Is my mac mini keyboard faulty?

Hi all
I have a late 2006 mac mini. When it comes to rebooting my mac mini and holding down the C button on my wired keyboard or if I am wanting to do a hardware test. It works without any problem. It recognises the key i have pressed while re-starting. However whenever I use my alluminum wired keyboard it always takes me to the desktop log in page. it is as if it never recognises the button i am pressing on my new keyboard. is this normal? or if this a fault with the keyboard. I spoke to apple telephone support who said it might be a hardware issue and for me to take it to the genius bar for them to have a look at this and possibly replace my keyboard?
thanks in advance

The Apple Aluminum wired keyboard (with the numeric keypad) has been reported many times in this forum not to have working startup modifier keys with the Mini.
There have been a few reports of the startup modifier keys working OK, but the overwhelming majority of reports in this forum say that the startup modifier keys don't work. Aside from the startup keys, the Alu Keyboard works fine with the Mini.
A partial work-around for selecting a startup disc/disk is to hold down the menu button on the Apple Remote at startup. This works the same as holding down the Option/Alt key at startup.

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Just bought a new Mac mini and exploring possible wireless keyboards with trackpads.
Found one UK model: 'Keysonic 540RF MAC White Wireless keyboard with touchpad mouse', on Amazon UK. Looks like Apple layout keyboard with function keys (there is a PC version too).
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Connecting Shuffle (4thG) to Mac mini: Keyboard non-responsive

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When I connect it (USB) to my Mac mini (2008), the wired aluminum Mac USB keyboard no longer responds. Disconnecting the shuffle returns the keyboard to normal function.
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The hubs in keyboards are passive hubs (drawing power from the USB port at the end of the chain). Sometimes attaching power hungry devices to them causes problems.
Plug the iPod directly into a USB port on the Mini. If it's inconvenient, use a USB extender cable. If you don't have any more free ports, then you want to use a powered hub -- one that has a brick to supply power to hub, not draw it from the USB bus.

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I am using a Mac Mini (Intel) with 10.5.2 on it and since the update, I have notice that my keyboard and mouse work intermittently if I use the number keypad on my wired keyboard. The problem is more with the mouse (will not select) but the keyboard acts odd as well. Relaunching finder seems to resolve the problem until I forget and use the number keys again.
I have tried using a different keyboard (same model) and different mouse. I have tried plugging the mouse into the USB port on the keyboard and using the USB port on the Mini.

I have read all the other post, but got no satisfying answer other than people saying Apple really screwed up with 10.5.2 and that doesn't really resolve the problem. Plus, it seems to me that most people's problem are with a 3rd party base station rather than an AEBS. My only other option maybe to down grade my Airport Card software, because I think the problem is with the Airport Card driver that's bundled with the Mac Pro, and frankly, I am not sure if Apple is ignoring the problem or working hard on it, but in either case, it's not fast enough in term of damage control.

Mac Pro using Mac Mini as Print Server

Hi all,
Mac Pro is wired to my network, Mac Mini is Airport connected.
I'd like to use Mac Mini as a Print Server without keyboard and mouse. I've installed OSXvnc-server on Mac Mini and Chicken of the VNC (CVNC) Client on Mac Pro.
Mac Pro's keyboard is azerty as was Mac Mini, it's impossible to loggin with Chicken of the VNC, password is not accepted, I connect an azerty keyboard to Mac Mini and I can loggin.
Typing on Mac Pro in Mac Mini TextEdit through CVNC give weird keyboard layout, not only azerty qwerty different layout.
In between my two Mac Mini there wasn't any problem using CVNC and the same server but Azerty Qwerty layout.
Is there any other solution to use Mac Mini as a print server ? What about using Desktop remote connection ?
Thanks,
Peloche,
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Ah… right! That explains it.
So what model printers are they?
Ned,
Printers are HP Color LaserJet 2550L, HP Photosmart 8250 and Epson EPL-5900L.
I've changed the VNC Client from "Chicken of the VNC" to "VNCThing".
Now I can log in from Mac Pro using its Azerty Keyboard as Qwerty Keyboard.
Once logged in I've set Mac Mini Keyboard to "Extended (or Expanded ?) American" keyboard within System Preferences, with this option Mac Mini see the Mac Pro Keyboard as an Azerty layout...
I've connected two printers through USB2 Hub connected to Mac Mini and the third one direct onto Mac Mini USB port.
Back to Mac Pro "System Preferences Fax & Printers", "+", immediatly the 3 printers have been proposed, I've selected them and tested all: it works perfectly.
Mac Mini is set to "restart after power cut" and is connected for power onto a remoted control power distribution sockets, that means Mac Mini is starting and stopped when printers are powered on and off.
The sole small issue is that I can't find how to display Mac Mini GUI on Mac Pro at a better resolution than 1024 x 768.
Thanks for your time,
Peloche,
MacPro 2.66, 6GB, 1TB; Mini G4, 1.45, 1GB; iPod 60 GB; 30" & 20" ACD; Apple IIC Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Mac Mini as Print Server

When I upgraded all the household computers to Snow Leopard, we lost the ability to communicate with our old LaserWriter 600/4 because Snow Leopard doesn't support AppleTalk. Who knew? A solution appeared when my father replaced his Mac Mini with a new MB. Leopard was installed on his Mini, and that could talk to the LaserWriter, and our Snow Leopard computers could now see the LaserWriter. Once I set it up, I disconnected monitor/keyboard/mouse. For a few days, we can print to LaserWriter no problem. Then suddenly we can't. I set up the Mini to never go to sleep. It connects wirelessly to our AirPort. When I reconnected monitor, etc - we got the printer back. It just doesn't stay working like its supposed to when the Mini is tucked away in a cabinet. Any ideas or suggestions for keeping it connected? What is being lost - the connection to the airport? Or is it refusing to stay awake?

Ah… right! That explains it.
So what model printers are they?
Ned,
Printers are HP Color LaserJet 2550L, HP Photosmart 8250 and Epson EPL-5900L.
I've changed the VNC Client from "Chicken of the VNC" to "VNCThing".
Now I can log in from Mac Pro using its Azerty Keyboard as Qwerty Keyboard.
Once logged in I've set Mac Mini Keyboard to "Extended (or Expanded ?) American" keyboard within System Preferences, with this option Mac Mini see the Mac Pro Keyboard as an Azerty layout...
I've connected two printers through USB2 Hub connected to Mac Mini and the third one direct onto Mac Mini USB port.
Back to Mac Pro "System Preferences Fax & Printers", "+", immediatly the 3 printers have been proposed, I've selected them and tested all: it works perfectly.
Mac Mini is set to "restart after power cut" and is connected for power onto a remoted control power distribution sockets, that means Mac Mini is starting and stopped when printers are powered on and off.
The sole small issue is that I can't find how to display Mac Mini GUI on Mac Pro at a better resolution than 1024 x 768.
Thanks for your time,
Peloche,
MacPro 2.66, 6GB, 1TB; Mini G4, 1.45, 1GB; iPod 60 GB; 30" & 20" ACD; Apple IIC Mac OS X (10.4.7)

APPLE FIX THIS! Aluminum Keyboard + Mac Mini = DYSFUNCTIONAL

I have a Mac Mini 1,1 (1.6ghz CD) and found out the hard way that the EFI firmware DOES NOT support the new Apple aluminum keyboard properly during post startup. You simply cannot use ANY startup modifier keys (cmd-c, option, a-o-p-r etc.) because the EFI firmware doesn't recognize the keyboard until the OS driver loads.
I found this out with a bunk boot camp install which left me with the famous 'no bootable device --' error and was unable use the option key to get to the boot selection screen to return to Mac OS. I called Apple and they were clueless and suggested I take the computer in for service.
After about 50 restarts, and 2 other (and newer) aluminum keyboards, I though i'd try a PC USB keyboard for fun.. and long behold the bloody thing worked and I was able to restart and access the boot screen etc.
I eventually found some mention of this on google where people who also have this problem are recommended to restart the computer while holding the remote's MENU button to get to the boot selection screen.
My question is WHY HAS APPLE NOT PATCHED THE MINI OR AI KEYBOARD'S FIRMWARE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM?
I'm also willing to be most people who buy a Mac Mini probably also pick up the Aluminum keyboard which means there are newbies and long time users who probably don't even know their computers or keyboards are gimped until it's too late.

OK, I'll bite!
Firstly, welcome to Apple Discussions.
Secondly:
no PS2 socket!
Which is hardly a surprise really, since PS2 keyboards have been a dead dog ever since USB arrived, and it would be a difficult proposition to find any new system that had a connector for either PS2 keyboard or mouse these days. There are some legacy technologies which are worth continuing to support, but that isn't one of them.
Thirdly:
now I have to go buy a **ing keyboard just because I updated the firmware.
I suspect there's more to it than that. Having updated firmware on a series of systems, and monitored reports from lots of users, your problem is not at all common, and therefore suggests there may have been a problem existing on your system prior to the firmware update which the update merely served to trigger. If so, then you would likely have faced the problem sooner or later.
It isn't clear from your description exactly what is happening with your system. You report hat you connected a USB mouse but it didn't appear to work, but subsequent to that it isn't clear what you mean by a 'hard reset' or whether the mouse worked after that. Obviously with a dead keyboard (presumably bluetooth, though you don't say) you can't log in, but if the USB mouse now works, then there is reason to expect a USB keyboard will get you into the system and then allow a little more troubleshooting and problem solving.
What is clear is your frustration at the system and the USB issues you have had with it, though you don't really explain what those issues are either. However, given that many people have Macs that wake up from sleep and have functional USB mice and external drives (which is what I assume you mean yours does not) then there's clearly something wrong with your system - or the components you have connected to it.
It would help to know what you do have connected to the mini, and whether you have USB hubs etc also. Many wake from sleep issues are the result of devices which are not entirely standards compliant, drawn too much current, or hubs which for one reason or another are not fully compatible. Of course they can also be because the computer is faulty!
Have you always had these problems with this system? If so, I can understand the frustration. If not, at what point did these issues start, and what was the last item before that which you added to the system?
Troubleshooting USB issues is often down to disconnecting everything and then trying one component at a time until you discover the one that seems to generate issues. Before you start that however, it would be a good idea to perform reset on your system - you describe it as a 1.7G model, though the nearest actual product to that is a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo. If that's it, then what you need is an SMC reset (the SMC is he system management controller which looks after the functioning of ports etc). To reset it:
-From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
-Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
-Wait at least 15 seconds.
-Plug the power cord back in, *making sure the power button is not being pressed* at the time.
-Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
-Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.
Following that, test USB components one by one and see if you can pin-point the culprit that way.

I am having keyboard problems when trying to boot up an OS (bootcamp on Mac Mini Server)

I recently tried using bootcamp on my new Mac Mini Server.
I uploaded a windows ISO Image perfectly the way it asked, Windows 7, I followed the correct steps, euqally divided one of the hard drives, and I was ready to actually set up the new Windows section of my computer. During this booting session, my dog came in the room with her ball and knocked the computer plug out of the socket. Now when I turn on the mac, the fan still works, the same Macintosh sound comes up, the screen turns that usual very bright gray, but it stays on that gray. After a minute or two, the screen turns black, with a blinking underline, as if it were confused to choose which operating system it has to boot.
My problem here is that I use a wireless keyboard (not by Apple) -- and I suppose that bluetooth syncronizes with the OS and not the computer system itself -- so my keyboard commands do not get recognized in order for me to navigate into Windows 7 or OS X Mountain Lion. I tried solving this problem by purchasing a brand-new USB keyboard (since Mac Mini Servers do not have the PS/2 entrance). I guess this new USB keyboard didn't work, I imagine, either because the USB slots on the machine are not recognized by the computer's internal system, only by the Operating Sysytems (which I hope isn't true), or that the mac had never used that USB Keyboard and wasn't going to be capable of using it until it had installed the necessary drivers, but without the OS running that would become impossible.
So my question is: Is there a way that I can connect a keyboard to the mac so I can continue installing my alternate Operating System? Is it maybe another problem all together?

It is starting to sound more like Bootcamp failed to install properly.
Have a look at > Boot Camp 5: Frequently asked questions
then perhaps > Failed bootcamp instlation - Google Search

HT4907 I am able to connect to my Mac Mini on Back to My Mac through iCloud but the keyboard/trackpad on the MBAir or MBP with which I access does not register on the Mini. So I can see the screen but cannot interact with it. Mini works accessing MBP/Air

I am able to connect to my Mac Mini on Back to My Mac through iCloud but the keyboard/trackpad on the MBAir or MBP with which I access does not register on the Mini. So I can see the screen but cannot interact with it. Mini works accessing MBP/Air and I can use Mini to input data or interact with screens of those computers.

Regarding your first question about bookmarks, I think you discovered the answer in when you pressed the address bar. The second tab there has your bookmarks.
As for the keyboard, I'm not sure why your Firefox is reacting so slowly; mine seems to show keyboards even when I don't want them. If you have accumulated a lot of history, perhaps that's an issue?
Did you use any third party software to move your Firefox data from internal memory to the storage card?

Want Mac mini and G4 to share Display and USB keyboard and mouse

I bought a KVM switch at a local electronics store. I got the only one that claimed Mac compatibility (PPA Int'l). I can't plug the switch into the G4 Cube. No such ports. With the adapter that accompanied my brand new Mac Mini, I can plug the KVM monitor port into the mini's monitor port, BUT that port is currently being used by the Apple DVI-to-ADC adapter I bought so I can connect my Cinema Display to the Mac mini.
The KVM switch wants 3 ports on each computer: a VGA (monitor) port, the keyboard port, and the mouse port; but the keyboard/mouse connectors are not USB.
As things stand--without the switch--I can shut down whatever computer I'm working on (mini or Cube), unplug the display from one, connect it to the other, power up and everything's fine. I suppose the only advantage with the KVM switch is being able to power off, switch, then power on without having to move the display plug.
My QUESTION is, does anybody manufacture a KVM switch I can use between two Macintosh computers to share use of my USB keyboard powered from a USB port on the display, and my USB mouse powered from a USB port on the keyboard?
Or is the answer NOT to go for the convenience of a KVM switch?
Does it matter that the mini OS is Leopard, and the Cube OS is Tiger?
I am heartily impressed with the mini. Setup was over in 5 minutes, and I must say it's fast. Appreciate any help from the experts. --Spot

I had the same problem, and finally came up with two other alternative solutions.
First, if you have a recent LCD monitor, it is fairly simple and cheap. The Mini has a digital connection for the monitor. My G4 400 MHz has both digital and analog connections. I have a Samsung 19 inch widescreen monitor that has both a digital and an analog input. I connected the G4 to the monitor using the analog input with my old cable, and connected the Mini using the digital input. The Samsung has a switch that will use either the digital or analog input - very easy.
Now the keyboard and mouse. I got a 6 foot USB cable with the A plug on one end and B plug on the other, plugged the A plug end into the G4, and ran the cable with the B plug up near the Mini. It helps to keep it close. You already have the keyboard/mouse plugged into the Mini. You simply unplug the keyboard cable from the Mini, and plug it into the B plug from the G4. Switch the monitor from digital to analog, and you have the G4 (remember to start it up). Once you have run the cables, it takes about 10 seconds to make the switch.
Second, and I use both ways, is to get an inexpensive wired router. I bought a Belkin 4 port router (about $30, I think), got a couple Cat 5 cables, hooked both the Mini and G4 up to the router, along with my internet connection, and have both computers available on one monitor with no physical switching involved. You will need to go to System Preferences/Sharing and turn on Personal File Sharing (there may be another change, but I can't remember it right now).
When all is hooked up, you go to GO in the Finder Menu Bar (make sure the G4 is booted before doing this) click on either NETWORK or CONNECT TO SERVER, find your G4 and connect. It may be confusing the first few times, but it works great because you have access to both computers at once, along with your internet connection - the best of both worlds!
I did this in January of this year, so please forgive me if I have forgotten a step somewhere. Ask me and I'll be glad to try to walk you through it. The first solution is the simplest to do, and the second in the most versatile. It's your choice.
Hope this helps. Just don't be intimidated by it - if I can figure it out, we can get you connected. Good luck!

How do I hook a Mac Mini to an existing PC Laptop Dock in order to use existing 23" monitor, mouse, and keyboard?

My parents currently have a Dell Inspiron desktop (which thanks to Windows has crashed and requred re-installation of the OS and then ordering an OEM hard drive and starting from scratch). Anyway, my dad has started bringing home a work laptop, and I got him a laptop docking station so he could take advantage of the 23" monitor, keyboard, and wireless mouse that he prefers.
My brother and I are going to buy my parents at Mac Mini for Christmas. It's probably simple (or with my luck, impossible) but I need to know what I need to know in order to also hook up the Mac Mini to the monitor/keyboard/mouse (we may buy a keyboard and mouse). Is it just a matter of cables/splitters?
I'd appreciate any assistance. I've been trying to get my parents switched over to Mac for almost 10 years now. Dad is stubborn and will definitely want to use the 23" monitor he bought so I have to find a way to make that work. The keyboard and mouse aren't a huge deal - instead of being on the drawer that rolls out from under the desk, the Mac stuff can be on top of the desk. I just need to know if it's possible to avoid that and do everything through the docking station (even if I have to get a USB hub). I'm pretty sure the monitor has a DVI input, and the current work laptop is using the analog input.
Thanks all.

The Mac mini is not going to be able to use the Dell docking station itself, due to
the Mac mini is not a laptop
it does not have a docking connector
However you might be able to achieve what you want with a KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) switchbox which would sit between the dock and Mac mini and the Screen/Keyboard/Mouse.
For this to be as easy as possible, both computers need to be using the same types of connections, so that means USB for the keyboard and mouse, and ideally DVI for the monitor. I am using a dock with a Dell laptop and the dock does have a DVI connection as well as a VGA connection so yours might as well.
You would then need a KVM switchbox with USB and DVI connections. This one would be a suitable example http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-2-Port-Switch-Audio-TK-214i/dp/B004L62KN4/ref=sr_ 1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1322228493&sr=1-4 you don't have to use the audio connections.
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TS4456 New Mac mini and older wireless keyboard connect, but don't pair

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Hi, it isn't paired to another device is it?
Might see this...
http://www.christopher-parsons.com/blog/technology/solved-bluetooth-devices-not- connecting-to-osx/

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Thank You!

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Since the Mac Mini does not come with a Monitor, Keyboard or Mouse those are needed when setting up a Mac Mini. I don't know what brand wireless KB you have or if that even matters.
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