Macbook Rejects Mac Os X Install Disk

Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Hi

I have a Early 2008 black macbook. 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 250 GB, 2 GB Ram; Running Mac OS X 10.5.8
-I am trying to format my mac but the install disk(grey colored disk came bundled) does not mount and ejects after 4-5 seconds.
-I reset the SMC but the problem persists. (don't know how to make out if the smc was reset; just followed the procedure mentioned on the apple website)
-Tried mounting another audio CD which played perfectly.
-Inserted the install disk and shut down the machine before it could eject and restarted the machine holding down the D key for AHT, the cd spun a few times, and the disk ejected. Then AHT started and went on for 4-5 minutes and then the machine shut down automatically. This happened twice.
-Tried the step mentioned above but this time with pressing 'C'. The disk ejected again after spinning a bit and mac started normally.

Whats wrong with the machine ? Any ideas please ? and what needs to be done.
 
OP
A
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
1
mac OS 10.5.8 Install disk not mounting

Hi

Not sure if its software or a hardware issue,

I have a Early 2008 black macbook. 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 250 GB, 2 GB Ram; Running Mac OS X 10.5.8
-I am trying to format my mac but the install disk(grey colored disk came bundled) does not mount and ejects after 4-5 seconds.
-I reset the SMC but the problem persists. (don't know how to make out if the smc was reset; just followed the procedure mentioned on the apple website)
-Tried mounting another audio CD which played perfectly.
-Inserted the install disk and shut down the machine before it could eject and restarted the machine holding down the D key for AHT, the cd spun a few times, and the disk ejected. Then AHT started and went on for 4-5 minutes and then the machine shut down automatically. This happened twice.
-Tried the step mentioned above but this time with pressing 'C'. The disk ejected again after spinning a bit and mac started normally.

Whats wrong with the machine ? Any ideas please ? and what needs to be done.
 

dtravis7


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
30,133
Reaction score
703
Points
113
Location
Modesto, Ca.
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M-1 MacOS Monterey, iMac 2010 27"Quad I7 , MBPLate2011, iPad Pro10.5", iPhoneSE
Did you look at the DVD and see if it's dirty or scratched? You said Gray DVD that came bundled with that exact Mac?

Sounds like the Optical drive is having issues reading the DVD. Try cleaning and report back.
 

dtravis7


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
30,133
Reaction score
703
Points
113
Location
Modesto, Ca.
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M-1 MacOS Monterey, iMac 2010 27"Quad I7 , MBPLate2011, iPad Pro10.5", iPhoneSE
Please do not Crosspost the same post in multiple forums. I merged them here. Let us know what I asked and we can better help you.
 
Joined
Mar 17, 2008
Messages
6,879
Reaction score
191
Points
63
Location
Tucson, AZ
Your Mac's Specs
Way... way too many specs to list.
I've had that happen, if I remember correctly, with a dirty laser/sensor on the drive. Using a drive cleaning disk resolved the situation in my case. They're cheap, so it's worth a shot.
 
OP
A
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
1
mac OS 10.5.8 Install disk not mounting

Did you look at the DVD and see if it's dirty or scratched? You said Gray DVD that came bundled with that exact Mac?

Sounds like the Optical drive is having issues reading the DVD. Try cleaning and report back.

Yes thats correct. Its the Disk that came bundled. The disk is clean like new, i still wiped it and tried but no luck.

Also, since it plays other disks (read a Pink Floyd Audio CD), i doubt the problem is due to a dirty lens.
 

dtravis7


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
30,133
Reaction score
703
Points
113
Location
Modesto, Ca.
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M-1 MacOS Monterey, iMac 2010 27"Quad I7 , MBPLate2011, iPad Pro10.5", iPhoneSE
Don't be so sure. A DVD is a lot harder to read than a music CD. I have had literally 100's of DVD drives (I fix computers for people) read data CDs and Audio CD's but not a DVD.

Cleaning the Lens can not hurt. Give it a try.
 
OP
A
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
1
mac OS 10.5.8 Install disk not mounting

Don't be so sure. A DVD is a lot harder to read than a music CD. I have had literally 100's of DVD drives (I fix computers for people) read data CDs and Audio CD's but not a DVD.

Cleaning the Lens can not hurt. Give it a try.

K. I will give it a try and let you know. Thanks a ton.
 
Joined
Mar 17, 2008
Messages
6,879
Reaction score
191
Points
63
Location
Tucson, AZ
Your Mac's Specs
Way... way too many specs to list.
Don't be so sure. A DVD is a lot harder to read than a music CD. I have had literally 100's of DVD drives (I fix computers for people) read data CDs and Audio CD's but not a DVD.

Cleaning the Lens can not hurt. Give it a try.
Yep, the difference is really the density of the dots burned (or pressed) into the surface, and multiple layers. You start stacking up the density and any dirt on the sensor/lens, disk, or combination of the two will cause it to fail to read. CD's have a whole lot more 'slop' built into them in that regard.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top