How to Remove a Stuck Disk in a Mac Mini

Force quit out of applications to remove a stuck disc in your Mac Mini.

A stuck disc in your Mac Mini computer is often casued by an in-use application that prevents the disc from ejecting, because the application may become damaged or lost if the disc is ejected. Applications that used the disc can unexpectedly freeze. which results in the Mac Mini holding the disc in its optical drive until the application is forcibly shut down. Alternatively, your stuck disc could be caused by physical objects on top of the Mac Mini that prevent the disc from properly ejecting from the drive. If the problem continues after troubleshooting, you may need to replace the Mac Mini's battery, which requires professional technical support.

Instructions

1. Remove any objects resting on the top of the Mac Mini. Press "Eject" on the keyboard to attempt to remove the disc from the computer's disc drive.

2. Click the Apple menu on the desktop screen, then click "Force Quit" and click each application in the window. Click "Force Quit" again to shut down the running applications. If a "Not Responding" message appears next to the application, a force quit helps restore use of your disc drive. Press "Eject" on the keyboard to try to remove the disc.

3. Drag and drop the CD icon on your desktop to the trash on the desktop's dock. The disc will automatically pop out of the drive, if it is successfully disconnected from the computer.

4. Click the Apple menu on your desktop, click "Restart" and hold down the mouse button while the computer restarts to eject the disc.

References

• Apple: Mac Mini User Guide