How to diagnose a SuperDrive or DVD problem?

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Level 3

581 points

How to diagnose a SuperDrive or DVD problem?

I have a MacBook Pro (bought in 2013, and in perfect state) with an internal SuperDrive.

This SuperDrive reads CD without any problem.

It's system hardware description is:

HL-DT-ST DVDRW  GS31N:

  Firmware Revision:    TA17
  Interconnect:    ATAPI
  Burn Support:    Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
  Cache:    2048 KB
  Reads DVD:    Yes
  CD-Write:    -R, -RW
  DVD-Write:    -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
  Write Strategies:    CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO

On the other hand with some brand new DVD I got the following bad result: 1 out of 4 can't be read.

When I insert such a problematic DVD, the SuperDrive reads it, then make usual noise to position the mirror in right position, retry a few times and then eject the DVD, without any diagnostic or error message.

During this attempt to read a new DVD, there isn't any error appearing in:

/var/log/system.log

either about the system, the driver or the DVD.

I checked the DVD surface and it is perfectly clean.

How may I diagnose if this is a default from the DVD or from the SuperDrive?

null-OTHER, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra

Posted on Mar 7, 2018 7:25 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Allan Jones

Level 9

78,266 points

Mar 7, 2018 8:35 AM in response to Zorba_le_grec

First try a drive cleaning disk, preferably the "dry" or "brush" type. They insert in an optical drive just like a CD or DVD but clean the lenses. This often resores function, especially in cases like yours when one type fo disk reads normally and another does not.

Such disks are available at most home electronics outlets, computer shops, and office supply stores that sell computer accessories. Most cost in the range of US$5-15 so they are an inexpensive fix if a dirty drive is the problem.

Here is an example on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Allsop-ProLens-Cleaner-Players-23321/dp/B00000J1QM/ref=sr _1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520440459&sr=8-1&keywo…

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

428,123 points

Mar 7, 2018 9:43 AM in response to Zorba_le_grec

I think the general rule of thumb with optical drives is 5 years. DVDs and CDs use different lasers so it is possible for one to work and the other not. I have not seen any mention on the forums of doing any advanced diagnostics. I know with CD ripping with XLD the software runs error checking and reports a bewildering amount of stuff. However, even if you see reports what can you do about it other than try a drive cleaning disc which I have never found to cure an ageing drive? I have gone to just buying an external optical drive whenever an internal one starts to fail. I don't know if this is true across the board but with my drives it always seems to be the DVD part that goes first, maybe because reading has to be more precise with higher density data storage.

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How to diagnose a SuperDrive or DVD problem?

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