06-03-2010, 08:37 PM

Hey all,

My MacBook crashed recently and, not having the original install disc (just bought it used), I installed Linux Ubuntu 10.04 on it, which, after failing the install process a few times, is finally running. I was able to obtain the original OSX disc that the system came with; however, when the disc is inserted, my CD drive automatically rejects it after reading it (does this both when Linux is running and on startup when I hit "option" or "C"). The disc has virtually no scratches on it - in fact, the guy I bought it from had it re-surfaced before he dropped it off. What's causing this to happen?

06-03-2010, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by churp

Hey all,

My MacBook crashed recently and, not having the original install disc (just bought it used)...

If you purchased this install disk used (as you mentioned)...is it grey/gray colored? If so, these are model specific...and this disk is probably not compatible with your MacBook.

Also...what are the specs on your MacBook (screen size & cpu speed)?

- Nick

06-03-2010, 08:54 PM

To add to Nick's excellent advice, if it's not the DVD being for another model causing the issue then...

You said that it took several tries to install Linux. It could be your DVD drive is getting old and wearing out and it's having issues reading some DVD's.

So it's probably either what Nick suggested or the drive.

06-03-2010, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by dtravis7

So it's probably either what Nick suggested or the drive.

I have a 3rd theory...but I'm waiting for the OP to post the specs. of the MacBook in question.

- Nick

06-03-2010, 10:28 PM

The only time I ever had that experience happen was when a friend put some data files that I needed for school on a dvd r disk that wasn't supported by that drive (not sure if it was a +r or -r) but I had him recopy it over to the opposite format and it worked fine.

If it is an original disk then your drive could be going bad, but if it's not well then..........................

06-04-2010, 11:09 AM

Well, it's a first-gen MacBook...13.3" screen, I believe the processor is 1.8 GhZ (I'll double check when I get home, total newbie here). 512 MB RAM, 60 GB HD.

As for the disc, yes, it is gray, however, I should clarify - I bought the computer from a guy on Craigslist who was the original owner, and according to him the discs came with the computer.

06-04-2010, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by churp

Well, it's a first-gen MacBook...13.3" screen, I believe the processor is 1.8 GhZ (I'll double check when I get home, total newbie here). 512 MB RAM, 60 GB HD.

As for the disc, yes, it is gray, however, I should clarify - I bought the computer from a guy on Craigslist who was the original owner, and according to him the discs came with the computer.

If he it telling you the truth and the DVD's are not damaged, then it must be an issue with the DVD drive in the Macbook. You might want to try a cleaning CD in it.

06-04-2010, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by churp

As for the disc, yes, it is gray, however, I should clarify - I bought the computer from a guy on Craigslist who was the original owner, and according to him the discs came with the computer.

Like "dtravis7" said...if the grey install disks are truly the originals that came with the computer...and they appear undamaged...then it must be the drive.

Do you have any problems reading any other CD's or DVD's in that drive (movie DVD's, music CD's, application or game install CD's/DVD's, etc.)?

- Nick

06-04-2010, 05:00 PM

Churp,

Please do not think that I was saying that u were doing anything wrong. Just saying what happened with disks in my experience with them.

06-04-2010, 05:36 PM

It's cool RD423, I gotcha. I shoulda been clearer in my first post.

Anyway, to update y'all, I just tried putting in a DVD movie and it did the same thing - I'll buy a cleaner and check in after I finish that.

Thanks for all your help!

06-04-2010, 05:38 PM

If that doesn't work then u might have 2 buy a cheap dvd burner usb drive. and connect it and use it 2 do all of your dvd/cd drive needs.

06-04-2010, 05:49 PM

And MB optical drives have a pretty high failure rate. Just check out these forums ~ guess because everything is minaturised.

06-05-2010, 05:47 PM

Can anyone recommend a good brand for a Mac DVD drive cleaner? I was about to pick up a Maxell CD cleaner yesterday until I noticed a "Not for Laptops" label.

06-05-2010, 06:21 PM

So I've been doing a little research and found some tutorials about "Fire Wire Target Disk Mode" (http://lowendmac.com/misc/06/0710.html) - my roommate has a PowerMac desktop.

Would you recommend I install Tiger on my MB this way? Two concerns I have -

1) The PowerMac of course is PowerPC based and my MacBook is an Intel. Would that be a problem?

2) My Tiger install DVDs are mated to my system. Even though I'd be installing to the HD on my MacBook with the FireWire system, would it be problematic if I'm using his DVD drive to load the installer?

If all that works, is that tutorial a good resource or would anyone have a better one?

06-06-2010, 02:23 PM

It sounds like a drive issue from what you describe. You might have the UJ-857-C, which has a slightly higher instance of failure than the GSA-S10N which also fits your machine. I wouldn't bother with cleaners. It is more likely the drive is on its way out than it is that the drive is dirty. Replacing the drive is the better long term solution.

Amazon.com: H&L GSA-S10N 8x DVD±RW DL Slot-Loading Notebook IDE Drive for Apple MacBooks: Electronics