ROM drive won't open jpeg files on my Mac Mini (late 2012) running Catalina 10.15.7

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Level 1

9 points

ROM drive won't open jpeg files on my Mac Mini (late 2012) running Catalina 10.15.7

I have just replaced an old ROM drive with a new one, connected by usb to my Mini running Catalina 10.15.7 (it's a late 2012 Mini so Catalina is the newest OS it will run). In addition to the various DVD formats, the drive supports CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-R/RW, CD-ROM/XA, CD-ExSa, CD-Text. The drive will play audio CDs but it won't load ten year old discs with jpeg photos, and I have to use a paper clip to open the drive with these discs. The light on the front blinks but nothing happens. I've tried it with the drive plugged in to the back of the Mini as well as to a usb powered hub.

I'd like to test one of these discs on another computer, but I don't know anybody with a ROM drive. I'm close to an Apple store and a Best Buy, but I doubt they'd let me run a test.

Is it likely that the discs are just too old? They've been in a dark closet, in sleeves, but for more than ten years. I'd like to know if I copied the photos to the hard drive all those years ago.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on May 3, 2023 3:49 PM

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Answer 1

May 4, 2023 10:36 AM in response to dgerety

One option might be to install Mojave (or earlier) on VMware Fusion VM (v13 free for personal use for Monterey and later). Just tried it under Ventura and could open a HFS disk image that Ventura fails to open. My Mac mini 2018 does not have a CD drive so I can't test a real CD.

Other options:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251321702

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/389186/reading-hfs-standard-and-mfs-on-catalina

https://www.matthewhughes.co.uk/how-to-mount-hfs-classic-drives-on-macos-catalina-and-later/

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Answer 2

May 3, 2023 11:50 PM in response to dgerety

Maybe the disks use HFS?

The last version of the macOS that could read HFS was Mojave. For Catalina and newer, the disk format must be at least HFS+.

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Answer 3

May 3, 2023 9:10 PM in response to dgerety

It could be a software problem.

I have a couple of CD-ROM discs (from a New Yorker cartoon book) that would read fine on a Blu-Ray drive connected to a 2018 MacMini running Mojave (macOS 10.14) but would no longer read when I upgraded to Catalina (macOS 10.15). It said "The disk you attached was not readable by this computer."

I reinstalled Mojave and was able to read the discs, so It wasn't a hardware problem.

Ventura can't read the discs either. Music CDs play.

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Answer 4

May 4, 2023 12:37 AM in response to dgerety

If the problem is the CDs being HFS, then "Mac OS 9 for macOS" should be able to read the CDs and copy the files to the Mac.

http://www.columbia.edu/~em36/macos9osx.html

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Answer 5

May 3, 2023 6:45 PM in response to dgerety

I'd take that CD drive to the Apple store and politely explain your situation to the staff.

There would be no requirement to alter or load anything onto a floor model Mac in order to run that drive and check your disc. I've always had good success with Apple staff.

Be polite and you'll probably be surprised.

Of course, they won't have any Mac there to match the vintage of yours, but you might find out if a new Mac can access the data on that disc.

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Answer 6

dgerety Author

Level 1

9 points

May 5, 2023 8:14 AM in response to Matti Haveri

In a moment of clarity I realized that my upgrade to Catalina was because Quicken for Mac will stop supporting Mojave very soon, so the upgrade is permanent until Quicken stops supporting Catalina, at which time I'll get a new(er) Mini. I was also reminded that my wife has a Mini running Mojave, so I was able to open the questionable discs and copy the contents to a usb drive.

Thank you all for your help and valuable suggestions. Enjoy your weekend.

David

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Answer 7

dgerety Author

Level 1

9 points

May 4, 2023 9:50 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Malcolm, I think the macos9osx.html suggestion is a bit over my head, but if I can't drop back to Mojave, I may give it a try; it's cheaper than a new Mac. At 11 years old, my Mini still runs well, though a bit slower than I'd like.

How did you go back to Mojave from Catalina?

Thanks again.

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Answer 8

dgerety Author

Level 1

9 points

May 3, 2023 7:10 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thank you. It seems a bit far fetched, but worth a try. I’ll take my wife with me. That way, if a new Mac will read the disc, she will insist I buy one. 👍

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Answer 9

May 3, 2023 7:32 PM in response to dgerety

You’re welcome.

And of course it’s always fun to get a new Mac. 😄👍🏽

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Answer 10

dgerety Author

Level 1

9 points

May 4, 2023 9:45 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Very interesting, and very possible as the upgrade to Catalina is recent. If I can find the way, I may go back to Mojave.

Thanks.

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ROM drive won't open jpeg files on my Mac Mini (late 2012) running Catalina 10.15.7

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