Post by: Gary S on August 12, 2016, 11:20:29 AM
I was taking a lot of pictures and mistakenly slid my SD card from my camera into the CD slot on my 26" 2011 iMac.
When I put a CD in it bogs down and makes funny noises and won't mount on the Desktop, but I can get the CD out by hitting eject.
Any suggestions? I'm sure kids put all kinds of stuff in there from time to time but I'm not having any luck.
TIA
Post by: Jack W on August 12, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
The only way I've been able to get the sd card out was to turn the iMac on its side and shake it.
Not easy, and may not work if its jammed in the mechanism in there.
Good luck,
Jack
Edited to add:
you may need the help of a thin knife.
Or take the computer to a friendly Apple store.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 12, 2016, 12:46:33 PM
QUOTE
I can get the CD out by hitting eject.
At least there's some good news! The only fool-proof method I've ever heard of (without dismantling the machine) involves the use of gravity. Assuming you have some of that around the house, the 'trick' is to get the CD drive in a vertical orientation (perpendicular to the floor) and the opening at the bottom, preferably with that edge parallel to the floor. Depending on the weight of the Mac and your strength, a bit of shaking usually dislodges the card and allows gravity to pull it toward the center of the Earth. It will probably help to have two people in this attempt: the stronger holding the Mac, the second providing some 'percussive maintenance' to help dislodge the card. CAUTION: The 'percussive' application must be coordinated with the person holding the Mac and it should never be strong enough to dislodge the Mac from the holders grasp!!CAUTION: Some will suggest using a thin knife. DO NOT ALLOW the 'percussive' applicator to handle the knife!
The actual solution requires an application of Day-Glo orange duct tape over the CD slot.
Post by: kimmer on August 12, 2016, 03:18:50 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Aug 12 2016, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The actual solution requires an application of Day-Glo orange duct tape over the CD slot.
I was thinking freshly chewed bubble gum on the end of a thin wire.
(I'm not serious, just in case someone thinks I am)
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 12, 2016, 03:31:34 PM
QUOTE
I'm not serious, just in case someone thinks I am
What, on earth, makes you think that anyone would even consider that as a possibility?!!!! 
Anyone would know that if you were serious, you'd have suggested a thick wire with the gum aged to perfection thus gaining the prerequisite adhesion properties! The "thin wire" method usually ends up with not only the card, but the gum inside the CD drive!BTW, did you install those child-proof covers on your electrical outlets? Very small "guests" love to stick things in there!
Post by: kimmer on August 12, 2016, 04:09:37 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Aug 12 2016, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
BTW, did you install those child-proof covers on your electrical outlets? Very small "guests" love to stick things in there!
No. Mom and Dad opted to not bring the little sticky fingers inside my house, and there were covers on the outlets at their rental home. Plus most of the time we were off playing tourist. I'm totally worn out, but I miss hearing "Grandma Kim" and all the hugs and kisses.
Post by: Gary S on August 12, 2016, 06:34:54 PM
I tried a knife. I'm going to try Jack and XABD's gravity solution. I'll let you know how it turns out.
I called the nearest Apple service center and they told me to bring it in.
The last time I walked into that place they had to replace the (special Panisonic) Hard Drive and it cost me about $500.00, can't remember exactly. She told me not to use a knife, that I may damage the HD that's
in the middle of the computer-what a line......
GRAVITY is the ticket, a lot cheaper.
Post by: gunug on August 12, 2016, 06:37:22 PM
Post by: Paddy on August 13, 2016, 08:00:29 AM
No way that CD drive should be $500 BTW - if you need to replace it you should be able to find one on eBay. Or just buy an external for under $100 if you really do feel you need it. Me? I'd try operating without one - I didn't use mine in my Mac Pro for close to 2 years and don't miss it now that I have none in either my new(er) 27" iMac or my MBP.
Post by: Gary S on August 13, 2016, 11:05:02 AM
First of all, I can't see into the optical CD slot because of the fuzzy material they use to keep the dust out. I wish I could see in there!
I haven't tried to do the gravity shake yet, my wife Colette is recovering from a broken arm and doesn't want to help and I don't blame her.
The plastic knife and double sided tape is an option that I will try today.
On the other hand, I really don't need it. about the only thing I use it for is putting CDs in to add to my iTunes. I haven't needed to use the latest DiskWarrior, which I have but is kind of unnecessary
with today's 10.11.6.
Thanks
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 13, 2016, 12:03:14 PM
I don't blame your wife for not wanting to hold the machine (which one is it, the iMac, I assume). But she could apply some of the palm hits that might be needed to shake the card lose while you hold the machine. Since that drive has the fuzzy, anti-dust 'skirt', your wife might also need to use a thin blade device to hold create a 'fuzz-free' zone for the card to exit.
If you truly don't need the CD drive, my duct tape recommendation is even more important!
Post by: Gary S on August 14, 2016, 06:47:21 PM
The CD player is not working afterwords. Oh well...
You can put DW on a fairly large USB stick/drive. Now that you mention it, that's what DW sent me. It's on a stick and I'm not in a hurry.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 14, 2016, 06:55:39 PM
Post by: Gary S on August 15, 2016, 10:49:22 AM
Post by: gunug on August 16, 2016, 09:32:18 AM
Post by: Gary S on August 16, 2016, 11:52:35 AM
QUOTE
Gary, are you going to post a video of the correct procedure that worked for you?
Ha! You have such a great Sense of Humor
I think it was the serrated 6" blade I came to be using.
It's funny, I started with a strong, big paperclip, like in the old days, and then graduating through tools of intensity until I end up stabbing, carefully. Weird.
I don't find not having a CD/DVD player on the 27" iMac. I can't remember the last time I used it.
Post by: gunug on August 17, 2016, 08:52:29 AM