User profile for user: Groovemonger
Groovemonger Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Can't open Samsung printer software CD in apple superdrive on new iMac 2020?

I can't open my Samsung Xpress M2835DW printer software CD from my apple superdrive on my new 27" iMac 2020? The superdrive and the Samsung CD are both fine and work perfect in my old iMac 2009 Mac OS High Sierra version 10.13.6. where the superdrive appears in the finder window and the printer software folders can be opened and installed: however, on my new iMac 2020 macOS Monterey version 12.1 ... whether I connect the superdrive to a USB port or to a USB-C port (using the apple USB-C adapter cable) the results are the same ... after inserting the disc ... Samsung_LBP appears in the Finder window but no folders are visible (unlike on my old iMac) ... and the various methods of 'double clicking' ... open from dock ... open from desktop all fail to open the software? ... and when I switch the superdrive and software CD back to the old iMac ... then everything works and opens and installs as it should! ... has anyone else experienced similar issues where the latest iMac 2020 doesn't read the printer install software from the CD ... and therefor the software can't be opened or installed? ... Oh and I am aware that printer software can be downloaded from the manufacturer (currently only macOS 11) ... but I would like to have the 'opening the disk' issue resolved as there are so many more features available from the disk ... can anyone out there help?

iMac, macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 13, 2022 12:18 PM

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User profile for user: Will_G_Astro
Will_G_Astro
User level: Level 3
590 points

Posted on Feb 14, 2022 12:19 PM

Hi Groovemonger.


That printer and it’s software is quite a few years old now, I wonder if the auto-run file on the CD disk is written as a 32 bit executable, if so it is incompatible with macOS since Mojave, which was the last macOS that could open 32 bit executable files.


If you are running a macOS later than Mojave and the disk uses a 32 bit auto-run executable to present the Samsung welcome menu then that might be the reason.


Verify by testing your Superdrive with a different source CD, if that behaves in the same way then try booting your Mac in Safe-Mode and see if you can read the Samsung CD disk. If you can open the Samsung disk in Safe-Mode that might point to a problem with your normal user environment and the next step would be to create a temporary new user, log out of your current user account and log-in to the new user account, can the Samsung disk be opened in the new account in Normal-Mode?


Safe mode help:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201262


There are reports on the forum that the Apple Superdrive is not working correctly with the new Apple Silicon M1 Macs but I see you are using an Intel Mac so this should not apply in your case.


Hope the above gives a few avenues to explore.


Will.

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User profile for user: Will_G_Astro
Will_G_Astro
User level: Level 3
590 points

Feb 14, 2022 12:19 PM in response to Groovemonger

Hi Groovemonger.


That printer and it’s software is quite a few years old now, I wonder if the auto-run file on the CD disk is written as a 32 bit executable, if so it is incompatible with macOS since Mojave, which was the last macOS that could open 32 bit executable files.


If you are running a macOS later than Mojave and the disk uses a 32 bit auto-run executable to present the Samsung welcome menu then that might be the reason.


Verify by testing your Superdrive with a different source CD, if that behaves in the same way then try booting your Mac in Safe-Mode and see if you can read the Samsung CD disk. If you can open the Samsung disk in Safe-Mode that might point to a problem with your normal user environment and the next step would be to create a temporary new user, log out of your current user account and log-in to the new user account, can the Samsung disk be opened in the new account in Normal-Mode?


Safe mode help:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201262


There are reports on the forum that the Apple Superdrive is not working correctly with the new Apple Silicon M1 Macs but I see you are using an Intel Mac so this should not apply in your case.


Hope the above gives a few avenues to explore.


Will.

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User profile for user: Sparks0829
Sparks0829
User level: Community Specialist

Feb 14, 2022 11:04 AM in response to Groovemonger

Hi there Groovemonger,


Thanks for joining us in Apple Support Communities! We understand you're access certain printer files from a disc using the Apple Super Drive on your iMac. We're glad you're here, and we can provide some guidance.


"The Apple USB SuperDrive is compatible with Mac models from 2008 and later that don't have a built-in optical drive." Have a look at this support article to learn more:


How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive


With that said, does your iMac have a built-in optical drive? Learn how to check here:


Find out if the optical drive on your Mac can burn discs


We hope this information is helpful. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any more questions.


Cheers.

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Can't open Samsung printer software CD in apple superdrive on new iMac 2020?

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