nikftn Posted October 7, 2008 Share Posted October 7, 2008 First off, I screwed up somewhere. I have two problems that may go further, not sure how far. The first is that my optical drive won't open with the keyboard command. Reason: In haste I dropped a photographic CD on top of one I did not know was in the drive and started the drive. This is what started the problem and I cannot find out how to fix it anywhere. At the same time I found that I couldn't use the Disc Utility, it will not open. It goes to the search HDD window and stays there. I bought two new optical drives from New Egg, Panasonic, and am going to install them. But, first I need to find out what to do. ( I have built PC's and installed the RAM on the Mac Pro and have never had a problem. I use a wrist ground) I was a PC user for many years and finally got sick of keeping them running. That was the PC's OS's fault. So, I bought a Mac Pro and now have messed it up. The computer works fine and I can continue to use it but the aforementioned problems are killing me as I am a photographer and cannot PP my photos on the MP. I joined your forum as you folks appear to be up to speed. Sorry that my first post is an admission of dumbness and ignorance. I would appreciate any help that you are willing to give. Model Name: Mac Pro Model Identifier: MacPro1,1 Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz Number Of Processors: 2 Total Number Of Cores: 4 L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB Memory: 9 GB Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz Boot ROM Version: MP11.005D.B00 SMC Version: 1.7f10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikftn Posted October 8, 2008 Author Share Posted October 8, 2008 I just came by your forum to try to find an answer to fix my screw up. I wish I were more savvy to Mac. ( I edited this post as I understand that a lower case m is not the right aspect of capitals for Mac) Just am getting started. I know you folks are busy and I just am checking as I am doing things for clients and would really enjoy a lesson as to my problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x.di Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Hello. When booting try to hold left mouse key...Mac will try to open optical drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikftn Posted October 9, 2008 Author Share Posted October 9, 2008 I'll give it a whirl, x.di. What is the process that will execute that is different than the keyboard command when I boot using this method. Just curious Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reveeen Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 In haste I dropped a photographic CD on top of one I did not know was in the drive and started the drive. As with a PC, you have just fubared your optical drive, no "fix". If it won't open, it's jammed, disassembly required. I bought two new optical drives from New Egg, Panasonic, and am going to install them. Mac's can be kinda particular about the optical drives you shove in them, Sony drives are your best bet, if the Mac software refuses to "see" the Panasonic drive(s) use Toast for burning. I was a PC user for many years and finally got sick of keeping them running. That was the PC's OS's fault. Having XP installs that have been "up" 24/7 for 3 years+ I beg to differ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikftn Posted November 16, 2008 Author Share Posted November 16, 2008 fubarred? Sounds like a great derivative! Can you tell me whether, in your opinion, this would be mechanical, if so, what did my mistake cause to fail in the OD? I am always trying to learn what can go wrong and how and why.How about Panasonic drives? I saw a deal on these and I need two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reveeen Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 At one time, optical drives were actually made out of something, of course they cost $200, but if abused, they held up rather well. Now, the whole internal mechanism is made out of plastic, recycled plastic, that is very marginal, at best. Jamming 2 CDs in there has likely deformed the plastic beyond recovery. There is a large list of "compatible drives" here: http://forums.xlr8yourmac.com/drivedb/search.drivedb.lasso Personally, I did not grow up with Macs, so having not grown up with Macs, I do not need a steady supply of laxatives (old time Mac owners to me seem a anal retentive bunch). If you install a "off" brand of optical drive (one that the Mac os has no provision for) the operating system won't "see" it. What that means is that you will not be able to create a CD, or DVD, within the operating system (eg. iTunes, iDVD, etc.), but must rely on a 3rd party application (Toast) to do your burning. A "normal" state of affairs for x-windoze users, but a major disaster for the afore mentioned old time users. I generally use whatever drive comes to hand, but you may experience troubles booting from a "off" brand drive, something that WILL cause difficulty if faced with the need for a re-install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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