Spitting out "phantom" cd's

I have a MBP and for the most part, everything is working fine... with one very noticeable exception. For some bizarre reason, the cd eject sequence will run every few minutes. It's not a predictable thing and I have not noticed any pattern. Every 10 to 20 minutes, you can here the super drive go through the eject sequence. "Bzzzzzzt"
Here's the weird part. It will only do this when there is nothing in the drive. If I've got something in there, it's fine and works properly. As soon as it's empty, it will start happening again. It seems to do no harm but it's pretty odd. Thoughts?

Deepish Thought wrote:
It's pretty much always done it. To my knowledge, there is no reason for this to be happening, software or otherwise. It's mostly just kind of odd. I'll probably just live with it since it doesn't hamper usability at all. I've always thought it was strange though and wondered id any one else has had this happen or anyone knew the cure.
See also http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8593802&#8593802 however I too have this issue. It would happen now and then on my original 2.0GHz MBP but wouldn't last for too long and would always resolve itself.
After getting a unibody 2.4GHz MBP late last week it did it out of the box consistently every 5 minutes or so unless there was a disc in the drive. Apple swapped out the entire machine for me earlier today (Regent Street store, London) and the replacement machine is doing it as well.
On my machine, if you look at the Activity Monitor (sort by PID, newest first) you'll see a DiskManagementTool process kick in when the drive makes its noise/phantom ejection. The process is related to/part of Disk Utility. I've yet to figure out what triggers the process or why, however that process appears to be responsible. If your machine is still experiencing the phantom ejection see if that process kicks in for you as well. It'll show up, the drive will make its noise, then the process will disappear, so keep a close eye on the process list.
As far as living with the issue is concerned, I wouldn't just accept it. Certainly it is annoying and doesn't hamper usability, but unnecessary wear and tear on the optical drive's motor is unacceptable and will shorten the life of the mechanism.
Obviously Apple has no formal solution for this yet however if your machine is still under AppleCare there's no harm in taking it to your local Apple store to have it looked at (though they'll do nothing for you except replace the drive, likely -- meaning they won't attempt to understand why it occurs). The downside is giving up the machine for a number of days while you wait for them to get to the work, moreso if you have no nearby Apple store and have to ship the machine to a repair depot.
I'll be going back to the Apple store tomorrow to speak to a lead genius about this to see if they know of any reason why this process triggers.

Similar Messages

  • My MacBook Pro spits out a CD within 30 seconds.  It doesn't show up anywhere.  Help please.

    My MacBook Pro spits out a CD within 30 seconds.  It doesn't show up anywhere.  Help please.

    You can try a commercial lens cleaner.  They are sold everywhere for little expense.
    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Memorex-32020022912/15120287

  • IDVD spits out my disc and stops

    Help please. My iDVD will prepare, process menus, process slideshows, then process movies...just like it should. BUT, when it gets to the burn part. It spits out the disc and basically freezes there. I have been working with iDVD for over 5 years and have never had this problem, it has only happened (once) since I got my MacBook in July 2006. I am not sure if it is a problem with my MacBook, or if it is a problem with the Verbatim discs that I got to go with my external DL DVD burner. Please help...please?

    Might get a few more replies and possible solutions if you start your own post. That way folks are more likely to reply to your own situation and it will likely draw the attention it deserves.
    Nevertheless, the media of choice on iDVD6 forums is Verbatim followed by Maxell DVD-R. Either perform well in most macs. Use the search feature on this forum and you'll find Memorex as the least desireable choice due to higher than expected burn failure rates. This comes from experience.
    A good third choice is FujiFilm DVD-R as well as Taiyo Yuden DVD Media or even RiData/Ritech DVD-R Dual Layer medias ....
    Hope this helps. Good luck!

  • My imac spits out the Cd-r and I can't burn a disc

    My iMac spits out the CD-R and I can't burn a disc

    Hello deneye2112,
    Thank you for providing the details of the burning issue you are experiencing.  I found some resources that I think might help:
    First, I recommend resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac (I wasn't sure if you had a removable battery or a built in battery, so I listed the steps for both):
    Resetting the SMC on Mac portables with a battery you can remove
    Note: Learn about removing the battery on MacBook and MacBook Pro.
    Shut down the computer.
    Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
    Remove the battery.
    Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
    Release the power button.
    Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
    Press the power button to turn on the computer.
    Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your ownNote: Portable computers that have a battery you should not remove on your own include MacBook Pro (Early 2009) and later, all models of MacBook Air, and MacBook (Late 2009).
    Shut down the computer.
    Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
    On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
    Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
    Press the power button to turn on the computer.
    Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.
    You can find the full article here:
    Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    If you are still having trouble with burning after that step, I recommend reviewing the section titled "Top troubleshooting tips" in the following article:
    Disc Burning Quick Assist
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1152
    Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities.
    Best,
    Sheila M.

  • HP Laserjet 2600xi new drivers prints garbage spits out blanks

    A friend called me about this problem and all I knew to do was to get the latest drivers and install them after removing all traces of old HP software. They're using an eMac with OS 10.4.11. The problem may have a simple solution. When they send a file to print, at first there is a page of 'garbage' printed followed by the printer just 'spitting out' blank sheets until they turn it off.
    Any ideas to try? It could be a corrupt spool folder I suppose but don't know where to look for the file.
    Thanks

    Thanks, Greg. You are right that the 2600xi is Photosmart rather than Laserjet. I was just passing on the info given me by the owner who is frankly clueless. He asked my advice because I'm somewhat more experienced. I don't know how the rpinter was added to the Print & Fax pref pane.
    As far as using the HP drivers I've gotten them to install new ones and had them look to see if the printer was recognized in the Printer Setup Utility.app. It was and that's the last time I talked to them. I may have to go and make a house call. Thanks for your information and advice. I'll get back with any update.

  • Dvd drive making noises and spitting out dvd

    I don't know what's going on but whenever I put in a dvd the dvd drive makes a lot of noise which doesn't sound good, and sometimes it spits out the dvd or shuts the dvd program down and then my computer freezes on a black screen and i have to shut down my computer by turning it off. =(
    This computer is about 8 months old and I don't think there should be any issues from my end. I have never dropped it or spilled anything on it. I unfortunatley never bought teh apple care....i know dumb! but nonetheless it's not bought. Does anyone know how or what i can do to resolve this issue besides not playing a dvd? Thanks any advice helps!

    It sounds as if there's a mechanical failure with your SuperDrive. Since you're still under warranty, I would take the machine into an Apple Store or an AASP and have them diagnose and fix the problem.
    Good luck,
    Clinton

  • Read in XML file and spit out specific element

    Hi all i wonder if someone could give me a hand. I've got some code (below) which reads in an xml file and spits out the contents of the file. Thats fine and dandy, however what i want to be able to do is specify which element to spit out, which i'm not sure how to do. So say i had the following xml file:
    <?xml version="1.0"?>
    <OpenSourceQuestions>
         <question>
              <setup>A raster graphics editor</setup>
              <answerChoice1>The Gimp</answerChoice1>
              <answerChoice2>The Chimp</answerChoice2>
              <answerChoice3>The Pimp</answerChoice3>
              <answerChoice4>The Blimp</answerChoice4>
              <correctAnswer>The Gimp</correctAnswer>
         </question>
         <question>
              <setup>test question 2</setup>
              <answerChoice1>question2 answer1</answerChoice1>
              <answerChoice2>question2 answer2</answerChoice2>
              <answerChoice3>question2 answer3</answerChoice3>
              <answerChoice4>question2 answer4</answerChoice4>
              <correctAnswer>question2 answer1</correctAnswer>
         </question>
    </OpenSourceQuestions>What i want to do is only spit out the xml for the first question, i.e. "A raster graphics editor" and its answers
    Here is my java code for reading in and arsing the file:
    void readXML(){
                try {
                     File fXmlFile = new File("MyXMLFile.xml");
                     DocumentBuilderFactory dbFactory = DocumentBuilderFactory.newInstance();
                     DocumentBuilder dBuilder = dbFactory.newDocumentBuilder();
                     Document doc = dBuilder.parse(fXmlFile);
                     doc.getDocumentElement().normalize();
                     System.out.println("Root element :" + doc.getDocumentElement().getNodeName());
                     NodeList nList = doc.getElementsByTagName("question");
                     System.out.println("-----------------------");
                     for (int temp = 0; temp < nList.getLength(); temp++) {
                       Node nNode = nList.item(temp);
                       if (nNode.getNodeType() == Node.ELEMENT_NODE) {
                         Element eElement = (Element) nNode;
                         System.out.println("Question : "  + getTagValue("setup",eElement));
                         System.out.println("Answer1 : "  + getTagValue("answerChoice1",eElement));
                         System.out.println("Answer2 : "  + getTagValue("answerChoice2",eElement));
                         System.out.println("Answer3 : "  + getTagValue("answerChoice3",eElement));
                         System.out.println("Answer4 : "  + getTagValue("answerChoice4",eElement));
                } catch (Exception e) {
                  e.printStackTrace();
               private static String getTagValue(String sTag, Element eElement)
                     NodeList nlList= eElement.getElementsByTagName(sTag).item(0).getChildNodes();
                     Node nValue = (Node) nlList.item(0);
                     return nValue.getNodeValue();
               }

    IN the time since i posted i have solved my own query!

  • Is there a workaround to make my PowerBook not spit out dvds?

    powerbook g4   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  
    Since I updated to OSX10.4.8 recently my reader spits out dvds I have burned on my external Lacie burner using Toast 6.1.1 Titanium. This never used to happen. I've read previous posts on this topic but nothing suggested there helps.
    Is this a deliberate attempt on the part of Apple to control dvd burning? I am using material that does not have security on it for demo reel purposes only.
    Older dvds that I burned prior to the update are accepted by the machine while new ones are not.
    Can anyone please help?

    Is it the same question than in this post ?
    PSE13 Organizer display (folder vs. album view) - Elements Village

  • HP PSC 2175 spits out blank paper while I print.

    I have Dell GX520 Desktop PC with Windows XP service pack 3 and HP PSC 2175 all-in-one printer. Since few days I m having trouble printing with my printer. When I try to print it simply picks up the paper scans it and spits out  blank paper instead of printing it. There is no any error message or flashing light or any thing in the printer.
    But still I can make copy or print the test page from it. The only thing is I can't print any document from WordPad or NotePad or through Adobe Reader. I don't have Office on my PC.
    I have tried every thing that I can do. Uninstall the driver and reinstalled  it  downloading from HP website,updated the drivers manually, replaced new cartridges and what not. But I still have the problem. It would be so helpful if you have any solution to this problem.

    I'm having the same problem....
    The computer is a hp pavilion.
    When trying to print, It loads the paper, It checks the paper position, then it just ejects the paper.
    I opened the print job que and watched it.
    When the print job ques up, it shows the job...then deletes the job before printing it.
    It has been working fine up until a few days ago.
    Any help would be appreciated.

  • My dvd player keeps spitting out my DVDs

    My dvd player on my mac book pro keeps spitting out my dvds . any suggestions?

    Hi
    And What
    • DVD Brand did You use
    • DVD type did You use
    • Video-Codec (or excatly in what format and from where AND HOW - did You get the material into iDVD)
    • Free Space on Start-Up Hard Disk
    • Version of Mac OS
    • Version of Video editing program used
    • Version of DVD
    Just to give us something more to go by - than just that something is wrong. It just is not enough to evenstart guessing ;)
    A willing - but without any chance to be of help - Yours Bengt W

  • Designjet t520 36 inch spits out long paper feed instead of printing

    Product is HP Designjet T520 36" Plotter. 36" roll paper installed.  Printing from Adobe Acrobat, large size maps, prints at 35" x 60". Sending the print to the plotter causes the plotter to spit out a large, blank paper instead of printing. Do not get error message.
    Help ~ this is wasting an entire roll of paper! There is no way to cancel or stop the plotter when it feeds large, blank sheets instead of printing.
    We have tried different settings. Updated the firmware today. Very frustrated ~ can someone please help?
    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

    @Jennifer_Kate 
    ‎Thank you for using HP Support Forum. I have brought your issue to the appropriate team within HP. They will likely request information from you in order to look up your case details or product serial number. Please look for a private message from an identified HP contact. Additionally, keep in mind not to publicly post ( serial numbers and case details).
    If you are unfamiliar with the Forum's private messaging please click here to learn more.
    Thank you,
    Omar
    I Work for HP

  • Why can't I upgrade from 10.5.8 to 10.6? My MPB spits out the disc before it ever appears on the desktop.

    Why can't I upgrade from 10.5.8 to 10.6.3? My MPB spits out the disk before it ever appears on the desktop. The Snow Leopard disk is brand new, was still in shrink wrap until I opened it. I do have the hard drive partitioned, running Win XP with Boot Camp, if that might be the issue.

    Hey vlntrg,
    I have a 2002 model Powerbook that will sometimes (most of the time) refuse to mount a CD or DVD. It just grunts for a while and then spits it back out. When this happens, I will slap the bottom of the machine several times with an open hand, not too hard and not too soft. I read this somewhere online (I forget where), and I was hesitant to try it, but it was cheaper than replacing the SuperDrive.
    This will often allow me to insert and use the CD or DVD. I have also noticed that I have less trouble when the machine is cold than when it's warm.
    I've not had this trouble with my MacBook Pro.
    Another thought. Would it be possible to boot your machine in target disk mode and update your software using a friend's Mac? I'm sure there are others here who can better answer that question.
    Hope this helps.
    Andy

  • Dvd player not responding, spits out dvd

    My dvd player does not read dvds. It just spits out the dvd. This has only begun after I installed Lion.

    The thing may need cleaning, go to your local office supply store and get a CD/DVD cleaning kit.

  • Mpc2500/dsc525 spitting out multiple blank pages

    I've a  mac mini running mavericks 10.9.4.  I've a Gestetner MPC2500/DSc525 printer.  When I attempt to print something the printer merely spits out mostly blank pages.  some of the pages contain random lettering and numbers and special characters.  But there is nothing resembling the document I'm trying to print.  The printer will run until every last piece of paper has fed through the printer. 
    I've deleted the printer and added it again multiple times attempting to use different drivers.  I've installed using the drivers that were included on a disk, but I didn't really think that would work since it looks like the drivers were written in 2005.  I've gone to linuxfoundation.org and downloaded drivers from there, but when I tried to install them when installing the printer through the add printers dialogue, it won't allow me to select drivers that I've downloaded.  I've read on the apple site that this printer is supported and that the drivers are available.  It does appear that the drivers are available on my mac because on a few of my setup attempts I chose the select software option and in the list of available printer software was the model and number referenced in subject line of this post.  However, no matter how many times I do this, I always get the same result; multiple blank pages.
    I've worked on this on and off for a month with no result.  I'me having to send documents to co-workers to ask them to print for me.  Any help would be appreciated.
    Hugh

    I would agree with greg about trying the Generic PCL drivers.  Those will only give you black and white though.
    In reading through your post, I don't think you actually installed the driver packages (pxlmono, Foomatic-RIP, Ghostscript) from the linuxfoundation.org site.  Many, many users get confused when there are software installers and disk images.  The very short version of the procedure is to temporarily disable Gatekeeper in the Security System Preferences.  Then double-click on each of the disk image (.dmg) files.  This will mount a pseudo disk that contains an installer.  Double click on the installer package to install the software.  It might be worth a look at http://www.howtogeek.com/177619/how-to-install-applications-on-a-mac-everything- you-need-to-know/ for a description of the various ways Mac software is distributed and installed.
    Once the software from linuxfoundation.org is installed, you should not have to point the Printer & Scanners pane to any software.  You should easily be able to see the Gestetner MPC2500/DSc525 PXL driver.

  • GenPrint spitting out Thumbnail size PDFs when using AddMultiPageBitmap

    Hello,
    I have an odd situation occurring that has me a little stumped, wondering if anybody has any insight. We setup a project to run in one of our test environments. The project uses the AddMultiPageBitmap rule to pull in one or more PDF's from the Linux server it's running on for some transactions. What's odd is that when the GenPrint shell script is executed by the scheduler (we use Zena), Genprint runs fine, and our resulting Metacode output contains the expected PDF's, but they're very small (we've been calling it 'thumbnail' size).  When I run the GenPrint shell script using a super-user ID (the one that was used to install Documaker on the server, as well as defined the majority of the folder structure on the server that our project uses), then the PDF's are normal/full size. It doesn't matter 'who' ran GenData, the NAFILE is the same.
    Since the only difference is where the scripts are located that are being run (the scheduled one is in an "installed to" location, whereas when I run it using the super-user ID, I'm just running it from a 'scripts' folder that I copied to the same parent folder that the Documaker project's subfolders are in), and the ID itself that's running it, that seems to imply it's authorization related, but there's nothing different in the log files, nothing in the output listing, errfile, etc. I've wondered if there's a Debug option I could try turning on to see if that spits out anything that would help, but not sure which rule to use/turn on.
    Has anybody ever run into something like this before, or have a better grasp on what could be happening and where I should look next?
    We're running 11.5, patch 4, and as I mentioned, we're running it on the Linux platform, creating Metacode output.
    Thanks,
    Gregg

    Hi Gregg,
    Everything you've mentioned seems to indicate that it's related to permissions. Is it possible that you could change the permissions on the PDF file (something like chmod 777) and see if this makes a difference in the resulting output? I've not heard of something like this before.
    -Andy

Maybe you are looking for