MacBook Pro DVD Region Settings...

Hi I have a new MacBook Pro and use the DVD drive quite frequently with different regions.
Is there a way to make it so you can have all regions working at once with no limitations? It is so frustrating that there is only 5 times you can change it. I have had an older Mac up until recently when it died and I could watch any DVD on it as my families laptops are. Mine however won't work. Any advice on how to go about doing this would be FANTASTIC!!
Thankyou

VideoLAN - Download official VLC media player for Mac OS X

Similar Messages

Macbook Pro DVD Regions

I would like to know why it seems I have to pay more money to watch a DVD i've already paid for, purely because I am limited to the amount of times I can switch the Region on the basic DVD player. Funnily I can't just switch it because I have DVDs from Region 1+2 so either way I will not be able to view some of my collection. I tried to bypass the problem via VLC player, which due to the updated Matsushita drive also refuses to act as a multiregional DVD player. So apparently the only other options I have is to use my old laptop which should really be Jurassic in comparison, To change the drive I already have on my Macbook Pro which apparently Apple give a lot of grief over in store... Or to buy an external DVD drive. And for what? To play a DVD that I paid for. The only reasons I imagine the DVD player is set this way is to either, prevent piracy... Which it won't, because pirated DVDs are usually produced with 0 Region, frankly they don't feel the need to limit viewing options, alternatively it's because film companies give Apple grief about the fact that people can buy a film from abroad before it's released in their own country, which despite paying fairly for it, they are against. I guess i'd like to hear if you have any way to bypass this problem that I haven't already tried, or a more valid reason as why I should pay more money to watch something obtained legally and free from piracy.

Try starting up the computer and hold down cmd + alt(option) + P + R, until you hear the Apple chime go off twice. Then try changing the region again.
This resets the PRAM on your computer, ie. parameter ram. Although http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1242 does not mention anything regarding optical drives directly, PRAM does store temporary data that the computer uses for quick access. Although the region code is not permanently stored in the PRAM and is written into the firmware, the change of the region code does run through the PRAM.
Since it is not a detrimental step to your computer, try this, and see if it helps.

Macbook pro looses login settings with thunderbolt display

I've noticed that on occasion my MacBook Pro looses its desktop settings when connected to a Thunderbolt display. Why Thunderbolt display discards my MacBook Pro window environment settings upon boot-up is unknown to me. I can tell when this happens when my desktop loads different backgrounds from those on my MacBook Pro. Furthermore, the option in the System Preferences for changing my desktop background will cease to function. I even notice system wide speed degradation.
In order to correct this and reload my MacBook Pro settings I must identify a specific file named “com.apple.loginwindow.plist” and delete it. Doing so resolves whatever existing conflict so that Thunderbolt displays the correct background and enables System Preferrences to work properly.
I would appreciate very much if anyone has a resolution for this problem.
Respectfully,
TomBoltz

I think you need to do a search of the of these forums to see if there is an answer. I saw a lot of suggestions, but the #1 solution is buying a brand new cable. I have personal experience with that. My son recently switched from an HP to a MacBook Pro. The HDMI cable worked perfectly with the HP. It didn't with the Mac. He got a new cable for the Mac, everything resolved itself.
I have heard all kinds of speculation on it, but it happens frequently enough that there must be something going on. I'd spend $30 on a new MiniDisplayPort to DVI connector or whatever you use.

Hi, I am going to reset my Macbook Pro to factory settings but I would like to back it up first. I have backed it up to an external Hard Drive so if I were to wipe the laptop, would i be able to retrieve all of my files and applications

Hi, I am going to reset my Macbook Pro to factory settings but I would like to back it up first. I have backed it up to an external Hard Drive so if I were to wipe the laptop, would i be able to retrieve all of my files and applications. (Office Mac, Adobe CS6, Logic Pro)

When OS X asks you to restore a backup, it will allow you to select what you want to restore from the backup, Just select the things you need, because if you select everything, you will be in the same status as before restoring the Mac to factory settings. This has nothing to do with erasing the hard drive
It's OK to make backups with Time Machine

HT201364 how do I reset my macbook pro to factory settings. Am currently using OS X Mavericks

how do I reset my macbook pro to factory settings. Am currently using OS X Mavericks?

Do you mean by "reset to factory settings" re-installing the OS X version it had originally?
Phil

I want my macbook pro in factory settings, how can i do that?

I want my macbook pro in factory settings, how can i do that?

Install or Reinstall Lion from Scratch
If possible backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive.
Boot to the Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Erase the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your startup volume (usually Macintosh HD) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion: Select Reinstall Lion and click on the Install button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
For earlier versions of OS X:
Prepare Your Mac for Sale
Boot from the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select the startup volume from the left side list then click on the Erase tab. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) then click on the Options button. Select the one pass Zero Data option and click on the OK button. Then click on the Erase button.
Note: You can skip the Zero Data option if you are not concerned about removing sensitive personal data from the hard drive. If you choose to skip this part of the process then it is possible for others to recover data from the hard drive. The Zero Data procedure will prevent others from getting access to your personal information.
This process will take 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the size of the hard drive. After formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Now complete the OS X installation. At the completion of the installation do not restart the computer. Instead just shut it off. The next user will be presented with the Setup Assistant when they turn on the computer just as it would if new out of the box.

My macbook pro dvd drive opens all disks as blank, can I fix it?

My macbook pro dvd drive opens all disks as blank. I have no access to a near by apple store as I live in remote NSW. I purchased the macbook when I lived in Sydney and the old owner had just had a fresh copy of the OS loaded. I've read a discussion of a similar nature and the only comment was take it back, that is easier said than done. Is there a fix I can do from home?

Nifa86 wrote:
the old owner
If you didn't buy this from the store, the first thing you need to do is boot from the install DVD, erase the disk drive (perhaps even zeroing it) and install a fresh copy of the OS. You do not want to inherit any changes the previous owner may have made to the system software (or worse).
had just had a fresh copy of the OS loaded
…and the cheque is in the mail.
I am talking about putting in any CD that is known to have content and it loads the CD and says its blank with nothing on it
Who says?
Anyway, try
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964>

Can't restore MacBook Pro to factory settings/boot from usb or dvd

So I recently got a MacBook Pro, currently running OS X 10.7.4 Lion. I am well-versed in the world of Windows, however am quite new when it comes to macs (whole reason why I got it).
I'm trying to restore it to its factory settings without owning a restore disc. The HDD only has one partition (no recovery partition).
I have located and downloaded a torrent for an OS X installer, specifically a .dmg image file containing OS X 10.7.
I tried burning that image to a DVD, but when I go to boot from the DVD (to my understanding, this is done by holding "C" during boot) it doesn't work, and just continues to proceed to the logon screen as it normally would.
I have tried converting the image from a .dmg to a .iso (something I am far more familiar with) using one of my Windows machines, and then burning that to a DVD, however, it yields the same result as above.
I have tried using the Disc Utility to format a flash drive (Mac OS Extended (Journaled)) and then using the same Disc Utility to "restore" the image file to the USB drive. When I go to boot from this (holding alt/option at boot) it shows the internal HDD as the only bootable drive.
Is it possible that since I am technically running a newer version of Mac OS X (10.7.4 and using an installer of 10.7) that it will not allow me to do so? I know Apple has made it difficult to downgrade iPhones and the like, and I suppose it wouldn't surprise me a great deal to find out that the same applies to their computers.. But if I am attempting to boot from a different source, and use that to format and repartition my HDD, then I don't see why that would matter...
Any help on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the suggestion, Shootist007, but that's not accurate. There were no disks of any kind included with the MacBook Pro I bought. I am very anal about keeping everything that comes with a computer. I don't misplace or lose them. I've been buying computers since '88, and I am very careful to maintain original items. I searched the original MacBook Pro box several times, and there's nothing in there but the original purchase receipt from the Apple Store and the form fitting black plastic tray and cushion.
I did try wiring the system, and that's when it tried to restore Lion (and wouldn't let me do a restore of anything else).
Are you saying that if I do upgrade to Lion, and then do a system restore, then the buyer will not be able to use Lion?

Getting my macbook pro DVD player to become region free

I travel a lot. The last 3 years has been 5 continents and over 20 countries. The fact we now live in a globally accessible world means this DVD region BS needs to stop. Good example, in the next 6 weeks I will travel/live in 3 different DVD regions. Why I shouldn't be allowed to use my laptop for work/travel everywhere I go is ridiculous.
Rant aside, I have found a few things online, but am wondering if there's something authoritative as to how to go about doing? Also, are there any complications vis-a-vis apple care? Or any other issues that I should be aware of?
Thanks.

This is a murky subject. Basically, DVD region codes aren't meant as a DRM measure since they don't affect the copying of a work, or restrict playback by an individual, only by device (there's nothing preventing you from having a drive for every region). For members of the World Trade Oragnization (like the USA), it doesn't qualify as DRM either and, in fact, it technically not permitted by terms of the WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and Technical Barriers to Trade agreements.
So, why do RCS-enforcing drives still exist? First, because DVD producers want them to and require DVD manufacturers to include it in order to license the DVD trademark and CSS technology. Technically speaking, DVD manufacturers are allowed to provide mechanisms to disable region codes in their products (which is why most set-top boxes have a way to disable them by typing certain codes using the remote control). In response to the WTO rules: the availability of region-free options, plus the ability for people to own separate players for specific regions, allows the media companies to argue that RCS doesn't constitute a barrier to trade or a market discriminator. So, as long as there exists means to circumvent RCS restrictions, the restrictions are legal to implement (so goes the argument).
Why do media companies region code their disks? By dividing the world into economic subdivisions, they can exercise price controls / discrimination. In fact, Blu-Ray discs have different market segmentation because the economics underlying the controls have changed.
Anyway, the gist is that while it's perfectly legal for you to make your player region-free (in fact, in several parts of the world, you'll find that RCS is officially considered an illegal restraint on free trade), there's no official mechanism for you to do so on your Macintosh computer. Depending on the model of drive you have i, you may be able to find replacement firmware on the Internet and update it, but doing so will void your warranty from Apple.
Most people will simply purchase a small USB external drive that's region-free or can be flashed to be made region-free. Depending on what part of the world the drive was to be marketed in will determine whether the drive is region-free by default. Generally speaking, only drives from Matsushita drives are consistently RCS-enforcing. In many countries, code-free or region-free players are the default.

How do I restore my new MacBook Pro to factory settings?

I got a MacBook Pro back in September and did migration assistant to transfer all of my programs, etc. over. It took an entire day. Anyway, I'm having issues with some programs so I would like to reset my computer to it's factory settings then actually install all of the programs from the original disks. There were no CD/DVD's that came with it so I'm not sure how to go about doing this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Scott

Restart with the Option key held down, tab to Lion's recovery drive, press Enter, and use it to erase the drive. Install the OS.
(62322)

Windows XP on Macbook Pro - Control Panel settings

I've been a Windows user for years, and now find that I still require my Toshiba laptop on my desk beside my Macbook Pro.
My problem today wih the MBP is problems while in Windows XP with the Control Panel. I continually reset the regional time zone settings, apply, and the computer resets back to its "own" region as soon as it is shutdown. The settings won't keep also if using screen savers, etc. in the Windows environment. I've looked through the questions in the forum, and this seems to be minor and of no problem to anyone else, but I am totally frustrated. Any help is greatly appreciated!
I also thought the infrared in the MBP which allows use of the remote, would also work in Windows. It does not which creates a problem for accessories that require infrared transmission which won't transmit on the MBP in either environment. Back to the old computer for that problem.
Thanks.

I would make sure that you have run the latest MacBook Pro Firmware upgrade from the apple support site
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macbookproefifirmwareupdate12.html.
This may fix certain issues with those settings not saving. Also try resetting the PRAM. From what I have been told the infrared port on the intel Macs only works with the Apple Remote.
Hope this helps.

Windows 7 RC installation on MacBook Pro: 'DVD drive device driver missing'

I'm trying to install the Windows 7 RC on my unibody MacBook Pro (purchased november 2008). I create the partition in Boot Camp, insert the install DVD, and restart the system. Then the Windows setup starts as it's supposed to (Windows is loading files). The install program launches fine, and I get to choose language settings.
And now it all fails. After I've chosen language settings, I get the message: "A required CD(DVD drive device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB flash drive, please insert it now."
Screenshot of the message: http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00102yyh.jpg
I'm kinda baffled by this message. Obviously the drive can be use by the install program, but it still complains of a missing driver. I had no trouble installing the Windows 7 beta earlier this year.
I've done some googling, and it appears to be problem experienced by some others. Someone had the issue on an Asus machine (I think), and the solution was to download the driver and out it on a USB stick. But I can't seem to find the driver for the MBP DVD drive anywhere.
Has anyone else experienced this issue?

After countless days trying to solve this problem, I feel I can now add to the few solutions presented on the various forums of the internet. I'll post here because 1: i'm a mac user for everyday life although like most have as many pc's as well. 2: I already have a login for these forums!
okay so i tried everything from re-burns to usb install (which I could not complete because removable drives are not recognized by xp and I don't have a vista system). The problem for me ended up being because the DVD drive was plugged into the primary master ide channel. My hard drive for the unit i was installing windows on is sata and was configured as such (not bridged into IDE channel by bios). So in a nutshell it seems like the hard drive and the DVD drive are nit picky in regards to the IDE configuration of the drives themselves. This won't help for virtualization on a mac pro I realize but nonetheless is food for thought hopefully for all the people searching for " windows 7 install cd/dvd device driver missing " in their search engine!
Oh boy one more reason to love mac's
Christos

How do I reset MacBook Pro to original settings for sale?

I want to reset a slightly used MacBook Pro to original factory settings... plan to resell on eBay. Thanks!

Follow these instructions step by step to prepare a Mac for sale:
Step One - Back up your data:
       A. If you have any Virtual PCs shut them down. They cannot be in their "fast saved" state. They must be shut down from inside Windows.
       B. Clone to an external drive using using Carbon Copy Cloner.
          1. Open Carbon Copy Cloner.
          2. Select the Source volume from the Select a source drop down menu on the left side.
          3. Select the Destination volume from the Select a destination drop down menu on the right
              side.
          4. Click on the Clone button. If you are prompted about creating a clone of the Recovery HD be
              sure to opt for that.
               Destination means a freshly erased external backup drive. Source means the internal
               startup drive.
Step Two - Prepare the machine for the new buyer:
          1. De-authorize the computer in iTunes! De-authorize both iTunes and Audible accounts.
          2, Remove any Open Firmware passwords or Firmware passwords.
          3. Turn the brightness full up and volume nearly so.
          4. Turn off File Vault, if enabled.
          5. Disable iCloud, if enabled: See.What to do with iCloud before selling your computer
Step Three - Install a fresh OS:
     A. Snow Leopard and earlier versions of OS X
          1. Insert the original OS X install CD/DVD that came with your computer.
          2. Restart the computer while holding down the C key to boot from the CD/DVD.
          3. Select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu; repartition and reformat the internal hard drive.
              Optionally, click on the Security button and set the Zero Data option to one-pass.
          4. Install OS X.
          5. Upon completion DO NOT restart the computer.
          6. Shutdown the computer.
     B. Lion and Mountain Lion (if pre-installed on the computer at purchase*)
         Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because
                   it is three times faster than wireless.
          1. Restart the computer while holding down the COMMAND and R keys until the Mac OS X
              Utilities window appears.
          2. Select Disk Utility from the Mac OS X Utilities window and click on the Continue button.
          3. After DU loads select your startup volume (usually Macintosh HD) from the left side list. Click
              on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
          4. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Optionally, click on the Security button
              and set the Zero Data option to one-pass.
          5. Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
          6. Quit DU and return to the Mac OS X Utilities window.
          7. Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Install button.
          8. Upon completion shutdown the computer.
*If your computer came with Lion or Mountain Lion pre-installed then you are entitled to transfer your license once. If you purchased Lion or Mountain Lion from the App Store then you cannot transfer your license to another party. In the case of the latter you should install the original version of OS X that came with your computer. You need to repartition the hard drive as well as reformat it; this will assure that the Recovery HD partition is removed. See Step Three above. You may verify these requirements by reviewing your OS X Software License.

Changing DVD region settings

Hello! I just got my MacBook Pro today and I am trying to watch DVD's on it. For some reason it is not allowing me to change the DVD region. Since I just got it today I obviously haven't had to change the region so I should still have my 5 times to change it. The option to change to region 1 is available, however the button to confirm is grey? I don't have a DVD player so this is my only way to watch! HELP!

Call Apple Care.
#1 - You have 14 days from the date of purchase to return your computer with no questions asked.
#2 - You have 90 days of FREE phone tech support.
#3 - If you've purchased an AppleCare Protection Plan, your warranty last for 3 years. You can obtain AppleCare anytime up to the first year of the purchase of your computer.
Take FULL advantage of your warranty. Posting on a message board should be done as a last resort and if you are out of warranty or Apple Care has expired.

HT2397 MacBook Pro DVD insert

Hello! I have entered a DVD into my MacBook Pro and chose region 1, but it's playing in Spanish. How can I change the language to English? Thanks!

This might help ya -> DVD Player 5.x: Select the language for a DVD

MacBook Pro DVD Region Settings...

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for