External DVD to Match my Mac Mini?

I'm looking to add an external DVD drive to my system so that I can play my extensive collection of DVDs from two different regions.
Does anyone know of a vendor who sells external DVD drives to match the Mac Mini - same form factor, same color?
Also, I'm guessing USB 2.0 should be fine for watching DVDs, yes?
Thanks,
SM

Since your purpose in having two DVD drives is to be able to play DVDs with two different region codes (a change which the Mini allows to be made only 3 times for the built-in DVD drive), you might also consider the VLC (software) player.
I'm not sure about it's current status, but in the past it used to ignore region codes.
BTW I'll be interested to see if you can find an external DVD drive that matches the Mini, since most are trayloaders, and therefore rather different in dimensions.

Similar Messages

What is the best external dvd drive for my Mac Mini

I have a new Mac Mini i5 and i would like to know what is the best external dvd writer to get. I would like to burn mo

The Apple USB superdrive would be a great choice for you, ( http://store.apple.com/ca/product/MD564ZM/A/apple-usb-superdrive?fnode=5f ) I am not certain but I am pretty sure that it has the same form factor as the MacMini (Not thickness but all the other dimenetions) so it fits just under and looks like an extension of your mac.

How do I make changes to an external drive connected to my Mac mini from my Windows 7 PC

I have an external drive which I learned had to be FAT32 for the read write option to be set in the Mac Mini. I did that and moved all the media files back on the external HDD. On the Mac Mini, I shared the 4 folders I needed (Ebooks, Movies, TV Shows, and Transfer). Also on the Mac, I added a user account "Ephraim" because that is the login I have for the WIN7. No Passwords are used right now. The current login being used on the mac is "Media". With the change to FAT32 I have set the permissions on the MAC to Read/ Write for Everybody. Everything listed shows read/write. From the WIN 7 "Ephraim" login, I mapped drives for every folder on Mac external. So, "TV Shows" is drive letter Z:. I can access all the folders/drives to view the files but, still get an error when attempting to change a name or move a file. "You need permission to perform this action. You require permission from the Computer's administrator to make changes to this file". On the Mac and the PC, the user accounts "Media" and "Ephraim" are set to administrator. SMB and AFP are selected under options. Under Get info, permissions show read write. I created a media login on the PC but could not see the mac mini at all. FYI the Mac mini is connected via ethernet.

In addition, I just realized I can make changes to sub folder names and move sub folders in to other sub folders. For Example: I have "Dexter" folder and Sub folders named "Season 1" and "Season 2". I move "Dexter Season 3" into "Dexter" folder, and I change the name to "Season 3". That can be done but I still cannot move a video file from an existing folder or change video file name itself. For example: I cant move a movie file from a sub folder to Gen Pop of the Movie folder, or change the name to my format. I want all files under movies with no other folders present, and I want the name to follow a format (Name Year Ex: "Flight 2012"). I have the mac mini in the living room and need to be able to make changes or additions from my desk, so as to not disturb people who are watching Cable TV by changing the input to work on the Mac files.

DVD Drive Non-Function Mac Mini 3,1 (late 2009)

Hi
The DVD drive in my Mac Mini has recently become non-functional, "About this Mac" sees the drive fine,
OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S:
Model:          OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S
Revision:          2AHI
Native Command Queuing:          No
Detachable Drive:          No
Power Off:          No
Async Notification:          Yes
Bay Name:          Upper
But when you insert a disc there is no response, it does not see to attempt to read it just ejects after about 20-30 seconds.
Any suggestions as to what could be the problem? This issue started sometime after I upgraded the memory, but I cannot be sure that the two things are connected as I very rarely use the DVD drive and the first time I tried to use it was several months later.
Many Thanks

Optical drives are pretty short lived in my experience.
Might try a cleaning Disc.
Have you done a PRAM reset, CMD+Option+p+r...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
In fact, do 3 in a row, takes a bit of time.

External microphone not working on mac mini mid 2012

i bought a general electric external headset/microphone for my mac mini. i plug it in and it does not work.... please help because i broadcast on a radio station and need a working mic.

How many plugs does it have?

How do I download dvd's to my Mac Mini from my dvd player?

I am wanting to download dvd's to my mac mini from my dvd player. Can anyone tell me how to do this? Also, after I get them on my mac mini I want to put them on my IPAD. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I am not the most tech savvy person

You cannot.
DVDs are encrypted to stop you from doing this. Breaking this encryption is illegal.
Judge Rules DVD-Copying Software Is Illegal | Threat Level | Wired ...
Judge: DVD-copying software is illegal - CNET News
DVD copying software is illegal under DMCA, says Judge – Tech ...
Judge rules that DVD copying software is illegal | Technology ...

Compatible external sound card needed for mac mini...

I need an external sound card for a mac mini. does anyone know which ones are compatible?

My experience is with consumer-level devices, not "pro" gear. If I'm understanding correctly, you want to use the built-in sound output jack on the Mac mini with headphones, to monitor ("preview music"), while you use USB to output sound to a "mixer board."
I used a USB device a while back called PowerWave (from Griffin Tech). I could output sound to it, and it acted as an amp to power standard "living room" (not self-powered) speakers. It also had a mini-stereo jack on it, like the one on Mac mini, which could be used with headphones at the same time (I put a self-powered subwoofer on that output). And it also had sound input. It was very cool.
I also used a FireWire device called FireWave (also from Griffin Tech). But that was more of a way to add 5.1 surround sound output to a Mac.
There is a current USB device from Griffin Tech called iMic.
http://store.griffintechnology.com/desktop/imic (says "out of stock")
http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-7725-IUAI-iMic-Audio-Interface/dp/B003Y5D776/ref=s r_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339226388&sr=8-2
It's sort of a cheaper version of that old PowerWave, with a more limited set of features (no amp). It does provide audio output (and input) from a USB port, and it's relatively inexpensive. But, I'm not sure if you can send sound output to TWO devices at the same time, using standard system settings (if that's important for what you're doing).
I also found out about this recently
http://cycling74.com/products/soundflower/
which might be useful for what you are doing...

Problems playing dvds on my new mac mini

I'm trying to play a dvd on my new mac mini & whenever I hit the play button I get error: -70025. I've checked the disc for scratches etc... but all seems fine there. Does anyone know what that error is about or have any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong?

All i can think of is running a cleaning disk in your Mini's drive. I'd be surprised if the mini needed cleaning since it's so new but you never know. Another question that comes to mind is if that particular DVD has some copy protection that prevents it from being played in computers. Some music CDs have that type of protection.

External Isight Not Working With Mac Mini

Hello
Thank You for taking the time to look at this for me , I have 2 external isight cameras and i can get neither one to work with my late 2009 mac mini running snow leopard , although they both work on the latest mac mini (running lion) , When connected they open Ichat Av but i cant get a video from them.
Thanks In Advance

27/10/2012 11:10:33
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
27/10/2012 11:11:02
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
27/10/2012 11:11:05
com.apple.WindowServer[79]
Sat Oct 27 11:11:05 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[79] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
27/10/2012 11:11:38
[0x0-0xa00a].SoftwareUpdateCheck[173]
SoftwareUpdateCheck: network unreachable
27/10/2012 11:11:38
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
([0x0-0xa00a].SoftwareUpdateCheck[173]) Exited with exit code: 3
27/10/2012 11:11:38
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.suhelperd[175]) Exited with exit code: 2
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[190]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[190]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[187]) Exited with exit code: 1
27/10/2012 11:11:44
WitnessUserAgent[191]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
27/10/2012 11:11:54
WitnessUserAgent[191]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x10ea50>
27/10/2012 11:12:26
uclocator[192]
Core Location could not establish your current location
27/10/2012 11:12:26
uclocator[192]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
27/10/2012 11:12:39
System Preferences[217]
.scriptSuite warning for result type of command 'timedLoad' in suite 'SystemPreferences': the type NSNumber ('long') doesn't match the result Apple event code ('doub').
27/10/2012 11:12:59
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[34]) Exited with exit code: 255
27/10/2012 11:13:11
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.AirPortBaseStationAgent[189]) Exited: Killed
30/10/2012 16:51:29
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 16:51:55
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 16:51:56
com.apple.WindowServer[87]
Tue Oct 30 16:51:56 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[87] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 16:52:00
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[136]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[136]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 16:53:35
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[196]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 16:53:35
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[196]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 16:53:36
WitnessUserAgent[197]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 16:53:36
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[193]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 16:53:50
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:50
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:53
WitnessUserAgent[197]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x401100>
30/10/2012 16:53:54
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:55
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:55
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:54:25
uclocator[198]
Core Location could not establish your current location
30/10/2012 16:54:25
uclocator[198]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
30/10/2012 16:55:07
iChatAgent[225]
[Warning] [AIM] Could not change my visibility to 0
30/10/2012 17:01:48
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:48
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:49
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:49
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:04:01
iChat[222]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 17:04:23
iChat[222]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 20:38:13
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 20:38:45
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 20:38:48
com.apple.WindowServer[78]
Tue Oct 30 20:38:48 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[78] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 20:38:48
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[184]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[184]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[181]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 20:39:11
WitnessUserAgent[185]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 20:40:09
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 20:40:35
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 20:40:36
com.apple.WindowServer[87]
Tue Oct 30 20:40:36 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[87] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 20:40:38
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[128]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[128]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[182]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[185]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[185]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:40:50
WitnessUserAgent[186]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 20:40:52
WitnessUserAgent[186]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x10f390>
30/10/2012 20:41:30
uclocator[187]
Core Location could not establish your current location
30/10/2012 20:41:30
uclocator[187]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
30/10/2012 20:42:21
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
([0x0-0x11011].com.apple.iChat[209]) Exited: Terminated
30/10/2012 20:44:07
iChatAgent[230]
[Warning] [AIM] Could not change my visibility to 0
30/10/2012 20:44:41
iChat[228]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 20:45:26
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
([0x0-0x18018].com.apple.iChat[228]) Exited: Killed

Convoluted question about watching DVDs on TV using Mac Mini

I bought a third-party external DVD player/burner to use with my late 2012 Mac Mini. I recently moved back to the UK from the US. Of course they are different DVD regions.
Before I left the US I was able to watch any region DVD and switch between them on my Mac Mini using a VLC player.
So here is my question:
Since I can use the multi-region VLC player wherever I am, if I hook up the Mac Mini with its external DVD player to the HDMI-capable TV to the Mac Mini using a HDMI cable, will the Mac Mini act as a conduit and play US DVDs through the UK TV?
I've been using the Mac Mini in the UK with no problem as it can handle the voltage differences with a US to UK adapter. (I had to buy a new monitor though.)
If this scenario is unworkable I'm open to suggestions for how to make it happen.
Any and all advice much appreciated. Thank you.
Jane

will the Mac Mini act as a conduit and play US DVDs through the UK TV?
It should. If you can play U.S. DVDs in the U.K. I don't know of any reason why it wouldn't work the other way around.

Where can I buy a replacement DVD drive for a mac mini A1347

My mac mini is out of warranty and my toddler stuffed several discs into the drive slot.
Whenever it booted, it made a horrible ratcheting clicking noise, but couldn't eject anything.
I disassembled the entire computer, and pulled all 3 discs out with pliers. After reassembling, the computer works fine, but the DVD drive won't "catch" a disc and pull it in. I'm pretty sure some gear or something has been irreparably damaged, or that I bent it as I was pulling the disc out.
I've been having a difficult time trying to find a replacement drive to order anywhere.
Besides going with an external USB drive, does anyone know of the cheapest option for a replacement slot drive for the mac mini A1347. (AKA "mid 2010", AKA Core 2 Duo DDR3).
I don't want to haul it down to an Apple Store and pay a huge premium to have them diagnose and replace a part that I'm very capable of doing myself.
-John

If your in the US then the ifixit link is a good option, in the UK the following is an option
http://www.applemacparts.co.uk/store/mac-mini-intel-mid-2010-a1347-core-duo-c-76 85_8044_9197_9198.html?filter_id=1371&sort=1a
However when I had to replace a drive in a Mac mini, I bought a bare drive off eBay.

Where's the DVD on the new Mac mini?

I'm all for going digital, but killing the CD/DVD drive in the new 2011 Mac Mini at this point is insane!
I had an old 2009 Mac Mini used as a media center/ living room PC and was looking forward to upgrading it, but alas Apple won't be getting my cash now.
I have over 200 DVD films - how on earth am I supposed to play those now?
And please don't tell me to use iTunes cause I am not about to re-purchase digital copies of all my DVDs all over again.
And no buying an external DVD drive is not a solution either - it totally kills the one piece design of the Mini...
Sad, sad move. At least you could have made it an optional build to order extra.

I'm in luck, I think. I have a Belkin hub made to sit under a Mini. It came with an optional power supply.
A USB hub still may only provide 500mA. It's up to the hub manufacturer whether they want to go "over spec." IOW, still no guarantee.
How about using a powered SATA/USB adapter with a SATA internal drive? Would that work with a Mini?
It depends on the adapter. Some SATA-to-USB adapters have a power supply that only powers the SATA adapter. Most good quality external drive enclosures will supply power to the SATA drive as well, so no issue with USB supplied power. As far as the Mac is concerned, it's a USB drive. The Mac doesn't care how you got the drive to connect to USB.
IOW, don't go cheap. But if you're going through the trouble of building such a drive with an adapter, you've probably spent as much money as just buying a pre-built external drive, or even the Apple drive, which will then have support from Apple. (e.g.: you have trouble in the future and you have Apple techs blaming the 3rd party drive and the drive techs blaming the adapter and the adapter techs blaming the drive. With the Apple drive, you only have to deal with Apple techs blaming themselves. )

How to connect an external HD to a 2007 Mac Mini with FireWire

I have a 2007 Mac Mini with a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 1 GB of RAM, and an 80 GB HD. I recently migrated to Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.5) from Tiger (OS X 10.4.11). I purchased a 500 GB external HD from Seagate which I want to use to back up both my wife's notebook PC and my Apple. My Mac Mini has a Firewire 400 (6-pin) female connector on the back. The external HD can connect to a Mac via a Firewire 800 male 9-pin connector. How do I connect the male FW 800 9-pin to the female FW 400 6-pin port? This may sound obvious, but the solution is more challenging than I imagined. The 9- to 6-pin adaptors I've seen online combine a female 6-pin end with a male 9-pin end. I need the reverse of that (female 9-pin FW 800 to male 6-pin FW 400 adaptor)! I bought a 9- to 6-pin cable this week, but ended up with two male 9-pin plug ends, and no way to connect them. Is a solution available using FW, or should I bail and go with a USB 2.0 connection instead?

Most external firewire drives have removable cables that plug into "female" ports on the hard drive. Is the firewire cabling on your external drive different from this? (What is the model number of the external drive?)
If the cable is removeable, simply buy a 6-pin-to-9-pin firewire cable (male on both ends).
monoprice.com is a good place to find these cheaply and in the length you need.

How can I share external devices connected to my Mac mini via USB on a wired network.

Own a Mac mini with Mountain Lion. Purchased the server app. The Mac mini is connected to a wired network with Mac’s and Windows machines. I have an external hard drive and 2 printers connected to the MAC mini via USB. I would like to share these devices with other computers on the wired network. Although I have attached similar devices with an airport extreme in the past, I am unable to use a wireless router in this case. Any suggestions on making this work with my current setup?

You don't really even need server app to do this. Simply go to System Preferences | Sharing and turn on both File & Printer sharing. Then, for example, the printer (not relevant what connection it has but obviously USB is fine) will be available to everyone on the wired network.
That's all there is to it - unless I missed/misunderstood something re: your setup which seems very straightforward.

External Disc Drive disappeared from Mac Mini Devices

Hi Forum,
my External USB2 Drive has disappeared from the devices list on my Mac Mini. When i was with the Mini i turned it off and on, Mini and CD Drive, unplugged and replugged the Drive, but i didnt appear. Ive had to come away for a few days and access the Mini remotely. It still doesnt show.
Is there anyway to make it find it? scan USB ports? look at what is connected? Remotely or when home?
Odd as its not done this before. And im still on OSX 10.8...

From your description I am assuming you have not instgalled any new USB, Bluetooth, Firewire, devices, drivers, hubs, etc.? If my assumption is correct then the logical place to start is with the drive and its connections...
Unplug and replug all USB connections. Surprisingly this may cure a number of different problems.
Try another USB cable.
Boot into Safe mode by holding down the Shift key after a cold boot. If the drive mounts normally then it is likley another USB device drive or device that is the problem.
If you are connecting through a hub, connect directly to the computer. If the drive mounts normally then your hub has probably gone bad.
If possible connect the drive to another Mac. Does it mount normally? If so then the USB port in your Mac may have gone bad. That requires a new logic board to fix.
Reset the SMC.

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