CD/DVD drive can't read discs with a label

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Level 1

10 points

CD/DVD drive can't read discs with a label

Hey,

My CD/DVD drive works fine until I insert a disc with a paper label on it. I assume that the label makes the disc wobble so that the drive can't read it. Not sure if that's only my machine or if anyone else is experiencing the same problem.
I keep having to insert the disc into my ibook to read the darn thing. Not cool.

iMac 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.5.1), ibook G4

Posted on Apr 25, 2008 1:08 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 25, 2008 1:39 PM in response to kaseli

I would say the solution is to NOT put discs with sticky labels into the optical drive. Even if it worked, the high spin rate and heat inside could make the label peel off. If that happens, the label can may get jammed inside the drive, making the drive useless. Write on the disc with a permanent marker pen instead.

It probably works in the iBook, because its drive spins at a slower rate than the newer drive in the iMac.

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Answer 2

kaseli Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 25, 2008 1:46 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Hey Kenichi,

I use this iMac for work where I have to view people's video demos of bands. Unfortunately, a lot of people think it's cool to put labels on their discs.
I would've hoped for Apple to put in a drive that's not this sensitive. I guess in the end I'll have to get an external drive but that's yet another cost.

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Answer 3

Apr 25, 2008 1:53 PM in response to kaseli

If it's not the special type of CD label that covers the entire disk equally, you can try putting another label on both sides to balance it.

I use this iMac for work where I have to view people's video demos of bands, a lot of people think it's cool to put labels on their discs.

But I think this practice is pretty dumb. It's only a matter of time before a label is going to peel off inside the drive (whether its in a Mac or not).

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Answer 4

kaseli Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 25, 2008 1:56 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

I am talking about the round CD labels that are made for this purpose. On those discs where I was able to pull the label off, I had not problem. Unfortunately, 9 times out of 10 the labels rip and you end up with bits and pieces hanging off it. Not good.

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Answer 5

Apr 25, 2008 2:23 PM in response to kaseli

If it's the round type, it should be balanced so should be OK. I've never used them myself, so I can't try it. If it covers the entire disk surface, it might be the extra weight that's causing the problem for the iMac's drive. The iMac's drive spins horizontally, so it may be more sensitive.

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Answer 6

lenn5

Level 4

2,537 points

Apr 25, 2008 5:10 PM in response to kaseli

Tell the people sending you the disks to invest in a lightscribe burner if they need to put graphics on their disks. If they're not willing to do that just send the disk back to them and tell them to send you a new disk without the label.

lenn

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