[redondo]

I have a Performa 6300 with a 2X CD-ROM drive. It works OK, but every once in a wile
it will have a hard time reading a software CD. For example: I bought a educational CD-ROM for my 5 years old daughter and I had to try several times so it would read it and mount it. Once mounted if I try to run it
it will just try to read and gets stuck. According to the computer requeriments on the box my computer is overqualified to run it.
I took it back to CompUSA thinking it was defective, and over there I tried it on a imac on display at worked fine with no problems.
Would the problem with my CD-ROM be:
1. A hardware problem where my CD-ROM is dying? I kind of like to know this soon since my extended warranty expires in 3 weeks, or
2. A software problem or Windows/Mac dual
plataform CD's since this CD disk is dual plataform? In the past I hat trouble
reading dual plataform disks, but almost never with Mac only disks.
3. Do I need an updated CD-ROM driver from
Apple's web site? I have the original driver that came when I bought the computer in 1995, I think, unless the driver is updated when the Systed is updated. I have gone from 7.X to 8.6 now.
4. Other problem.

Any help/suggestions?

[wlonh]

not to sound smart-alecky, but when was the last time you used a cleaner disk in your CD drive? there's a lens in there that needs cleaning every now and then...

and maybe, give the CD disk in question a gentle cleaning with a lint-free cloth and do not rub it in a circular motion but from edge to edge, matter of fact do not 'rub' it at all but rather glide carefully and gently over the surface of the CD with lint-free cloth which may be dampened with a bit of water...

[This message has been edited by wlonh (edited 12-06-1999).]

[drewman]

The CD-ROM driver is updated when you update your system.

Older CD-ROM drives can have a dirty lens, but also laser power degrades over time as well.

I was going to suggest replacing it with a faster model, but AppleSpec says that you have a 4x CD-ROM which is plenty fast for eductional games.

Get your CD-ROM replaced while under coverage. I would have the whole machine checked out, the backup battery replaced and everything cleaned while you have already paid for that service.

Also, they may not have any 4x CD-ROM drives and could replace it with an 8x or even a 12x drive.


drewman

[This message has been edited by drewman (edited 12-07-1999).]

[redondo]

Thank you two for the advice. I have never used a CD cleaner on my Computer. So I guess
it may be dirty, but I am going going to take it in for service anyway.

[macopz]

Make sure to get the PRAM battery replaced when you take it in!!!!!

[redondo]

Is the PRAM battery the one that keeps the clock, settings, etc. If it is, I replaced it a year ago. Thanks.