Mac Mini Server with Windows installed?

I have a windows application for a business otherwise all mac OS. Want to run the windows app on a mac mini server allowing access from multiple workstations. Desire to not committ entire mac mini server to windows so will need to partition I assume. Any thoughts?

You could try virtualizing the windows machine
Virtual box is free I can't remember if it's free for commercial
use
Or VMware or parallels
You could also try wine it's open source
And allows running of (some) windows programs on Mac
I've had mixed results with wine I haven't used it for ages
Personally I think virtualizing would be the way to go
Virtualizing would allow you to have snapshots and
Backups would be somewhat easier
If your unfamiliar with virtualizing
It basically runs a compete OS as software on the host machine
You can virtualize osx server on osx server if you desired
Or most other OS, Linux, BSD, windows, windows server
You just need enough grunt hard drive space and ram to host the virtualized OS

Similar Messages

Log on Mac Mini Server with Windows System (7 / Vista)

Hi,
how can I "log on" with a Windows 7 System (including Outlook 2010) on a Mac Mini Server so that all services are available?
Thanks for your answers...
Philippus

The short answer is, you can't.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3235

Mac Mini stuck with windows install, won't boot from OSX DVD

Ok, I just bought this mac mini from ebay, yeah i know but it was cheap. I got it and it came with windows xp installed. I thought ok, I will just pop in my snow leopard disk and get rid of windows. so i put in retail new copy of snow leopard in the drive, shutdown, power on, hold C... grey screen for a little while then into windows boot screen. Thought ok, I will try reset pram, option + command + p + r, nothing... just boots into windows. I have tried to original osx 10.4 restore disks that came with the machine with the same results. I also tried holdind D during boot with the original disks and it still does the same thing.
I have also tried holding down option during boot, thinking it would give me my boot options, nothing still goes into windows. I am using a new aluminum white keyed usb apple keyboard and apple optical mouse, all plugged into the back of the machine.
I don't know what to do next, if I can't find the solution it looks like i am going to have to take this thing apart and yank the drive and format it on my other machine with osx partition.
thanks

There's a couple more options yet.
First, try a different USB keyboard.
Second, when in Windows use the Bootcamp system tray utility to choose bootup from the OSX partition. You can install the Bootcamp system tray utility from the SL disk.
Third, if you have another Mac and an appropriate firewire cable, bring the Mini up in Target Disk Mode and blat the disk that way.

I just purchased the Mac Mini Server with the intention of replacing Lion Server with Lion for the first hard drive while installing Windows 7 thru Bootcamp on the second hard drive. Is it possible for me to do this? Thanks.

I just purchased the Mac Mini Server with the intention of replacing Lion Server with Lion for the first hard drive while installing Windows 7 thru Bootcamp on the second hard drive. Is it possible for me to do this? Thanks.

I would use Parallels or VMWare and use the second drive to hold the virtual machine. That way the VM only uses the space that it needs and you can still use the remainder of the drive for other things, not to mention that you would not need to reboot to run windows.
Also Time Machine does not back up a boot camp partition.

How to use webmail address book on Mac Mini Server with Lion Server.

I have a Mac Mini Server with Lion Server installed; the webmail is setup and working but I can not get the address book to work.
I have followed an instruction from this website on how to activate the address book icon in webmail but can not add any addresses. Is there something that needs to be activatied before it will work?

No, I didn't solve the problem. The monitor still goes to sleep with WIndows but not with my Mac Mini. About 8 months ago I basically wore out the power switch on my monitor so I bought a wireless power switch to shut it off at the outlet. The VX2835wm monitor itself is now starting to fail as well-- a couple of times it's gone through a weird sequence of flashing screen colors on power up and ended up in an overscan mode (that took me for ever to figure out how to fix). I have decided to replace my VX2835wm with a Dell u2412m once it fails for good partly because I really want to keep the 16:10 resolution (very hard to find these days) and partly because I want to see if a different make of monitor will go to sleep properly based upon my Mac Mini power down settings.

Mac Mini Server with Raid 1

Hi,
Is it possible to set up a Mac Mini Server with Raid 1 using only another mac computer such as a mac book?

Yes- Colin Jeukens posted step by step instructions back a couple of months ago. Here it is again...
Out of the box the mini comes without Raid. You have two identical HDs of 500Gb.
I have just set it up as Raid1. You can't do this when you use the startup disk from the mini. And as you don't have a Superdrive ... you need to be creative. You need another Mac with Firewire.
Step 1: Start the Mini in Target Mode. Press the T during start. In a few seconds the firewire logo will appear on your screen.
Step 2: Go to your second Mac. Connect the firewire cable between second Mac and Mini.
Step 3: On the second Mac start the disc utility. The two identical drives on your mini will show. Create a new Raid set (mirrored = Raid 1). Include both drives. Confirm the warning that all data on the mini will be lost.
Step 4: Make sure your second Mac has CD/ DVD sharing option installed. This is tou use the superdrive to install OS X Server on the mini.
Step 5: Shutdown both Macs
Step 6: Start your second Mac in target mode. Make sure the firewire cable is still connected.
Step 7: Start the Mini with the option key pressed.
Step 8: Insert the OS X Server install disc in your second Mac.
Step 9: wait till the drive logo apears om the Mini. Continue the install. Will take about an hour.
Here is a link to the original post...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2213470&tstart=0

Purchased mac mini server with lion, can i download lion for my macbookpro ?

Hi,
I bought a mac mini server with lion server. I have macbookpro with Snowleopard. Do i need to purchase Lion again to install in macbookpro ?
I registered my mac mini with my apple id .. still when i check app store in my macbook it is asking me to purchase again.
Can someone clarify ?
- thanks LP.

Yes. What came on your Mini cannot be installed on your other computers. You will have to purchase and download Lion for the MBP. If you wish to install Lion server on the MBP, then you will have to purchase and download Lion Server, too.

I recently (4 days ago) bought a Mac mini server with 10.7 lion; will I qualify for a free upgrade to Mountain Lion Server?

How has Apple honoured buyers of other releases of OS X immediately before a new version was announced?

omnomnomz wrote:
How has Apple honoured buyers of other releases of OS X immediately before a new version was announced?
I recently (4 days ago) bought a Mac mini server with 10.7 lion; will I qualify for a free upgrade to Mountain Lion Server?
Mtn Lion not due out until the Summer, so no, you will not get a free upgrade.

Mac mini Server with normal Lion install?

Can i install on the Mac Mini Server (Mid 2011) a normal Lion OSX?
I don't want to use Server features, i only need the hardware power.
Is the Server pre-installed?

The 'proper' way is to have the Mac Mini Server running the version of OSX that's written for it, the hardware IS different hence there's (subtle yet real) differences to the software installed on each. I can't confirm if it would Boot from an external drive with the normal 10.7 softwarre as I've never tried that ...
If you don't need the Server applications then run Server, turn the services off and uncheck:

Monitor Not Going To Sleep on Mac Mini Server With Lion

Summary: I am attempting to configure a Mac Mini Server that runs OS X Lion. This machine was originally shipped with OS X Lion; it is not an upgrade. My current specific problem is that my Viewsonic VX2835wm monitor will not go to sleep when the minutes setting on the Display Sleep setting for Energy Saver has been reached. Instead, the screen goes blank for a couple of seconds and is replaced with a blank blue backlit monitor. (Ironcially, the display sleep menu cautions: "Never letting your display go to sleep may shorten its life".) I very much want and need the ability to have my monitor go to sleep so as to save energy and to extend the monitor's life for as long as possible.
Additional Background: I have had a couple of calls with Mac support and they have been unable to tell me whether this is a "design feature" or a flaw in the Lion OS because they have had no similar reports and they do not have the latest hardare available running Lion Server to test to see if this happens with other monitors. (They also, of course, don't have the VX2835wm monitor.)
I do, however, know the following:
(1) My HDMI monitor is connected to my Mac mini via a DVI KWM switch (ATEN CS1784) such that the HDMI output from my Mac is converted to DVI (using the DVI to HDMI converter that came with my Mac Mini) and is then run through the KVM and then converted back to HDMI (using a full pin DVI to HDMI cable). However, I have tested the monitor with a straight HDMI to HDMI cable running directly from the Mac Mini to the monitor and it has not changed anything.
(2) The Lion operating system correctly recognizes (in Hardware / Displays) the model of my ViewSonic monitor.
(3) I have a MacBook Pro running Leopard (OS X 10.5.8) that is connected to the same monitor through the same KVM switch (by way of a BookEndz docking station) which properly shuts down the monitor when there has been no activity for however many minutes are set in the Display Sleep setting under Energy Saver. (Indeed, all I want is the same functionality on my Mac Mini that I have enjoyed for the last two years with this MacBook Pro.)
(4) When fully connected to the KVM, if I switch from my Mac Mini to my MacBook Pro and my Mac Mini display goes to sleep while I am working on my MacBook Pro, when I switch back to the Mac Mini, my monitor backlight will be off (and the power light will be standby yellow rather than the blue on) until I wake my computer up by touching the mouse of keyboard. I wonder if this may mean that the Mac Mini's signalling of the change in status from on to standby is somehow dysfunctional.
(5) Shutting down the server functions (and other open applications) has no effect.
I would greatly appreciate feedback from anyone out there running a Mac Mini with Lion regarding whether or not their monitors go into standby mode when the Display Sleep time is reached (please note whether or not you are running the Server or Client version, whether or not it is a new install or upgrade, and what monitor you are using).
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

No, I didn't solve the problem. The monitor still goes to sleep with WIndows but not with my Mac Mini. About 8 months ago I basically wore out the power switch on my monitor so I bought a wireless power switch to shut it off at the outlet. The VX2835wm monitor itself is now starting to fail as well-- a couple of times it's gone through a weird sequence of flashing screen colors on power up and ended up in an overscan mode (that took me for ever to figure out how to fix). I have decided to replace my VX2835wm with a Dell u2412m once it fails for good partly because I really want to keep the 16:10 resolution (very hard to find these days) and partly because I want to see if a different make of monitor will go to sleep properly based upon my Mac Mini power down settings.

Mac Mini Server freezing in install when choosing PPPoE

I have a Mac Mini Server and when I go through the installation procedure and choose the connect PPPoE from the Network settings, the installation hangs every time.
I have already tried several clean installs from the Mac Mini Server disc to no avail.
Suggestions?
Thank You.

What part of the install process do you have trouble with? I'm assuming, and I think Tony did as well, you're talking about the server setup assistant that launches once the OS is installed. Naming your server/domain is a critical part of setup, as is DNS. If you put faulty configs in during setup, or try to setup services before DNS is working, you'll run into trouble - so please include whatever you're trying to do - if you're new to servers, most everybody around here will be helpful or at least understanding.
In any event there's a great tutorial at
http://www.wazmac.com/serversnetwork/fileservers/osxserversetup/index.htm
While I agree with Tony that PPPoE isn't the best bet, you ought to be able to make it work - but you will need a static IP for your server. Best bet is probably to make it a static IP on your LAN using NAT and let your router/firewall have the live IP. But more info is always better - what are you trying to setup and what other equipment/network stuff is already going on? There are a lot of ways to setup a server and to setup a network, and there is certainly no one correct solution. Somebody smart (like Tony) may be able to give you a lot more options with more details. I'll try too, but I'm far from the most knowledgeable person around these parts.
Another thought - if you're not using the advanced server, I believe you need DNS set up beforehand somewhere - if you just enter your ISP's DNS server info, it won;t have any records for your server. The Wazmac setup notes will walk you through setting up your own DNS for your LAN and using your ISP's DNS for everything on the WAN side.
Message was edited by: Jeff Kelleher

What is "best practice" to set up and configure a Mac Mini server with dual 1 TB drives, using RAID 1?

I have been handed a new, out of the box, Mac Mini server. Has two 1 TB drives in it. Contractor suggested RAID 1 for the set up. I have done some research
and found out that in creating the software RAID, this takes away the recovery partition, so I have been reading up on how to create a recovery "disk" using a thumb drive. this part of the operation I am comfortable with, but there are other issues/concerns that I have.
Basically, what is the "best practice" to setup the Mini, configure the RAID and then start the server. I am assuming the steps would be something like this:
1) start up the Mini and run through the normal Maverick setup/config - keep it plain and vanilla
2) grab a copy of the Server app and store it offline in a safe place
3) perform the RAID configuration / reinstall of OS X Maverick using the recovery tools
4) copy down and start the server app
This might be considered a very simplified version of this article (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4886 - Mac mini server (Late 2012 and Mid 2011): How to install OS X Server on a software RAID volume), with the biggest difference being I grab a copy of the Server App off of the mini before I reinstall, since I did not purchase it from the App store, but rather it came with the mini.
Is there a best practice / how-to tutorial somewhere that I can follow/learn from? Am I on the right track or headed for a train wreck?
thanks in advance

I think this article will answer your question. Hope this helps: http://wisebyte.blogspot.com/2014/01/best-configuration-for-mac-mini-server.html

Mac Mini Server (2010) & Windows Server 2008

Hi,
Would it be possible to boot, install and run Windows Server 2008 on the Mac Mini Server, replacing Snow Leopard Server OS? I assume I need the SuperDrive or similar DVD drive to realize this scenario.
Regards,
sb

Seems possible although I would say one needs some care to ensure that the cooling systems operate as needed.

Mac Mini Server and Windows SBS

I am running an aging Dell server with SBS 2003 and wondered whether it would be possible to use one or perhaps two Mac Mini Servers for my needs. I used to host my own Exchange on this server but I was running out of HD space and it was not easily upgradable so I opted to use Hosted Exchange and use the old server for two things: as a File Server and to run a databse that was written for us in MS SQL Server. I access the SQL database via RDP from my Dell laptop (docked in the office and connected to two monitors with extended desktop). I have long been a Mac user at home and have someone else working on my team now who uses a Macbook Pro. He is currently not using the server at all, but it would make sense for him to be able to access some aspects of the File Server. My question is whether I can replace this Dell Server with a Mac Mini Server but booting in Windows SBS 2008 or whatever the newer version is, assuming it can still run the old SQL Server database. Would it be possible to use the same Mini Server as a File Server or better to use a separate one for that or perhaps some other solution for a File Server. I would like things to be RAID so that I have backups which are required for compliance reasons. I currently run a nightly backup of the data on teh File Server and the SQL database onto an external drive and also the same back up is done using iBackup as an offsite back up. I need the developers of the SQL Server database to be able to remote in from their Windows machines in India for periodic updates and system maintenance. I also would need to be able to access the same database from my laptop in the office, and I believe there are limits on the number of connections one can have with SBS. I do have VPN access set up via my Sonicwall TZ210 router/firewall that enables me to access the Server if I am traveling with my laptop or am at home on my iMac (although that client has never worked properly) but currently our internet connection is too slow to make the VPN usable when I'm away from the office.
Thanks to anyone who can answer all or part of these questions. Perhaps I should have one Mini Server for the SQL database and one as a File Server (or could that just be done with a network drive? I'm not sure I really know the difference - I'm a solo act here, not a systems guy, so am feeling my way somewhat).

Hi might see if you can run that Server version in OSX using...
Parallels...
http://www.parallels.com/
VmWare Fusion...
http://www.vmware.com/mac
VirtualBox...
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Reboot mac mini server with ssh?

Hello,
After trying to update to latest update of Snow my mac mini server doesn't reboot again.
I assume that the update failed and crippled my system.
I only have remote access via ssh.
Is there any way to get the GUI up and running again using ssh?
Maybe a rollback?
thanks for any pointers.

However, strange thing now is when I want to select the HD as Destination, I get this message:
" Mac OS X server can't be installed on this disk. A version of Mac OS X was not found "
If this is an official Mac Mini Server and using the provided DVD distribution disk using the documented sequence, then it should load straight away. (If not, call Apple support.)
Using the provided DVD disk via an intermediate system is something I've seen discussed in the forums, (see [here|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12367643] for a discussion, possibly by [connecting into and starting the assistant Mac in Target Disk Mode|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661], and particularly also see [page 38 here|http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/Mac_mini_Late2009_SL_ServerUG.pdf] for one of the official Apple sequences) but not something where I usually immediately recall the sequence. (I usually use an external USB CD drive when I need to do this.)
If this was a Mac Mini box that was upgraded to a Mac OS X Server configuration, then you can need to load the client Mac OS X that arrived with the box, then the server Mac OS X.

Mac Mini Server with Windows installed?

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