How to eject CD from a 2009 Mini without an OS?

[Bikesmith]

Hi all,
I'm new to the Forum, but I've been all Apple since the IIe. I have a late 2009 Mini, MC239LL/A. After years of faithful service the hard drive was dying so I replaced it with a "new" 2012 Mini last year.

Recently I noticed that SSDs had gotten cheap and I read that the 2009s could run El Capitan. My Great-Grandson is getting to the age where he could have a computer. So I though it best to start him on a Mac before someone gives him a PC.

Installing the SSD was a breeze thanks to YouTube. But when I went to insert a boot CD I found there had been one left in the optical drive. Without an OS none of the commands to eject work. It doesn't help that I don't have any Mac keyboards as these old fingers need something more ergonomic. So no eject key.

Any suggestions? Could I boot from an external optical drive? After removing the case again I see there are some holes in the drive. Paperclip??

BTW while I use a computer or a tablet 6-8 hours a day I'm not all that tech savvy. So a dumbed down answer would be appreciated.

 

[Spawn_Dooley]

Whatever you try don't use anything sharp or use excessive force … after a quick google I found the following page which might help you, also read the 2 comments as they mention using tape too which could be the deciding factor for you.

Ejecting a stuck disc from Mac SuperDrive

Have a look at the tips at the above link, specifically the "tilt & shake" & the "disrupt the spin" paragraphs.

 

[MacTipster]

The Geniuses at the Apple Store also often have solutions for this, I won't go into detail but occasionally they can get it out for free for you. Make an appointment at your local store and let them have a look.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

Holding the mouse button down immediately after pressing the power button until the disc ejects should be the best way. Have you tried that?

C

 

[Bikesmith]

Hello and welcome.

Holding the mouse button down immediately after pressing the power button until the disc ejects should be the best way. Have you tried that?

C

Thank you Cory. The restored old Mini is up and running OS X 10.11.3 like a champ.

Right mouse button when turning it on ejected fine. But I must have damaged the optical drive trying to insert a 2nd disk. I was able to boot and install Snow Leopard from an external drive and upgrade from there.

$44 for an SSD, $14 for a Mini Display port adapter, $40 for a vey nice Samsung monitor off of Craig's list, plus an old mouse and keyboard I had laying around. Now for less than a C note, Elijah has a Mac that boots up quickly and has all the storage & speed any 6 year old genius needs.

And this old dog learned a few new tricks.

 

[Cory Cooper]

No worries...glad you are up and running.

Be well,

C