The PC and Apple Macintosh use different standards and file systems to store information on the computer. Users attempting to read Macintosh CDs in their PC or vice versa encounter errors reading the CD unless it’s a hybrid CD.

When attempting to read a Macintosh CD on a PC, you may encounter these issues.

  • Error message: A device connected to the system doesn’t work correctly.
  • Error message: Label is not for this file system.
  • The CD opens, but is empty.
  • Other errors related to the inability to read the CD.

If you want to access the data, you need to install an emulator that tricks the computer into thinking it supports the alternative file system. Below are some programs that make this possible.

  • MacDisk - Can read all Apple Macintosh disks on a PC. The company offers other solutions as well, including a program that can create Macintosh CD-ROM images on your PC.
  • TransMac - Enables PC users to read all Apple Macintosh disks on their computer.
  • See our HFS and ISO 9660 definitions for further information and related links.
  • CD-ROM help and support.