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NellieAnger

Q: Im not sure if this the right place to post but...

I have a question about an Apple Color Desktop computer. Like 1998, I think.
The CD/CDROM Drive has stopped reading CDs. It has always worked fine up until this point.
Is there anything I can do about this problem?

Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier

Posted on Dec 10, 2010 8:42 PM

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Q: Im not sure if this the right place to post but...

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Dec 10, 2010 10:58 PM in response to NellieAnger
    Level 9 (53,926 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 10, 2010 10:58 PM in response to NellieAnger
    Try restarting the computer.

    You can try using a CD cleaning disc that you can buy at an audio store or computer supply place (about US$10). This looks like a CD but has tiny brushes on it to brush dust off the laser.

    Unfortunately more likely is your optical drive has simple given up. Often these only last roughly 5 years, so you've gotten a lot use out of it. You could find a replacement for next to nothing, especially if you're willing to just have a CD model and not DVD. I just took one down to the basement to put in the recycling pile. A new one should only cost around $30 (often more than a 10 year old computer is worth). In some model computers you can replace them in a few minutes.
    Which exact model computer do you have?
  • by Appaloosa mac man,

    Appaloosa mac man Appaloosa mac man Dec 14, 2010 8:01 PM in response to NellieAnger
    Level 5 (4,330 points)
    Dec 14, 2010 8:01 PM in response to NellieAnger
    Nellie,

    Do not forget that the older Macs had an external SCSI port. Find a computer recycling store near you and ask them to save an external drive for you. Just found a 1980s Kaypro computer today at such a place.

    Jim