unable to start from CD

Question

unable to start from CD

I have a 24" iMac circa 2006 (model identifier is imac6.1).

My OS is 10.6.8

For some strange reason, I can't start up my iMac from any CD. This includes the Leopard and Snow Leopart CD's. They mount fine on my desktop but I cannot start up my iMac from them. The CD ejects on startup after holdig down the c key to start from CD. I zapped the PRAM as well as shutdown my iMac, unlug the power cord, wait a few secons, plug it back in, wait a few seconds, start up my iMac. iMac starts up fine but will not boot from the CD's mentioned above of even CD's and DVD's I made of Linux Distros I want to install on my iMac. Nothing. The discs eject on startup.

What can I do to get things back to normal? Do I have to erase my HD and reinstall Snow Leopard which is kind of drastic.

Thanks!!

Posted on Mar 17, 2014 10:19 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 17, 2014 11:14 AM in response to Randy McElligott1

Make sure the DVDs are not dirty, smudged and/or scratched.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2000Mac doesn't start up from install disc

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2801Apple Computers: Troubleshooting the slot-loading SuperDrive

*** Your drive may need cleaning. Cleaning kits can be purchased from any store that sells CD/DVDs. ***

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Answer 2

ShamarH

Level 1

0 points

Mar 17, 2014 11:56 AM in response to Randy McElligott1

Have you tried holding the option key instead of the c key? Does it still ipst the disk out? If not then you may be able to choose to boot from the disk there.

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Answer 3

Mar 17, 2014 1:44 PM in response to Randy McElligott1

Thanks for the advice. I did the option suggestion and it has worked. I'm installing Ubuntu 13.10 for Mac on my iMac. I'll see how it goes before closing this thread.

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