Imac A1311 compatible optical drive?

Hello everyone, I'm having burning issues with my iMac, is out of warranty now and I'm sure is not media related. I have try all the available brands and it won't burn even under Windows 7. I tried to clean it with compressed air and I got no results. I'm not in the US so I cannot take it to a repair center and local authorized centers are a rip off (I use to work at one) I wanted to ask you what brands and models are compatible with my Imac? I have read that some drives won't fit, and there are some really expensive parts arround that cost $400!!!! thats almost the price of a Mac mini.

I might also add the A1311 is not as specific as the Model Identifier, such as iMac 5,1. Those are much more precise and able to help manufacturers know exactly which series you are using. http://www.everymac.com/systems/by_capability/macs-by-machine-model-machine-id.h tml will give you exact version.

Similar Messages

How can I install winxp to bootcamp on imac with bad optical drive?

I have a mid-2007 20" aluminum Intel-based iMac and I'm having trouble getting a clean install of MacOS10.5.8 and Win XP (through Bootcamp) on a new drive.
The problem stems from the fact that I have no internal optical drive. My Superdrive began acting up a while ago (couldn't recognize, read from, or write to DVD). I replaced the drive, but the problem persisted. Calling Apple Support, they determined (guessed?) the problem was the logic board, and, as the machine is out of warranty, isn't worth replacing. No big deal - I've been using an external USB optical drive when needed.
However, my hard drive is beginning to experience issues (SMART Failure), and I want to reinstall everything MacOS, Bootcamp/Win XP on a clean new drive. The problem is that I cant resinstall Win XP to Bootcamp without an internal drive (which seems unlikely to ever work). I've tried creating a bootable USB key with the XP installation files going through the Bootcamp installation process using the WintoFlash/rEFIt method, but to no avail (won't recognize boot from USB).
Is it possible to remove the internal hard drive, boot from MacOS (10.5.8) on an external drive, and connect the optical drive to the sATA port where the internal drive was? Or is there a second sATA port on these logic boards? Or can I somehow connect the USB optical drive in a way that the iMAC thinks it's internal? I'm not afraid of digging into the iMAC (changed HDD and Superdrive already).
Is there anyway to test the pATA connection on my logic board to find out if it's really the problem? If it's not, maybe I can install WinXP on a second Windows formated drive, to take the space of the internal Superdrive.
There must be some good ideas out there somewhere. Barring that, my only other option is to use Parallels and take the performance hit that comes with running a virtual machine. UGH!

Actually, when I followed that link, one of the related links in More Like This was a real find! An actual download of Aperture, albeit a trial, but that would have solved my problem too. I tested it and although it's embeded in a support article, the link to the trial version of Aperture still works.
Thanks! Great info here if you can find it.

"No Boot Disk" on new iMac with external optical drive

So I am experiencing a problem similar to what some people have had, but I have the brand new iMac which does not come with a cd drive.
I have a fusion drive in the iMac.
I downloaded Windows 7 Ultimate from my University software store, which gave me a .img file. I burned this file to disk in order to make the boot drive.
I am using an amazon basics DVD optical drive which connects to my computer via USB.
Upon boot into windows, it does not recognize the dvd in the drive as bootable, and says "No Bootable Disk Found, Press Any Key". Of course, I have a bluetooth keyboard and cannot press any key because there are currently no drivers.
So, any ideas on why it won't recognize my boot dvd?

It was just a simple case of removing the verbose boot settings which I found a script for after searching on Google.

Does Old imac support External optical drive

APple says that my imac mid2010 21.5" doesnt support external superdrive
but my iMac's built in optical drive has failed so can other external optical drives function on my mac beacuse there seems to be no way of using a disc in a mac whose internal drive has failed!. . . .

It doesn’t support Apple’s one but does support third-party SuperDrives.
(124155)

Help please. Can't boot my iMac from the optical drive.

17" flat panel, 1GHz iMac, running OS 10.2.8.
I've been trying to do some disk maintenance and would like to be able to repair my boot disk. I've tried to boot from the optical drive, using Norton SystemWorks CD-ROM and also my iMac software install and repair DVD, holding down the C key while attempting to boot. After trying for a few seconds, a gray veil drops down and a text box telling me that I have to shut down by holding the power key for many seconds shows up. (Is this a Kernel panic?)
I've also run Repair Permissions. That program seems to stall right at the end, as the status bar is 99% full, and never completes its run.
Any suggestions?

Hi MacGeezer,
DO NOT USE NORTON SYSTEMWORKS
Norton Utilities and Disk Doctor were discontinued almost 2 years ago (for some very good reasons!). It caused much more trouble than it solved.
Here are the articles:
Symantec discontinues Mac Norton Utilities, SystemWorks
Norton Utilities, SystemWorks development halted
TMO Scoop - Symantec Confirms Norton Utilities & SystemWorks' Demise [Updated]
Tech Tool Pro and DiskWarrior are presently the most reliable utilities. For more information on regular housekeeping read this: MacOS X 10.3/10.4: System maintenance

Imac wont recognise optical drive unless repeatedly reset smc at startup.

Hello all,
having a problem with my mid 2007 2.0ghz imac, in that it refuses to recognise the optical drive unless i repeatedly reset the smc, can anyone offer some advice?
thanks so much,
B.

Normally in the iMac the memory and hard drive and battery are the only items considered user serviceable, however, since it is out of warranty anyway, look for Fixit on Google. They have instructions for many, many repairs you can do on computers. They may have one for replacing the optical drive yourself, which would cost less than an external drive in a case. Having a working internal drive is useful if you need a boot drive other than the hard drive.

Have discs but just got a new imac with no optical drive

Hi,
I have discs and prouct key (still have one instll left) for Adobe Creative Suite Design standard but my imac doesn't have an optical drive, so how do i install? Specifically Adobe Acrobat X .
Thanks

You can download Acrobat X Pro from this Link.
http://prodesigntools.com/adobe-acrobat-x-10-pro-reader-suite-direct-download-links-ddl.ht ml
But make sure you follow the important steps mentioned on the page before initiating the download.

Z50-70 59444501 Compatible Optical Drive

Hello, I recently received this laptop as a gift, and it's perfect EXCEPT for the fact that there's no way to play DVDs!I don't want to an external drive and there seems to be room for an internal drive (and instructions on how to remove the optical drive), so I'm planning to place one in myself if possible. However, I don't know what models will be compatible with/fit in my laptop. Anyone have any input? Thanks!

Hi, I had exactly the same problem. I upgrade my laptop with a Samsung 840 Evo SSD. (Windows 8.1)I replaced the original HDD with new SSD. I used Data migration from samsung - all working.Then i put original HDD (was formated) in caddy and replaced CD/DVD slot.Starting windows is never-ending with Lenovo logo on screen. SOLUTION IS VERY SIMPLE, just a regular update bios. I used this bios update and now all works http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/lenovo-z-series-laptops/lenovo-z50-70/downloads/DS100528

Compatible Optical Drives for G4 MDD?

I've got a G4 Power Mac with mirrored doors and a combo drive. I'm looking to get a new DVD RW drive to go into the second drive bay, but i'm not really sure which drives are compatible? Are there special 'apple' drives or will any make do? I can't seem to find any info about this anywhere, so any help/drive recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, as the drive is internal, will it require additional software to install it? Or is it easier just to replace the drive thats already in there rather than having two drives?
Thanks in advance.
Elwood
Power Mac G4, single 1.25ghz, MDD Mac OS X (10.3.6)

Danny:
On the front face of the drive, you'll find a small hole which is used to manually eject the tray. Insert a straightened paper clip or something similar into the hole and push in to release the tray. With the tray exposed, turn the drive upside down. On the underside of the front face of the tray you'll see two plastic release clips. While holding the drive upside down, use your thumbs to push outward from the underside of the faceplate/bezel, popping it off of the tray. You might save the faceplate/bezel in case you want to later install the drive in a PC.
The link from my last post shows and explains this procedure clearly about midway through the video, if my homemade explanation was hard to understand.
Gary
Message was edited by: Majordadusma

How can a get my iMAC to recognize a newly installed optical drive?

I recently ordered a new Optical drive for my iMAC 12,1 to replace a damaged one. I followed the instructions online to replace the drive with no issues. I restarted the iMAC and it will not recognize the new optical drive. The optical drive won't accept any disks either. The optical drive is
Model GA11N
Manufacturer: HL
Condition: Brand New never used, without original manufacturer packaging
SATA interface, Slot-in loading, 12.7mm in height, without faceplate, no eject button. 1 Year Warranty
with Apple Logo, Special for Apple iMac Intel 20" EMC 2266 A1224 21.5" 2308 27" 2390 2309 2374 Mac Mini Mid 2010
Write Speed: DVD-RAM :5X DVD+R :8X DVD+R DL :4X DVD-R DL :4X DVD+RW :8X DVD-R :8X DVD-RW :6X CD-R :24X CD-RW :24X Read Speed: DVD-ROM/DL: 6X CD-R:24X CD-RW: 24X CD-ROM: 24X
How can a get the iMAC to recognize this new optical drive?

Here are some sources for Mac compatible optical drives that wiil work with your 2011 iMac.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/VLU2SD24XS/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MR3F82SD24S/
http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-External-Super-Drive-Apple--MacBook/dp/B007FUDKB4 /ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392328000&sr=1-1&keywords=mac+compatible+ dvd+drive
http://www.amazon.com/External-Super-Drive-Apple-MacBook/dp/B009XON646/ref=sr_1_ 3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392328066&sr=1-3&keywords=mac+compatible+dvd+drive
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-Portable-External-GP40NB40/dp/B009DS6OFU/re f=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392328138&sr=1-8&keywords=mac+compatible+dvd +drive

Mid-2010 Mac Mini, dead optical drive: Are any slim Firewire DVD burners compatible?

The optical drive on my Mac Mini seems to have died prematurely, as the OEM drives are known to do. Estimated cost of replacing the internal component: $170. And it would be the exact same model Apple optical drive, not a more robust one.
Now very reluctantly thinking of adding yet another peripheral. USB ports are pretty well filled but I don't use the Firewire port for anything.
Trouble is, since Apple discontinued Firewire, the manufacturers of Mac-compatible optical drives aren't making Firewire models any more.
There are a few recent Firewire DVD burners from PC peripheral manufacturers, such as Acer, Aopen, Dell, Pioneer, Sony (Amazon reviews say it's restricted to burning Sony media) in a small "slim" form factor.
Anyone have information about their compatibility with Firewire 800 on mid-2010 Mac mini, Mac OS 10.10.1 Yosemite?

There are some steps involved which may translate to tedium,
as noted in the repair guide for the Mid 2010 Mini from iFixit.
•Mac Mini - Mid 2010 Repair Guide - iFixit:
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_Mini_Mid_2010
At about Step 25, of an overall rated Difficult process, you can
see the Optical Drive, and likely be at a point to install replace-
ment, then reverse the process; paying heed to advice given.
•Mac Mini - Model A1347 - Optical Drive Replacement - iFixit:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Model+A1347+Optical+Drive+Replacement/3167
At least you can get into this computer. Be sure to have a spare
optical drive cable and other possible items that may get broken
in the process. Oh there also is a PRAM battery in this computer
that may or may not need replacement while it is open...
If at one point, if several parts were to be replaced at one time, a
visit to a service technician becomes very cost effective. Find one
that will install the parts you may get from third-party sources. If
you know someone at a college computer lab, they may be able
to perform the swap, test their work, and be done, in short order.
Or, chose to use an external inexpensive 'superdrive' equivalent.
I'd heard the LG brand was among some that work, and can also
be used to boot the computer from System DVD or utility discs...
It is a USB drive, can burn DVD/CD media, and is not costly.
The ability to swap out the defective optical drive, and replace it
with an SSD or second storage drive, may be a way to go; but
it also would be at least as tedious as optical drive replacement.
This may add value to the device, in a resale situation later.
That would use the 'drive doubler' idea referred to at macsales.
In the above main guide, is a primer on how to swap out the optical
drive and replace it with a second hard disk drive or solid state drive.
Similar to what the OWC site says, but they have a good kit, too.
Good luck & happy computing!

Help with installing my CD version LR 3 on my iMac (no optical drive)

I have Lightroom 3 installed on my windows machine and want to install a copy on my new iMac with no optical drive(my LR is on CD). How can I get LR 3 on my iMac. I cannot find LR 3 on Adobe site for download?

if you follow all 7 steps, you can dl lr trial here: http://prodesigntools.com/direct-download-links-for-lightroom-3-and-photoshop-elements-8.h tml
use your serial number to activate.
if you see a dl error page, you didn't follow all 7 steps. re-read and re-dl.

Imac 2009 external DVD drive

hi everyone.
My 2009 Imac DVD drive is damaged and spits out discs (daughter stuck a memory card in it and damaged it apparently). Bought an Apple Superdrive but its not compatible with an Imac with the built in drive!! Can anyone recommend an alternative external DVD drive to buy. Is it best to get one with a Thunderbolt conection, or is USB ok?
Advice needed please!
thank

Here are two on Amazon.com that are cheap and Mac compatible
http://www.amazon.com/LG-GP10NB20-Portable-External-Drive/dp/B004K2Z4MS/ref=sr_1 _3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398883289&sr=8-3&keywords=Mac+compatible+external+LG+optical+dr i ve
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-Portable-External-GP40NB40/dp/B009DS6OFU/re f=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1398883289&sr=8-7&keywords=Mac+compatible+external+LG+opti c al+drive
Here's another source for Mac compatible optical drives. These are better quality optical drives.
These are also tray loading drives.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/VLU2SD24XS/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MR3F82SD24S/
Good Luck!

Suggest an external optical drive?

My iMac's (21.5 inch) optical drive is just about useless, especially when it comes to transferring files from discs onto my computer, taking as long as 30 minutes for 4gb of information. My girlfriend's iMac (24 inch) optical drive is completely broken and can not read, write, or recognize discs, and once one is put in it usually takes an act of congress to get it out.
Both of us are looking for a good, yet affordable external optical drive. I have been browsing stuff online at Best Buy but noticed all of them only list "windows" in the specification box. Are they still compatible with Mac?
Are there any "good" ones anyone can suggest that I can actually buy in person at a store such as Best Buy or Walmart? I have noticed a lot of people suggesting LaCie but I would really prefer to buy in person than over the internet.

I've never used an external optical drive, but a person I know who wore out the internal optical drive in his iMac replaced it with a LaCie. This person puts in lots of hours burning disks and he's very satisfied with the LaCie.
An Apple Store may carry them but I don't know for sure. I know some Apple Stores carry LaCie peripheral hard drives.
Regards,
Steve M.

Optical drive Not Recognized in Windows 7??!

Hi All,
I'm having problim using iMac 27" 2012 optical drive on windows 7!!
I can't find any driver for that with bootcamp package!!
Please help, i really need to use it for my work!
Thanks ALL

I had the same issue before. Was able to fix it by loading the BIOS default setting. You can also try to uninstall it on Device Manager.

Imac A1311 compatible optical drive?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for