Some PowerMac G5 Hitachi optical drives cannot boot from CDs or DVDs (#2)

Yesterday we reported on an issue where users are inexplicably unable to startup from valid Mac OS X installation discs 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, but problematic reports continue to arrive.

In addition to Mac OS X installation discs, users are now reported problems with a variety of other DVD media.

MacFIxIt reader Scott Fisher writes:

"I have the drive: HL-DT-ST DVD-RW GWA-4082B in m y DP 2.5 Powermac and it cannot read two of the Final Cut Express HD upgrade disks. I thought that I had bad disks, but when I swapped them at my local apple store the new ones couldn't be recognized by the drive either. I looks like this is a problem with more than start up disks and iLife."

Some users are apparently receiving replacement drives from Apple.

Rodney Olson writes:

"I called Apple Care to tell them, I cannot run my Dual G5 PowerPC for the system CD-ROM. The computer is no longer recognizing a disc inside the drive and eventually will go to the hard-drive even while still holding down the "c" key. To my surprise within 5 minutes, I was informed that Apple was sending me out a new SuperDrive for my G5."

As previously reported, Apple is unofficially aware of the problem and may be working on a fix in the form of a firmware update or another solution.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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