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Resolved Question

how to fix an eMac cd/dvd read problem

Aug 20, 2011 9:56AM PDT

I can write with the drive but it won't read what I burned - except, sometimes it does and it will read commercially prepared cd/dvd, like music, etc

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Best Answer

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Most common fix is to
Aug 20, 2011 10:03AM PDT

Clean the lens and if that fails try a new drive.
Bob

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Yes, your answer confirms what I suspected.
Aug 20, 2011 1:20PM PDT

If I didn't state it before, I have a commercial cleaning kit which I tried first. That didn't work. then I tried blowing compresses air in the door and was surprised at the dust that came out. I did that several times but the drive still wouldn't recognize some/most of the cd's and dvd's I have.

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On an eMac
Aug 20, 2011 1:30PM PDT

On an eMac, always take into consideration the fact that those CRT capacitors can store LETHAL charges of electricity for several DAYS at a time. I don't think replacing the DVD drive will require you get too close to any of that, but it's something you should ALWAYS be cognizant of on the older CRT models. If in doubt, I would not hesitate to take this somewhere and pay to have it done by someone who knows how to handle these things. We are, after all, talking about something with the potential to be lethal. Is your life worth $150 or thereabouts?

Check the iFixit website to see if they have a teardown guide for your model eMac, and then you can get some idea of whether or not you'll be anywhere near the high voltage areas of the display.