How to Put Mini CDs Into an iMac

By Marie Cartwright

Fix an iMac that refuses to read CDs with a credit card.
i cd-r image by matteo NATALE from Fotolia.com

Most Apple computers, including the iMac, use slot-loading disc drives. Rather than using a sliding tray, a slot-loading drive pulls the disc through a thin slot on the computer case. These drives are only meant for standard size CDs and DVDs. Using a mini CD with a slot-loading drive can cause real problems. There are many iMac users who have ended up with a jammed drive due to a mini CD. You will need some additional equipment to use a mini CD with your iMac. There are two different ways of going about this task.

CD Adapter

Step 1

Purchase a mini CD adapter. These adapters consist of a plastic ring that snaps around the outer edges of the mini CD. This simulates the dimensions of a standard size CD. To find a mini CD adapter, contact your local electronics store or search for one online.

Step 2

Attach the adapter to the mini CD. Press down on the adapter firmly to ensure it is attached securely.

Step 3

Insert the adapted mini CD into the iMac's disk drive.

External Disk Drive

Step 1

Purchase a Mac-compatible external tray-loading disk drive. This is the type of disk drive commonly used with CD players or PCs. Tray-loading drives have no trouble in using mini CDs.

Step 2

Plug the external drive into one of the iMac's USB ports. Follow any on-screen setup instructions as required.

Step 3

Insert the mini CD into the external drive's sliding tray.

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