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General discussion

CD stuck in broken CD/RW drive.

Apr 5, 2004 3:05AM PDT

My CD/RW drive is damaged and will not eject a CD that is in it. Since it doesn't work at all (pins are broken) it is disconnected and I am using it as a dust cover for the bay opening. I have another CD/RW drive on the system and that's all I need.

The problem is I need to retrieve the CD that is in the broken drive. Any help to get this CD out will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks. Have a great day.

Discussion is locked

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Re:CD stuck in broken CD/RW drive.
Apr 5, 2004 3:27AM PDT

without knowing the brand, can't be too specific. Broken pins on the IDE connector should not affect it unless it's the power connector pins that are broken or it's still connected to the Mobo. You might want to first disconnect the IDE cable (or whatever type you have)and then put power on the drive and see if you can manually (button) open the tray?

Otherwise, it should be easy to gain access once you removed it from the computer case. The CDROM case will be either screwed together or pressed together. In one instance unscrew until if comes apart, otherwise pry apart to get inside. Once you can easily remove the hinged door to the tray you should be able to unscrew or pry apart the shields around the tray and get at the disk. This assumes you understand the next stop for the reader is the trash can. I've never found it hard to get things apart, its putting them back together that is usually the problem. If you add the brand and model, perhaps some less drastic disassembly will be recommended.

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Re:CD stuck in broken CD/RW drive.
Apr 5, 2004 3:29AM PDT

cacktus,

If you haven't tried it already do this. There should be a tiny pin hole in the front of the drive. Straighten a paper clip and punch it into the hole... should force the drive to open unless it is somehow jammed.

Good luck,

Happy

Glenn

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(NT) Thanks Guys. Pluging in power worked. Have a great day.
Apr 5, 2004 12:37PM PDT

aaaaa