DVDs crash DVD player?

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HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

DVDs crash DVD player?

Hi,when I put DVDs in my Powerbook the DVD app opens but crashes seconds later. Can this be fixed?thanks

powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Mar 8, 2010 10:06 AM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Mar 8, 2010 1:23 PM in response to HeavyEarly

Are there any that it does work?
Are these rented DVDs, purchased DVDs from the store, or DVDs burnt by you or a friend?

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Answer 2

HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 8, 2010 4:47 PM in response to a brody

Nope all DVDs,of all kinds,crash the application. It opens briefly and then closes again.The disc icon shows on my desktop but the player doesn't....play.

any ideas? thanks

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Mar 9, 2010 6:29 AM in response to HeavyEarly

1. Remove the com.apple.dvdplayer.plist file from your Users -> yourname -> Library -> Preferences, and your System -> Library -> Preferences and the Hard drive -> Library preferences if found.

2. Repair permissions with Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility.

3. Zap the PRAM:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379?viewlocale=en_US

And try again.

If it doesn't work, your drive may have gotten dirty on the DVD lense.

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Answer 4

HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 9, 2010 6:54 AM in response to a brody

Thanks A-brod, I'll try it and write back. The drive accepts DVDs (***** them in) it just doesn't play them.
I'll let you know.

ps my tab key,delete key and space bar are all dead...they don't function at all. Any thoughts on that one? Some other keys in line with those dont work either (right bracket,apostrophe)

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Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Mar 9, 2010 6:55 AM in response to HeavyEarly

Have you had any spills or falls with the machine?

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Answer 6

HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 9, 2010 7:00 AM in response to a brody

Nope,none.I treat it very well,it's always in a sleeve and it's 5 years old. Those keys just stopped working.

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Answer 7

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Mar 9, 2010 7:02 AM in response to HeavyEarly

Replace the clock battery. If there is still a problem, perhaps some unsuspecting individual pressed too hard on your sleeve, and damaged the keyboard.

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Answer 8

HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 9, 2010 8:00 AM in response to a brody

I reset the PRAM and the disc drive still won't play the DVDs. If it's just dirty,how can I clean?

Also,how do I replace the clock battery to try and sort out the keyboard problem? thanks for your help!

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Answer 9

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Mar 9, 2010 8:09 AM in response to HeavyEarly

Normally that's a job for an authorized service technician.

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Answer 10

HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 9, 2010 8:44 AM in response to a brody

I see...I'm trying to avoid having to buy a new one so I'll look into it. Thanks dude.

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Answer 11

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Mar 9, 2010 11:15 AM in response to HeavyEarly

If you are technically able, http://www.ifixit.com/ may have directions to do it yourself.

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Answer 12

HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 9, 2010 11:34 AM in response to a brody

Thanks.I'll check it out. Any other suggestions for the DVDs not playing? Could I clean the drive somehow or...?

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Answer 13

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Mar 9, 2010 12:36 PM in response to HeavyEarly

You could, but for so old a computer, it is hard to know if it will break it even more. It might just be cheaper to get an external Firewire DVD drive from http://www.macsales.com/

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Answer 14

HeavyEarly Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 9, 2010 4:19 PM in response to a brody

Yeah,I'll probably replace the disc drive and keyboard too while I'm being adventurous.Thanks.

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