Apple Hardware Test DVD won't mount in Early 2009 Mac Mini

[mdgm]

Thinking my early 09 Mini might have some issues, so before the warranty runs out I decided to run the Apple Hardware Test. However the Applications Disk containing the Apple Hardware Test can't be mounted in the Mac Mini. Had to force power it off and hold down eject key on boot to get the DVD to eject.

Put it in my 07 MacBook and the DVD mounted first time. I was able to copy the AHT across the network and am now running it from my 09 Mac Mini.

Do you think I have a dead optical drive?

My AppleCare warranty runs out in a few weeks so I guess I should report this to Apple.

Any thoughts?

 

[Kebabselector]

Sounds like it's faulty - I assume other disks fail as well? - if you've got Applecare on it then use it.

 

[paulrbeers]

Yep. DVD drives are probably some of the most failure prone pieces on Mac Mini's (or really any computer for that matter). I've had to replace more DVD drives in various computers than any other piece of hardware (including hard drives). If you have Applecare, might as well get it replaced.

 

[mdgm]

I guess that's one reason why Apple's been removing optical drives from Macs.

I think I will check it in for repair. May as well take advantage of the AppleCare since I spent all that money on it.

 

[mdgm]

Booked it in for fixing. Do you think the Apple Store would still stock optical drives for these Minis considering they haven't sold these Minis for a while now?

 

[Ccrew]

Booked it in for fixing. Do you think the Apple Store would still stock optical drives for these Minis considering they haven't sold these Minis for a while now?

They probably do. IIRC it's the same drive in all the machines, iMac, MBP and Mini. Given the failure rate it would make sense to be a stocked item.

 

[mdgm]

Took the Mac Mini to the Apple Store. By the sounds of things they don't see many of this model any more. One of the Genius guys nearby (not the one who was helping me) wondered if it was the Intel model or not (he has a PowerPC Mini and an Intel Mini). The Genius was quickly able to verify that the SuperDrives isn't working. Now the unit is awaiting repair.

Thanks for all the help guys.