How to Eject a Stuck CD From a Mac Mini

Ejecting a DVD/CD disc

CDs and DVDs can occasionally become stuck inside an optical drive in the Mac Mini. This can happen due to a bad line of code in the operating system, a scratched disc or a mechanical problem. Apple has built into its Mac OSX operating system several methods for ejecting a CD or DVD that won't eject due to a software problem. Discs becoming stuck in the Mac Mini optical drive is a known issue and can be solved through either software based or physical solutions.

Things You'll Need

• Computer screwdriver set
• Duct tape

Instructions

Method 1: OSX Software Solution

1. Place the Mac Mini on a flat, clean surface. Ensure the unit is plugged in to a power source and that a keyboard, mouse and monitor are connected.

2. Power up the Mac Mini. When the unit has booted up, listen for the CD or DVD attempting to spin up. If you hear the disc spinning, but using the Media Eject key in the upper right corner of your keyboard does not eject the disc, drag the disc's icon from the desktop to the Trash icon on the Dock, until the Trash icon turns into an Eject symbol. Release the mouse button to eject the disc.

3. Contact Apple, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or go in to an Apple Retail store to make an appointment to have the drive analyzed and repaired or simply replaced if the disc still does not eject.

Method 2: Code Based Solution

1. Place the Mac Mini on a flat, clean surface. Ensure the unit is plugged in to a power source and that a keyboard, mouse, and monitor are connected.

2. Power up the Mac Mini. Listen for the disc in the DVD drive to begin spinning up.

3. Launch Disk Utility from the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. Select the DVD drive that won't eject the media, then click on the Eject button at the top of the window.

4. Launch Terminal from the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. Type "drutil tray eject," then press enter.

5. Tilt the unit with the drive slot facing down, then reboot the Mac Mini. As the unit restarts, hold down the eject button on the keyboard, then gently shake it until the disc ejects. Do not shake vigorously as you could damage the unit.

Method 3: Physical Take-Apart Solution

1. Work gently around the lid, using a butter or putty knife, and pry open the cover of the Mac Mini.

2. Remove the screws from the plastic frame that holds the optical drive and hard drive in place. Place the screws on the tape so you don't lose them.

3. Disconnect any cables from the optical drive, noting their placement. At this point, you'll be able to remove the DVD drive to get a better angle at removing the stuck disc. If the disc does not come free, there is a more serious problem that only a trained professional should attempt to fix.

4. Return all parts to their original positions, secure the case to the unit, and bring the Mini to an Authorized Apple Retailer or Apple Retail store to have the unit repaired or replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• The instructions in Method 3 will void any warranty on the Mac Mini, and you will end up paying for repairs should you decide to bring it to a repair facility.

References

• Apple Support: If You Can't Eject a CD or DVD or Open the Drive Tray
• Mac Yourself: The Ultimate Guide to Ejecting a Stuck Disc from Mac SuperDrive
• CNET: Mini-Tutorial: Ejecting Media in Mac OS X: Removing "Stuck" CDs/DVDs
• Apple Fritter: Intel Mac Mini---Take Apart Guide (RAM & HD)