iMac A1312 Keeps Ejecting Install CD

On an iMac A1312, I am trying to re-install OS X 10.6.1 from original iMac Mac OS X Install DVD version 1.0 , 2Z691-6588-A , Dated 2009.

I insert the DVD, switch the iMac on and hold down the c-key. I hear DVD-reading noises, then the disc is ejected.

I could try to install from a remote DVD drive, but this iMac's drive should work. Does anyone have any advice?

Many thanks.

Sounds like either the drive is dirty or defective. The DVD could also be scratched or dirty. First, make sure the disk is clean, then buy a can of compressed air and blow several short blasts into the drive. Then try again. If the disk is still ejected, the drive may be defective.

Is this original OS DVD from your iMac (did it actually come with your iMac)?...or did it come from somewhere else?

- Nick

Yes, what Nick said. And model A1312 is not as useful as Model Identifier (like iMac 10,1 and so on). If you are using the original disk that came with that iMac, then it sounds like you've got a dirty or problematic disk or dvd drive.

If it is NOT the original disk, it may be incompatible with your iMac - too early a version of Snow Leopard for your configuration.

Dieter3 said:

Yes, what Nick said. And model A1312 is not as useful as Model Identifier (like iMac 10,1 and so on). If you are using the original disk that came with that iMac, then it sounds like you've got a dirty or problematic disk or dvd drive.

If it is NOT the original disk, it may be incompatible with your iMac - too early a version of Snow Leopard for your configuration.

Click to expand...

You're reading my mind...stop that!!!

- Nick

On an iMac A1312, I am trying to re-install OS X 10.6.1 from original iMac Mac OS X Install DVD version 1.0 , 2Z691-6588-A , Dated 2009.

Click to expand...

The OP says the DVD is the original install disk. Maybe a bad or dirty drive or maybe a dirty or scratched disk?

chscag said:

The OP says the DVD is the original install disk.

Click to expand...

Sorry...I like to double check with OP's sometimes! lol

- Nick

Sounds more likely the OP has a defective optical drive. The drive can be replaced, or a more economical option would be to purchase an external USB Samsung optical drive and install Snow Leopard from that. I keep all my installers, going back to PPC Tiger retail, on multiple hard drive bootable volumes, it's faster and avoids flaky optical drives causing issues. If the OP knows anyone local that dabbles more seriously in Macs and borrows the HD installer, that's another option.

Thanks for the tips guys.

iMac is 2nd hand. I tested a DVD burn before buying the machine and it worked fine.

Installation CDs are original. Contacted the former owner (who's owned the machine from new), he says he may have given me the wrong installation discs and is checking this.

Checked the installation discs on another Mac and they seem to work fine.

I hope it's not the DVD drive, as iMacs don't seem to have been designed to be repaired. Tut tut.

They are repairable, they just vary by the degree of the PITA that they are to repair! Other World Computing has good videos on doing various things to various Macs including the iMac. If you don't want to spend the money or don't feel overly adventurous, you can get an external one for less money anyway!