Bypass downloaded audio CD info when copying CDs

Once iTunes downloads track info for a store-bought audio CD, OS X pretends that it is the real directory info for the disc. To make a true duplicate of the CD at this point (i.e. with the proper generic file names), you have to hide the CDDB info, as follows: Eject the CD (if inserted) Open iTunes Preferences Click on Advanced, and then Importing Uncheck "Automatically retrieve CD track names from Internet" Quit iTunes In your home folder, open Library » Preferences Rename "CD Info.cidb" to "CD Info.cidb.bak" or similar Re-insert the CD The CD will now show up with the true track names, and iTunes will not go online to replace them. Do whatever you need with the CD in this state. When done, quit iTunes if it has opened, then rename the CD Info.cidb file back to its original name. Note that until you restore the CD Info.cidb file, all CDs that you insert will show up with generic tra...

published on Tuesday, the 10. April 2007, macosxhints

Change iTunes' import destination

I discovered something today when I was ripping a bunch of CDs with iTunes 6.0.5, and had patched the system to 10.4.9 (with the delayed eject button -- see hints elsewhere): If you have 'Import CD' or 'Import CD and Eject' selected in the Advanced » Importing tab in iTunes' Preferences, and insert a CD with the Option key depressed, you can select a new location for your imported files to reside. For me, as I have all my music ultimately stored on a wirelessly-connected Linux box in my living room (running MythTV), this saves me a ton of time adding artwork and correcting automatically-assigned ID3 tags. After I get it perfect, I can delete the files from the Library (not from the drive), reimport them (thus copying to my Linux server), and it's all good.

published on Friday, the 23. March 2007, macosxhints

Install just Palm's VersaMail from the Treo Install CD

Like many of you, I use the Missing Sync from Mark|Space to sync my Palm Treo with my Mac. It blew my mind, though, when I upgraded to the Treo 700p that I would have to install Palm Desktop in order to install VersaMail (which comes free with the Treo). It turns out that the installer files are just buried within the installer package, and you can extract them without having to install Palm Desktop. This may work with other Treos as well, however, I have a Tre0 700p from Verizon. Here's how I did it:Put the Install CD that came with the Treo 700 into the computer, but don't run the installer. Hold down the Control key on the keyboard and click on the file called PalmSoftware.pkg within the CD. Choose Show Package Contents from the pop-up menu, then open the Contents folder. Drag the file called Archive.pax.gz to your desktop and wait for it to copy over, then eject the CD.Double-click Archive.pax.gz on your desktop and the computer will de...

published on Friday, the 2. February 2007, macosxhints

Eject a stuck CD/DVD from a MacBook Pro SuperDrive

Ever have a problem with a CD/DVD stuck in your offline MacBook Pro and it doesn't allow you to boot up OS X? Apple mentioned the solution is to press and hold the trackpad button when booting your MBP. You tried that, but still fails? Another possible fix is the credit card/knife trick that sometimes works, but it just sounds not right? OK, now there is an easy way to do it: Just power up your MBP and leave it alone for about 10 minutes. It will eventually boot up and the CD/DVD will automatically eject (make sure your power cable is plugged in, though!). [robg adds: I haven't heard about this possible fix before ... and I can't confirm it, not having a CD stuck in my MB at the moment.]

published on Wednesday, the 16. August 2006, macosxhints

One possible way to eject troublesome CDs or DVDs

Today I inserted a CD from a friend into my fairly new Mac Book Pro. It had a sticker type label, which I'm generally leery about, but it looked OK and not likely to peel back inside my computer. I got what I needed off the CD and went to eject it ... but sure enough, it was stuck inside. I tried six or so times without success, using the Eject button. I couldn't even see through the slit to tell what I was hanging on. I was at the point of ... 'Do I tear my nice newish MBP apart or take it in for service'?Then an idea occurred to me. I unplugged the system, held it in my hand, pressed the Eject button, then flipped the whole system upside down. Sure enough, the CD popped out, much to my surprise and relief. No idea if this will work with other portables, but thought I'd pass it along just in case.On further investigation of the offending CD, I noticed the label peeled up slightly right near the center. Apparently just enough to throw off the eject sequence.

published on Tuesday, the 8. August 2006, macosxhints

One possible way to eject troublesome CDs or DVDs

Today I inserted a CD from a friend into my fairly new Mac Book Pro. It had a sticker type label, which I'm generally leery about, but it looked OK and not likely to peel back inside my computer. I got what I needed off the CD and went to eject it ... but sure enough, it was stuck inside. I tried six or so times without success, using the Eject button. I couldn't even see through the slit to tell what I was hanging on. I was at the point of ... 'Do I tear my nice newish MBP apart or take it in for service'?Then an idea occurred to me. I unplugged the system, held it in my hand, pressed the Eject button, then flipped the whole system upside down. Sure enough, the CD popped out, much to my surprise and relief. No idea if this will work with other portables, but thought I'd pass it along just in case.On further investigation of the offending CD, I noticed the label peeled up slightly right near the center. Apparently just enough to throw off the eject sequence.

published on Tuesday, the 8. August 2006, macosxhints

Use an advanced recovery mode in DiskWarrior

I am not sure of how many people out there are aware of this, but when running DiskWarrior, if you simply hold down the Option key on the keyboard, the Rebuild button will change into a Scavenge button. Scavenge is a more-thorough scan and repair than is Rebuild. If you are booting off the Diskwarrior CD to do the repair, here is another simple tip. When you reboot, if you hold down the mouse button (or left-click with multi button mice), it will automatically eject the CD (this is a standard OS X feature, nothing specific to DiskWarrior.) I have posted this on the forums a few times, and lots of people always say they never knew that, so I am going to post it as a hint -- maybe more people will become aware of this option in DiskWarrior.

published on Tuesday, the 1. August 2006, macosxhints