Force Eject a CD on a Mac: Comprehensive Guide
When dealing with a stubborn CD or DVD that won't eject from your Mac, there are several methods you can follow to resolve the issue. Diving into these techniques, from the simplest to the more complex, will help you regain control of your optical drive.
Simple Software Methods
Before attempting any mechanical or more advanced solutions, it’s worth starting with the simple software methods. You can safely eject a CD or DVD from your Mac using the following steps:
1. Hold Down the Eject Key: Press and hold the eject key on your Mac's keyboard. This should be the key that looks like a disc. Most Macs have this key near the middle of the keyboard, on the furthest left side.
2. Trash Icon Method: Drag the disc icon directly from the Finder to your Mac’s trash bin. Alternatively, navigate to the disc icon, right-click and select “Eject” from the context menu. This method also ensures a clean and easy way to remove the disc.
3. Terminal Command: Open the Terminal app (located in Applications > Utilities) and enter the command /usr/bin/drutil eject and press Enter. This command might not work for older Mac models, so it's a good idea to try the other methods first.
Mac’s Built-In Safeties
Mac computers have a built-in safety that sometimes causes CDs to become stuck, especially when inserting a second disc. There are two common ways to bypass this safety mechanism:
1. Restart with the Trackpad Clicker Held Down: Restart your Mac while holding the clicker on your trackpad. This method attempts to bypass the internal safety feature and should successfully eject the disc.
2. Emergency Eject Hole: If the above steps don’t work, locate the emergency eject hole in the optical drive slot on the underside of the Mac’s optical drive. Carefully insert an unbent paper clip into the hole and press firmly. This should release the disc. Be cautious when using the paper clip to avoid damaging the optical drive.
Resorting to More Complex Methods
If the above methods fail to release the CD or DVD, you may need to take more drastic measures. Here are the steps:
1. Restart in Single-User Mode: You can attempt to force the CD out by booting your Mac into single-user mode. To do this, hold down the Command (?) and R keys while rebooting. At the recovery options, select “Terminal” and run the command /usr/bin/drutil eject. After ejecting, reboot your Mac using the “reboot” command.
2. Mouse Click Hold: Restart your Mac and hold down your mouse click (or trackpad clicker if using a trackpad). Continue holding the click until the desktop appears. This method is sometimes effective in forcing the drive to eject the disc.
3. Disassembly (Last Resort): As a last resort, if none of the above methods work, you may need to open your MacBook Pro and attempt to manually remove the optical drive. This should only be done by someone with the appropriate tools and experience. If you’re not comfortable doing this, it’s best to seek professional help.
Alternative Solutions
For some Mac models, especially those with slot-loading drives, alternative methods might be necessary:
1. Pinhole Mechanism: For Macs with standard tray CD drives, there is often a pinhole beside the tray. Using a long, thin pin (such as a large paper clip) inserted into the pinhole can sometimes release the tray, allowing you to pull the disc out manually.
2. External CD/DVD Drives: If the optical drive is permanently failing, consider investing in an external CD/DVD drive that can be connected via USB. This is often a more cost-effective solution than purchasing a second-hand Mac specifically for the optical drive.
Remember, it’s always best to try the simplest methods first before resorting to more complex or dangerous steps. Understanding these techniques can save you time and potential damage to your Mac.