can I disable my (non-working) dvd drive from iMac?

[eroxx]

I've been getting a kernel error LOTS lately. Is it possibly being caused by a non-functioning DVD drive?

If so, is there a way I can disable it??

 

[simsaladimbamba]

You could open the iMac and remove the optical disk drive (ODD) or unplug it.
Maybe show us one of your kernel panic reports?
Why do you think, it has to do with the ODD? More often it is just software.

 

[eroxx]

Honestly, I don't care about the drive (I have an external), but every time I restart the computer it takes 6-8 restarts before finally booting up. I either get a kernel error or it whirls and whirls until the apple insignia changes to the circle with a line through it ...

I've tried all sorts of things to figure out what's causing it ...

Any help will be MUCH appreciated!

 

[old-wiz]

Before opening up and pulling things out, why not look at the system log? It might not be the ODD after all.

 

[eroxx]

and how do I do that?

 

[Intell]

and how do I do that?

Check the Console.

If you're having those kinds of problems starting up and lots of KPs, your hard drive could be failing. Make sure you backup your data.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

and how do I do that?

Check the Console for hints.