sound like a promising option. Should I purchase an external drive? In the meantime, is there any other way to install Tiger without the DVD? I have other macs that work fine, so I really don't need the DVD to work properly except to install new software. Suggestions are welcome!
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.3.7)
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.3.7)
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.3.7)

An external drive is a great option.
With that, you will likely get a much more capable drive than you would if you were stuck with only the models that will fit in your iMac.
For example, my PC has a 16x Dual-Layer DVD-R drive. But, most Apple compatible Internal drives are still limited to 8x.
So, you could likely get a much faster and more capable external drive than you could an internal drive for the same price.
With an external drive, you can also keep that drive should you get another machine. And, if you have more than one machine, you can connect the drive to whichever machine requires it at the moment. So, essentially, you can upgrade all your systems with just one DVD drive.
And, best of all, you have a product that is covered by it's own warranty, and not subject to how you installed it. And, you don't have to tinker inside your machine.
Also, OS 10.4.x "Tiger" is available on CD-ROM. So, you could send in for the replacement disks if you have the retail box of OS 10.4 Tiger.
From the OS 10.4 "Tiger" sales page:
"Tiger ships on a DVD, but if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you’ll need CD media. When you buy Mac OS X Tiger, you qualify to purchase Tiger CDs for only $9.95. "
Download the order form.
http://images.apple.com/macosx/pdf/TigerMediaExchangeFormv5.pdf
Hope this helps.

Similar Messages

Combo Drive Won't Read DVDs

When I insert a DVD into my combo drive (HL-DT-ST RW/DVD GCC-4120B), it spins for a while and then gets ejected without being read. I've tried this with a number of commercially made DVDs with the same result.
It's been a while since I tried to read a DVD on my iMac but never had a problem before. My hard drive was replaced about 2 months ago and I'm wondering if this could have caused a problem.
Any suggestions on what to do?

Replacing your hard drive could have caused the problem, here is a good way to check it.
Shut your computer clear off. Wait for a few minutes.. Fire it back up and double click Mac HD, when it opens double click Applications folder, when it opens go to DVD Player and double click.when it opens to the Black Screen then and only then Insert a Commercial DVD Movie and don't touch anything, it should take a minute to read all the encryption and security on the DVD, it should start playing the DVD automaticaly, If it doesn't then I would say you have an issue with whoever replaced your hard drive..
Make sure you have all the latest Firmware and Security updates for your Operating System,after changing the hard drive and reloading your Software..
If your updates are in fact up to date this should work.
One last thing make sure your DVD is clean no fingerprints.
It could be a dirty lens also...Hope this helps...Don
Sorry, I just read your other post, as Brody points out chances are NORTON is your culprit.

Combo drive won't read CDs or CD-Rs or CD-RWs

my combo drive used to read CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs.
now it can't read any media but DVDs.
why is this so?
please help. i have tried all brands of the CD medias but still it won't work. the drive keeps on spitting out the CDs.
thanks.

Hi.
I had the same problem with a Combo drive in a PowerBook G4 12 inch model.
It ended up being repaired under warranty.
You could try several things to troubleshoot it:
1. Zap PRAM
2. Reinstall system software
3. Check the drive using a utility application
4. Check your System Prefs under CDs and DVDs.
If these or other techniques do not solve the problem, then it is most likely a hardware issue, and your drive will need fixing. The Combo Driive in my "Little AL" went bad after nearly 3 years of use, but just prior to warranty expiration.
Ted

Sept. 2006 17" 1.83GHz Intel iMac Combo drive won't read discs...

When I insert a CD (audio or data), the drive spits the disc out after about 15-20 sec. Nothing shows up. Nothing said. The disc just comes back out. Hardware Info shows the drive is there:
MATSHITACD-RW CW-8124:
Model:          MATSHITACD-RW CW-8124
Revision:          DACH
Serial Number:
Detachable Drive:          No
Protocol:          ATAPI
Unit Number:          0
Socket Type:          Internal
Low Power Polling:          Yes
Power Off:          No
But nothing else. Doesn't show the serial number either. Can't find any tools to test the drive with. A friend suggests I remove the drive and try manually cleaning the lens (Using CD/DVD cleaning disc did nothing). But I don't want to go to all that trouble, if there isn't a more than likely chance of it working. Too much disassembly/reassembly effort I'd rather just replace the drive while I'm in there.
I don't have the original discs that came with this system, so I can't run AHT. I'm told it won't tell me anything either, just that the drive is there, which the Hardware Info already says.
Should I try to go in and manually clean the lens or just replace the drive? Has anyone else manually cleaned their lens and had their drive work or is replacement really the only option at this point?
I'm told I should just get a USB external CD/DVD drive and be done with it... but I'd like to restore this computer to fully working order, if possible.

The Early iMac's are one of the most difficult iMac's to open and work on. Another problem given it's age, is that display cables and other connections are very brittle and it is very likely that more harm than good will come from working on it.
On that note: I suggest finding and using an OS X compatible External tray loading CD/DVD drive for several reasons.
1. External CD/DVD drives are faster and more reliable than slim-line super drives.
2. For about the same cost or less, a good External CD/DVD drive should also give you the ability to burn CDs and DVDs.
3. Using an External CD/DVD drive is a lot easier than ripping into the iMac and replacing the internal drive.
Personally I am happily using an older LG GE24LU20 with both my Early Core Duo and Mac Mini, but others here have also recommended that the GP10 DVD and Blu-ray, the LaCie's and the OWC FireWire drives are all very good solution for a busted internal super or combo drive.

Combo drive won't read

I have a PowerBook G4 with combo drive. Everything works fine. Until yesterday. I put a cd in the drive and 10 seconds later it ejects it. Doesn't matter if it's a new cd, used cd, music cd or hardware test cd. It always ejects it. What is wrong? Any suggestions would help.

Hi Cindy,
Does it read DVDs? If so that's the exact same problem I'm having with the combo drive in my iBook. There are tons of us experiencing this exact same problematic behavior. I would say too many for it to be coincidental!
Look at these other discussion threads:
here, here and here for a few examples.
Try searching the discussions forums for others too...

Drive won't read DVD

Hey guys
just wondering if anyone has had an issue with their superdrive not reading disks. I watched a few dvd's on it last week with no problems. however, today I tossed a brand new DVD movie in and it wont play.
Im wondering if it has something to do with me running maintenance a few days ago. I feel like it's a software issue since the drive makes noise like it's trying to read the disc, but it aint making that connection to the software....
any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks.

can any body email me 57312123/SimpleFlash.zip i can't get it from rapidshare i need to reflash my dvd drive as it stopped working after maint release 2.1

Superdrive won't read DVDs since I installed Lion

Long story short - My hard drive died a few weeks ago. Everything was backed up on a Time Capsule. After installing a new hard drive, I went through and install each OSX I have had before transferring over my data and applications. I have a Macbook Pro Mid 2009 (came with Leopard). So, I went through, updated to Snow Leopard then Lion, then transferred over my data.
1. I bought a game recently. All the specs fit for my computer. Put it in my SuperDrive and it would neither mount nor be recognized by the computer. My computer said it was a blank disc and spit it out after spinning it around for 5 minutes. I tested the game disc on another computer (my brother's Windows one) and it worked fine.
2. After transferring my data over, my Adobe CS3 was having problems opening. I recieved a few messages about problems with the licenses and figured I would have to uninstall everything and reinstall everything. (Tried the license repair tool from Adobe too, couldn't get it to work). So I uninstalled everything I had from Adobe (using Adobe's uninstaller). I inserted the disc to be reinstalled and had the same problems. The disc kept spinning, wouldnt mount, and my computer said the disc was blank.
I have tested burned discs and film DVDs. All of them seem to work. I am just having issues with installation DVDs it seems. I have also tried mounting them in Toast Titanium and I can't get that to work either.
I took my computer to the Apple store, they said they could replace the drive or do testing on it for 5 days. I can't really afford to be with my computer for that extended amount of time right now nor do I want to drop $100 when this could be a software or firmware issue. My questions are:
1. Will upgrading to Mountain Lion fix or make this issue worse?
2. Are there any diagnostic tools I can run besides the AHT to find out if my drive is going to ****?
3. Are there any software related things I can do to get my discs installed? (IE Installation over a network, using ISOs ->which I tried with the game, couldnt get that to work).
Thank you!

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of this exercise is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Be sure your Mac is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
Note: If FileVault is enabled under Mac OS X 10.7 or later, you can’t boot in safe mode.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem(s)?
After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Eearly 2006 iMac Won't Read DVDs or CDs

It seems suddenly my drive won't read DVDs or CDs. These are both blank or store bought. Everything I load one, it spins, tries to read and then just spits it out. I tried the preferences turn to "ignore" and that didn't work.
Anyone know why my drive suddenly is being picky?
So frustrating...thanks in advance!

Hi Gully
Just for the record what brand(s) are you using? I ask because even if they are the same brand you always use, it could be because there from a new of different batch.
Two things you can try on the iMac are resetting the SMC and PRAM and see if that helps!
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1543
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
I burn quite a few Photo & Music CD's using both Maxell and Fujifilm CD-R's, in the five packs they have always come thru. I don't burn a lot to DVD's, but I've never found a bad Memorex DVD-R in a five pack. I know lot's of folks will swear against Memorex, but in the last 2½ years I've never found a one that the SuperDrive in my Early Core Duo would not burn. Lastly I know it cost more to buy media in the five packs instead of 25 or 50+, but I've always done that just in-case they don't work.
Dennis

DVD drive won't read disks at boot

I have a Paviliton DV6-2113sa running Win7 HP 64bit.
I removed Acronis True Image and when I rebooted I got a BSOD at the point when the coloured balls should merge into one.
I thought OK, put the system repair disk into the DVD drive and boot up, but the drive is failing to read any recovery dosks. I think the drive has packed up as I haven't used it for some time.
Can I use any replacement drive in this model or must I get the same one again?
The drive light flickers as though it is reading data but it doesn't 'spool up' to speed and I don't get the 'press any key to load from DVD'.
The BSODs are a seperate issue which I think running a system repair will fix but I can't as the drive won't read data.
Is it possible to put the repair disk files onto a 4gb USB stick and if so, how do I do it?
Thanks.

Hi Peeps
I had exactly the same problem with my Macbook, again from the UK. Really weird though as would intermittantly read DVD film's which worked fine previously.
Well.... Took it to my local Apple store and saw a genius and anyway they replaced the super drive and logic board (surprised about the logic board!).
But just got it back today and the DVD drive is completely fubard so is being returned tomorrow to get this sorted!
Moral of the story, sounds like a drive or board problem. Will keep you updated when I get mine back
Macbook 2Ghz, 512Mb, 60Gb, Superdrive Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Drive won't read any dvd ejects it automatically

My drive Won't read any kind of DVDs, it keeps ejecting automatically after spinning for a while. it's been going on for a while now. please help!!!!!

You can try resetting the SMC Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) - Apple Support
and PRAM How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
If that doesn't help you can try a cleaning disc or a quick shot of canned air. It's likely though that your drive has failed, it' not all that uncommon. It that is the case you can either replace it or have it replaced but it's far cheaper just to buy a usb external drive....just not Apples because it won't work with macs with a built in drive working or not. .

HT1338 DVD drive won't read or burn

DVD drive won't read after upgrade to mountain lion install

do you have the win 7 cd handy, try to boot into the discs and see whether that works, this will tell you whether that is software or hardware problem. Such failures do occur, due to ageing of laser.
Regards,
Jin Li
May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

My CD/DVD-rom drive won't read audio cd's

Since installing itunes on my laptop, the CD/DVD rom drive won't read audio cd's any more! However, it will read data CD's and dvds.
It didn't stop all at once...it started failing to read the odd random audio cd. Over time, gradually more and more CD's not recognised until no audio cd's readable at all!
When I say 'not recognised' I mean that if you look in the cd-rom file with a music disc inserted it thinks the drive is empty. The drive spins the disc a few times and then gives up. As only music cd's affected I suspect this is something to do with the itunes software. I've tried the various troubleshooting tips on itunes help but no joy....has anyone else had this problem / anyone know of a possible solution?
Thanks
Tiny

I had the same problem and I contacted a support team. They suggested that I upgrade my computer's power supply and I did. I had a 250W drive and now I have a 350W drive and it reads the CDs perfectly; except for one certain CD.

Combo drive won't play CD's

after recently (seemingly) ironing out the bugs in iTunes 7.0.1, my combo drive won't play commercial CD's. MP3 CD's play in iTunes just fine and it will burn CD's. but both the finder (copying) and iTunes freeze when i try to play commercial CD's. when trying to copy aiff files to harddrive as a workaround, i get the following error message:
"some data on (in the file) is unreadable or unwritable. error (-34)"
i suspect the problem is with the drive itself as an external CD-DVD firewire writer has no problem and works with iTunes just fine.
is the combo drive dying? is there a software patch somewhere? is the problem caused by iTunes? quicktime?
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

As in the posting of Oct 3 from regmetc, following
the install of iTunes 7.0.2 and QT 7.1.3, my combo
drive won't play most commercial CD's. Most curious
is that I have so far found ONE commercial CD in my
library that plays just fine, but haven't had the
time to check all of the 200+ cds I own. It will burn
CD's and read DVDs. but iTunes will freeze when I try
to play commercial a CD.
An external CD firewire writer has no problem and
works with iTunes just fine.
Booting from an external backup drive with an earlier
cloned OSX 10.4.6 and iTunes 6.0.2 did not cure the
problem.
Hardware test shows no hardware problems.
as a followup ... did extensive hardware testing and software re-loading and found that there was nothing wrong with the hardware ... everything worked just fine if I returned to OS 10.3.9 or earlier and itunes 6 or earlier. I found I could run OS 10.4.0 through 10.4.8 and have the cd drive work fine if I stayed at itunes 4, but once I changed up to 6 or 7 I lost the drives ability to read music cds. Data cds are not affected and DVDs play just fine.
I am now assuming that there is some code change whereas OS 10.4 and itunes 6 or 7 doesn't provide the proper driver for the cd combo drive. I have a cd rom drive in another laptop that is not affected and any external cd drive seems to be fine. It would be curious to know if a different enternal drive like a superdrive would work.

Optical drive won't read certain discs?

Hello, this is my first post in the community and I am a novice with computers. I bought my iMac in 2010 at Apple and it has been the best computer I have ever owned. But for some reason starting today the optical drive won't read any type of cd's like a user's manual or software install disc. It tries but just ejects it back out. Now the strange part is I can put any dvd disc to play a movie and plays it perfectly with no problem at all. Has anyone had this happen to them or any thought on what is wrong. My wife has a macbook and hers works fine and I checked her system preferences for cd's/dvd and they are the same. I a running 10.6.8 OS. Thanks

The iMac supports the following CD types if it is one of these types and still won't read then it sounds like a CD hardware or software driver problem. If you re-load the software driver and it still doesn't work then I would then suggest you take it to an Apple store for repair.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=34562

My BD combo drive won't burn to any type of RW media

I have a Satellite L770-BT4N22 laptop with a Mat**bleep**a BD-CMB UJ141EF BD-DVD +/- RW DL optical drive. It will not burn data discs or DVD-video to any type of RW discs, either CD or DVD. It burns audio to CD-RW with no problem. I have tried both Maxell and TDK discs. When I try, I get a message similar to "bad media, try with another disc" or "incompatible media". All of my system drivers are up-to-date. I have tried running the "drive won't read or write to disc" wizard on the Microsoft support site and it states that the media is "unrecordable" when it tries to write to it. The drive burns data and video to +/- R discs without a hiccup. Any ideas?

Try these suggestions if there are any you haven't:
What can I do if my CD or DVD drive doesn't work properly in Windows 7?
- Peter

Combo Drive won't read DVDs - How to Install Tiger?

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