iMac scratches discs

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Level 1

21 points

iMac scratches discs

I have seen many, many threads about this issue but no real solution so here I go:

The main reason I bought a new iMac was because the old one from 2008 scratched some of my discs. I thought it had just gotten old or something. And now, to my big disappointment, the new iMac does it too. Three deep scratches appears on the exact same place every time, just like on the old iMac. This is totally unacceptable.

Is there a solution to this? I don't want to have to return the iMac since it's brand new and I really don't want to open the iMac up myself, since I'm not that good with tech stuff. Is Apple aware of this and are they planning to do something about it?

I've found posts about this dating back to 2007 and it doesn't seem like anyone has gotten a response from Apple. I don't even dare to play games anymore since the discs get ruined.

Posted on Sep 14, 2012 3:59 AM

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Answer 1

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:04 AM in response to BimboBoy

I don't want to have to return the iMac since it's brand new

Why not? That is what a warranty is for.

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Answer 2

BimboBoy Author

Level 1

21 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:08 AM in response to Klaus1

I already had to replace it once, on arrival, because it made strange sounds even though it was brand new. And since this one has the exact same problem as my old iMac from 2008 it seems like a manufacturing flaw. As you can see, there are tons of threads about this issue and no one seems to have an answer. 😟

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Answer 3

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:11 AM in response to BimboBoy

If the Mac is faulty take it back.

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Answer 4

BimboBoy Author

Level 1

21 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:14 AM in response to Klaus1

But that's the problem. How do I know that the other one won't do the same? Since two iMacs have done the exact same thing, and left the exact same scratches, I'm not sure what to do. Seems pointless to return it AGAIN when many people seem to be having the same issue and can't find a solution. 🙂

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Answer 5

BimboBoy Author

Level 1

21 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:17 AM in response to BimboBoy

I'm thinking about buying an external CD/DVD player instead. Can you recommend a good one that won't scratch my discs? 🙂

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Answer 6

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:39 AM in response to BimboBoy

It is NOT a common fault. There are only a few threads on the subject, and I still think that you should take it back. That fault must be presumed to be caused by damaged or missing felt in the slot.

External DVD players/recorders are cheap thse days. I use a Samsung one that I got on Amazon for less than $40!

I should add that I have not had the scratching problem in the 6 years I have owned my iMac, but the built-in Superdrive no longer likes recording DVDs! (Worn out or faulty laser setting)

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Answer 7

BimboBoy Author

Level 1

21 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:44 AM in response to Klaus1

Thanks. 🙂 Is it easy to connect external DVD players?

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Answer 8

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Sep 14, 2012 4:47 AM in response to BimboBoy

Yep! Usually via one or two USB2 cables, which comes with it. No software install required.

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Answer 9

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Sep 14, 2012 3:33 PM in response to BimboBoy

Echoing Klaus1, return it. That's the only way QA will figure out why the SuperDrive's not working properly. The two iMacs we have, never have scratched a CD/DVD and both play and record w/o issues. 4-year old 24" and two-year old 27".

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