Some PowerMac G5 Hitachi optical drives cannot boot from CDs or DVDs (#3): Related to keyboard connection

We continue to cover an issue where users are inexplicably unable to startup from valid Mac OS X installation discs (usually accomplished by holding down the "C" key at startup) when using PowerMac G5s with a specific Hitachi-model SuperDrive -- the HL-DT-ST DEV-RW GWA-4082B. The problem does not affect all units of this model.

In some cases, it appears that the type of keyboard connection may be affecting whether or not users can startup from optical media using the "C" key.

MacFixIt reader Edward Westerhout writes:

"I also couldn't start from my HL-DT-ST DVD-RW GWA-4082B drive in my DP 1.8 PowerMac with the c-key pressed. By choosing the CD from the startup disk system utility I was able to startup from CD. Got in contact with AppleCare to go after a new replacement drive we discovered that the problem is in the way of connecting the keyboard.

"If I plug the keyboard direct into the Mac I am able to boot with C-pressed."

If you have noted similar behavior, please let us know.

See previous coverage.

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