Using blank dvd discs

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Level 1

104 points

Using blank dvd discs

I want to back up some data, but I can't get my iMac to recognize that a disk is in the player. I have DVD-R discs. It will play a dvd that has a movie on it, or a cd that has music on it, but when I insert a blank DVD it doesn't find it and just spits it back out.

How do I burn a DVD and what kind of disc am I supposed to use?

Dan

Posted on May 23, 2015 10:03 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

May 23, 2015 10:07 AM in response to westenddude

Using DVD as a backup solution is a 1990 solution and not a great idea. I would strongly recommend using Time Machine to backup to an external HD. There is no reason not to,if you already and want to create redundant backup (smart idea!!!!) then get a second EHD and either create a second TM backup or use a cloning app such as SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner to do os.

However if you insist on using the DVD then reset the SMC and PRAM and then re-try. Click Intel iMac SMC and PRAM resets for instructions on how, it may take 2-3 attempts.

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Answer 2

babowa

Level 9

78,103 points

May 23, 2015 11:02 AM in response to westenddude

Additionally:

what brand are the DVDs you are trying to use? Macs are notoriously finicky about the medis; I only use brand names such as Verbatim.

And, even if you do not use Time Machine, backing up your files onto an external hard drive simply by the drag 'n drop method is better than using a DVD. I occasionally use a DVD to store at an offsite location, but that is my third backup copy.

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