CD/DVD player

[MaryBart]

I seem to be having trouble with my MacBook Intel Core Duo laptop,
running OS 10.5.7 . The CD/DVD player is a MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857.
CD’s & DVD’s pop right back out when I put one in the slot. I have
some files on backup CD’s & DVD’s, am unable to access them because
they pop right back out. I was trying to locate a file from 2006,
can’t get the CD’s to stay in so I could get the files off of them,
and can’t even access the files on an older Lacie external hard drive
which opens up on my laptop but will not restore. That was made using
Apple’s Backup program, and I recently discontinued my MobileMe
account - is that why I can’t get the backups off of the older
external har drive? What good are all of these backups if I can’t get
the information off of them? I can’t even pop in a music CD to put in
iTunes.
Thanks.
MaryBart

[Billy Merle]

MaryBart,
My focus is hardware, not as sure on OSX or software.
But it sounds like hardware & OSX?
Do you have an Office Depot, Best-Buy or other computer store off-erring
free computer checkups? Perhaps this would help define the dual
inability
to access external hard drive and keep CD/DVD in deck or external drive?
No I don't advocate pulling out your charge card while in any store,
just get the diagnosis or several diagnosis.
If OSX is the problem are you still in the warranty period for 10.5.7
update
allowing you to schedule free Apple advice over phone or in the Apple
store?
If the externals are accessed though USB or FireWire. MobileMe not
likely.
Very Interesting, please keep DAUG advised.
Billy

[Ed Danley]

Billy,

I don't think you realized she is describing the built-in internal
optical drive in the MB. I would never trust any of those quick
repair solutions with a PC, let alone a Mac. Generally their solution
is to reformat the drive and start over.

MaryBart,

Interesting my daughter started having a similar problem just a couple
of days ago. When she inserted any CD or DVD, it immediately ejected.
What next? She held it in to force it to stay in. Oops, now it was
stuck in. A quick trip to the Apple Store in Oakbrook reveled a
slightly bent bezel case around the optical drive (normal use). They
took it in the back and it took about 5 minutes for them to straighten
the bezel. Of course, no charge.

As for Backup, the files are in Backup format and you need to use the
same Backup program to restore the files. If you lost it, the backup
program is still on the iDisk under Software.

Hope all of this helps some.

Ed

On Jun 29, 2009, at 8:43 AM, MaryBart wrote:

>

[Billy Merle]

Thanks Ed,
Takes my thoughts to a higher level, Apple Store!
Guess we should always consider the extended warranty
to assure the best advice. Never have used the free checkup,
just figured anyone didn't give up their ownership in seeking
another advisor. But that same thought process has cost me
a lot of car repair dollars by Mr. Dumbvisegrips. Billy

[Nick DiMasi]

Ed,

Remember when my wife Jan brought her iBook to a DAUG meeting and you managed
to 'tease' out a stuck CD (or DVD, I can't remember which) using a keychain-
sized loyalty (store) card? Well, the next disc she put in (a software CD) got
stuck too, and no one around here could get it out. I convinced her to take it
to the Apple store (she prefers Woodfield) and _the "Genius" guy couldn't get
it out either_ - and quoted her $300 to replace the Superdrive. I knew it
would need a new drive, but really... $300? I'm hoping we can find a
replacement drive and someone who can replace it for < that. (You guessed it -
I'm still out of work.) We know some serious techies - e.g. Fermilab techs.
One guy there, who is also involved with our science fiction convention and
with post-production on a Star Wars fan flick, has about every kind of fastener
insertion/removal tool that exists, and knows how to use them too. (He also
knows people who have successfully replaced drives in Mac laptops, which Apple
has reportedly made particularly fun - if completely disassembling and
reassembling a laptop is one's idea of fun. &^)

I'll miss the DAUG meeting this month as we'll be traveling (somehow we can
afford a road trip, but not $300 to replace the Superdrive... well, when else
would I have the time for a 2 1/2 week trip?). We're heading out to
Yellowstone by way of South Dakota (the Badlands, etc.).

Happy Independence Day!

Nick

--

Nick DiMasi ____
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[Ed Danley]

Any manufacturer parts are always very expensive. Mostly to justify
the warranty. But also they are held to a higher standard. This is not
limited to Apple.

Taking apart an Apple (iMac or notebook) isn't hard. It "may" require
special tools (#6 and #8 Torx "screwdrivers"). Sears carries them if
you are willing to try.

Willing to try - If you have confidence, it's not hard, but you can
make things worse. There are several web sites that take time and tell
you how to do it, http://fastmac.com/downloads/
macbook_superdrive.pdf . Many sell the parts also. Read the directions
2 or 3 times to determine your confidence factor.

This URL may not be your model so keep looking around.