27" new iMac will not shut down properly because it "thinks" there's still a CD to be ejected--which there isn't!

Question

Level 1

4 points

27" new iMac will not shut down properly because it "thinks" there's still a CD to be ejected--which there isn't!

Here's the error message when I try to shut down. Clicking accomplishes nothing. I can shut it off manually, but that's not the way it should. This seemed to start when I unsuccessfully tried to burn a CD--perhaps the external drive was not compatible with Monterey. In fact, afterwards I had trouble putting the desktop CD icons into the trash--I had to transfer them to documents and trash them from there. Apple tells me it has to go to the shop. Any suggestions?

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Mar 27, 2022 10:34 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

mengel419 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 29, 2022 7:28 AM in response to mengel419

Well, guess what. It occurred to me to unplug the computer. And that solved the problem!! It needed a power reset. So after thirty years of using computers, I forgot the important lesson that sometimes the simplest and most obvious solution is the best one. That was the case when I started, and it's still the case today.

Reply

Answer 2

den.thed

Level 9

77,674 points

Mar 27, 2022 1:07 PM in response to mengel419

First I would try resetting the SMC and NVRAM.

How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

Then if that doesn’t help, I would use Safe Mode followed by a normal restart.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

ku4hx

Level 7

23,496 points

Mar 27, 2022 10:51 AM in response to mengel419

Maybe use the Recover Panel to reinstall the OS? If Apple says it needs to be serviced, it might not be so drastic a move to do it. Doing so from the recovery panel will not affect your apps, settings, data or user accounts.

Maybe you need to have the external drive attached to shut down properly. Or if it is attached, unplugging it may do the trick.

Reply

Answer 4

mengel419 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 27, 2022 1:16 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks. Again, I wouldn't try the first one myself. The Apple support person suggested the start mode, but I'm a little hesitant about that one too. I'm beginning to think this has to go to the shop.

Reply

Answer 5

mengel419 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 27, 2022 5:12 PM in response to den.thed

The whole problem, as I pointed out, is that I can't shut down the computer properly!! Yes, I can play with the power button and eventually it pops off, but that wouldn't seem to be the right method to follow your instructions. So the resets you suggested aren't relevant.

Reply

Answer 6

mengel419 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 27, 2022 1:14 PM in response to ku4hx

Thanks. I wouldn't try the first one myself. And the second suggestion doesn't do it.

Reply

Answer 7

den.thed

Level 9

77,674 points

Mar 27, 2022 1:41 PM in response to mengel419

Those are basic troubleshooting steps with easy to follow instructions. They will not change or damage your iMac and we’re designed to be done by the user,

before lugging the iMac into the shop.

Reply

27" new iMac will not shut down properly because it "thinks" there's still a CD to be ejected--which there isn't!

Similar questions