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General discussion

DVD-RW not read by Mac

Oct 22, 2011 10:31AM PDT

I have a Mac laptop recently sent on a trial basis by my brother in Tennessee. I am a PC type of guy and am unfamiliar with this os.

I have found that it encounters difficulties with DVD-RW disks. First it refused to play TVS files; I assumed this was because of the file format. Now, it will not play files from the same tv series, recorded on the same disk on which files from the same series played successfully in the past.

I used the same burning software in both cases. In the latter case, the MacBook froze completely and would not respond to any keyboard commands (is there a cntrl+alt+delete for Mack?). there was a small circle rotating but otherwise the screen was blank. Eventually I simply closed the cover with power light still on and gave up.

Any ideas as to what was going on?

Discussion is locked

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Command + Option + Esc
Oct 23, 2011 12:36AM PDT

functions similar to Ctrl + Alt + Del.
It will bring up a "Force Quit" dialog box showing the applications currently running and which one is stuck.
The Finder will always be in there but you do not, normally, tell the Finder to quite. If you have to, then a restart would be in order following that.
<div>
You did not mention what model of Mac laptop you were using or what version of OS X it was running. All useful information.
You also did not mention the burning software used to produce the disks.

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mac problem
Oct 23, 2011 11:45PM PDT

Thank you for the info.

My brother intends to use this computer when he visits at Xmas. His instructions were "Don't Mess With It!!!". Consequently, I am reluctant to do anything other than power on and insert/remove a dvd disk. Also, I do not have the user's manual.

I will forward the information you mentioned shortly.

Thanx again for the instructions


Pat

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there is no user manual
Oct 24, 2011 4:53AM PDT

and you can get all the machine information by going to the Apple menu (top left of screen) and choosing About this Mac.
The window that opens will show the version of OS X you are running and the "more info' button will display all sorts of information about the computer.

Software burning software of choice for the Mac is Toast.


P

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Toast
Oct 24, 2011 10:44AM PDT

Dear Mr. Mac,

I am burning to Win 7. Can I download a free version of Toast software for my PC?

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When I make recorded media for my Apple friends I...
Oct 24, 2011 10:47AM PDT
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See Bob's reply but the answer to your question
Oct 24, 2011 10:05PM PDT

about Toast is No.

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info on mac
Oct 25, 2011 6:40AM PDT

I have found the following info:
-Mac OS X v 10.6.4
-Macbook 2.1
-2GHz Dual Core processor
-2 GB RAM
-Software was Sothink movie DVD Maker 3.7, Build 341. Free software download; same as used before for dvrl that worked.

Have allowed battery to drain completely thus shutting unit off. Connected to ac power, allowed to charge fully, powered on. Attempted to eject disk-same result as before.

pad

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You have a disk ejection problem?
Oct 25, 2011 10:11PM PDT

this was not mentioned before.

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disk ejection
Oct 26, 2011 2:11AM PDT

By restarting and repeatedly pushing the 'eject' button, the disk appeared this time. Before when this was attempted, system locked up when same attempt to eject was attempted.

Problem still exists as to why this this Mac will not play DVD-RLs.

I will attempt to access the manual online, provided I can wade through the Apple commercial adverts.

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(NT) What is this "RL"?
Oct 26, 2011 2:34AM PDT
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solution
Nov 18, 2011 8:25AM PST

PROBLEM SOLVED:
This MacIntosh computer cannot handle DVD-RWs created on Windows 7.
I have given up, and must invest in a few dozen DVD-Rs, to be chucked after viewing.

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grats
Nov 21, 2011 10:44PM PST

I was remiss in failing to thank all those who responded to my difficulty. Perhaps this iMac needs service.

Or perhaps it is the "ghost in the machine" with no solution. I had such a problem recently with a Lacie backup drive; Lacie insisted it was compatible with Win 7, while MS website claimed it was incompatible. Lacie refused to discuss MS claim. I gave up on the "ghost" eventually.

Again, extreme thanx to all who participated.

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(NT) Good of you to come back, thanks
Nov 22, 2011 10:26PM PST