Mini won't boot

Greetings all.
My G4 Mini will not boot. Hangs at the grey screen (No Apple logo.) Booting to DVD, Single user mode, resetting PRAM, Safe mode, Open Firmware all unsuccessful (holding the appropriate key for about 2 minutes after the Boing.) Issues started with (apparent) corrupt internal HD filesystem. I did get to boot DVD once early on and Disk utility gave errors when reparing disk. But why would that prevent accessing pre-boot functionality?
Any advice welcome.
Regards
HD

I am trying to fix my wife's mac mini. I had what I thought was a corrupted font, and removed it from the system (it was a dfont). At that point, the pull-down menus appeared mostly empty. On reboot, the system stops the boot process when the top menu appears, and then it just sits there and slowly blinks the menu.
I can boot from the install disk, and ran the harware check - all ok. A couple od questions. 1. Can I operate from the install disk so as to back up the important file before reinstalling the OS? 2. How safe is the reinstall regarding not losing files?

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Mac mini won't boot anymore

My Mac mini won't boot anymore. It's been running fine for months.
It's running Leopard Server 10.5.2 Build 9C31
It starts to boot, I get the first spinning gear with the gray screen, then the blue desktop blinks, then a second spinning gear on a gray screen and it appears to hang (the gear stops spinning).
I booted off the install DVD, ran disk utility, repaired the HD, repaired the permissions: the behavior is the same.
Safe mode doesn't work (same hang as above).
Single user mode does work.
I can connect to it via Server Admin while it appears hung.
The last few lines of the system log are:
May 15 18:38:58 server emond[67]: SetUpLogs: uid = 0 gid = 0
May 15 18:38:58 server emond[67]: SetUpLogs: opening /Library/Logs/EventMonitor/EventMonitor.error.log
May 15 18:38:59 server kextd[23]: writing kernel link data to /var/run/mach.sym
May 15 18:39:09 server KernelEventAgent[59]: tid 00000000 received unknown event (12)
May 15 18:39:20 server kernel[0]: display: Not usable
May 15 18:39:20 server com.apple.KerberosAutoConfig[126]: Kerberos configuration is up to date
May 15 18:39:20 server com.apple.ATSServer[125]: FODBCheck: New annex file created
May 15 18:39:21 server ARDAgent [130]: ******ARDAgent Launched******
May 15 18:39:21 server com.apple.KerberosAutoConfig[132]: Kerberos configuration is up to date
May 15 18:39:22 server ARDAgent [130]: call logout from LoginLogoutProxyCallBackFunction
May 15 18:39:22 server com.apple.launchd[1] (com.apple.RemoteDesktop.agent): Throttling respawn: Will start in 9 seconds
May 15 18:39:24 server loginwindow[58]: Login Window Started Security Agent
May 15 18:39:29 server servermgrd[53]: servermgr_calendar: created default calendar virtual host
May 15 18:39:31 server ARDAgent [146]: ******ARDAgent Launched******
May 15 18:39:32 server ARDAgent [146]: ******ARDAgent Ready******
May 15 18:39:33 server mdworker[109]: (Error) SyncInfo: Boot-cache avoidance timed out!
May 15 18:39:54 server Python[47]: CGImageSourceCreateWithData data parameter is nil
May 15 18:39:54 server com.apple.wikid[47]: Thu May 15 18:39:54 server.jeff.carpenter.name Python[47] <Error>: CGImageSourceCreateWithData data parameter is nil\n
May 15 18:39:56 server kernel[0]: AppleYukon2 - bad packet received. length: 1440, packet status bits: MII error
May 15 18:39:56 server kernel[0]: AppleYukon2: 00000000,00000001 sk98osx sky2 - - sk98osx_sky2::replaceOrCopyPacket tried N times
May 15 18:49:54 server kernel[0]: serialnumberd 194 FSWRITEDATA SBF /dev/dtracehelper 13 (seatbelt)
May 15 18:49:54 server kernel[0]: serialnumberd 194 FSREADDATA SBF /dev/autofs_nowait 13 (seatbelt)
May 15 18:49:54 server kernel[0]: serialnumberd 194 FSREADDATA SBF /usr/sbin 13 (seatbelt)
May 15 18:55:12 server kernel[0]: AppleYukon2 - bad packet received. length: 23, packet status bits: MII error
Any ideas?

Yes, it's been running Server since I purchased it.
I doubt the serial number is in use elsewhere: I purchased the 10-user version at a retail store in a sealed package and I've only installed it once.

Mac Mini won't boot up.

Mac Mini won't boot up! Just getting blank white screen, any ideas why? No apple, just a blank screen. It worked fine last night.

Have you tried booting into the Recovery HD by pressing/holding COMMAND+R at system start or the Option/Alt key and choosing Recovery HD to boot into?
If you can get into the Recovery HD, open Disk Utilities and Verify Disk. Repair if necessary.

My mini won't boot

My mini won't boot. The monitor shows the apple icon and the revolving circle keeps revolving, but no other activity. I have a wireless keyboard and monitor. HELP!

You might get some help from these links:
iPod Linux Unsupported - What if Something Goes Wrong
iPod Linux Project- My iPod is really messed up, how can I fix it?

Mac mini won't boot after RAM upgrade.

Tried installing new RAM in my Mac Mini, 512MB stock to 2GB of Crucial. Followed the directions to a T, grounded myself the whole time.
Things I've tried so far:
1. Resetting the PRAM, no luck.
2. Holding option at start-up, shows no icon.
3. Holding shift, no luck.
4. Holding X, nothing.
How do I get it to accept a CD if it won't boot?

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
You clearly have a problem, but you don't describe exactly what that is other than that your mini won't boot after the upgrade. What happens when it starts up? Does it attempt to start and hang up on the grey or blue screens, or does it start beeping at you almost immediately after you try and start it up, and also flash the power light?
If the former, then you may have dislodged a connector while working inside the system, in which case opening it up and checking that everything is firmly connected would be the first thing to do. If the latter, then the beeping/light flashing is the system telling you it has failed the power-on self test and the pattern of beeps/lights indicates why. In your case likely the system can't find workable memory. In that instance, opening the system and ensuring that the RAM is firmly and fully seated would be a good step, and if the mini continues to fail, then replacing the new RAM with the original to test that the system will then start.
It is not likely that anything had damaged your MacOS install in the process of upgrading, thus normally no reason to need to boot to CD as a result of a RAM issue.

Mac Mini won't boot after failed XP installation

Recently upgrade HD to 320GB 7200 rpm and 3GB ram. Running 10.5.8 fine.
I tried to install Windows XP through Boot Camp, but wasn't successful, I terminated the installation. Then Mac Mini won't boot up. When powered on, you heard the chime, then grey screen showed and stayed. Tried starting with "C" (boot from CD), "OPT" (boot option), "T" (target), and reset PRAM. None of them worked.
What should I try next?
Thanks
Message was edited by: Yijian Cao

If you install XP on Bootcamp, your startup disc will be changed to XP Windows partitioned you did. To restore your startup disc back to Mac OS, make sure your Mac is turned off. 1. Plug the power back and press the power button ON. When you hear the power On sound, press and hold the ALT key on your keyboard until you see the hardrives. 2. Select the HD that says MAc OS, then your mac will boot back to Mac OS.
Let me know if you have more problems, maybe I can help.
Abel

2005 PPC 1.5 GHz mini won't boot

I have a problem similar to another recent poster.
My wife's mini won't boot up. We just get a gray screen and then the flashing folder/OS/question mark icon. I tried keyboard shortcuts at start-up with no effect. I can hear the HD hiccuping and starting and stopping. She had come back from lunch and the screensaver would not go away. Reboots brought the grey screen.
I've had similar issues and it sounds like the HD died. Does anyone think it is worth installing a new HD into this old Mini? Trying to save data off the HD? Thoughts appreciated.

credit card is the last resort of the desperate
but mostly works. but as you're going to open it up anyway...
i don't like these slot-in drives at all, as this stuck disk thing happens far too often. they should have stuck to tray loading drives. no problem to get a stuck CD out there. meanwhile i mostly use an external dvd burner for my macbook and mini anyway. faster and more reliable.
if the DVD drive functioned before, maybe it's just accidental, that the DVD got stuck at this moment. stuck disks are quite common.
you don't know if it's the same problem as the other poster had. looks the same at first glance, but you can only make sure by getting the stuck DVD out and retry with the correct one. you've to find out, if the mini can boot from another device. if that fails, then you may be in for more trouble (logic board etc.) and if that's the case, it's probably best to go directly for a new mini or maybe a used one in good condition on ebay.

Mini won't boot when VGA is attached to KVM -- help!

My mini (Core Duo 1.86MHz, all updates installed) is attached to a Belkin Pro2 4-port KVM (F1DA104T). I've read comments about issues with KVMs being picky with the mini, but the mini won't even completely boot when the VGA cable is attached. I've used this KVM with other 10.4 Macs in the past (G3's, G4's), so I didn't expect problems. The monitor is a Dell 17" LCD (E173FP), which is fine when attached directly to the mini. I've also tried another LCD (different manufacturer) with same results.
The mini boots and I first see the gray screen with the Apple logo, followed by a light blue screen, and that's it. The finder never comes up, and I can't even SSH or VNC into it -- just the blue screen. Once I remove the VGA cable (only video - the keyboard and mouse are both still connected), it will complete the boot and launch the finder. If I boot with no display attached, or attached directly to the LCD w/o the KVM in the path, but then attach the mac to the KVM, I see the display for about two seconds, and then the monitor heads into power save mode. When I VNC into the mini to see what's going on, it's detecting two different displays; when the cable is attached but the KVM isn't on the mac's channel, it's one thing. When I switch over to the mac's channel, it's like I'm plugging in a different display. In any case, the computer is putting out 1024x768x60Hz, which is well within the specs of the monitor and KVM.
I installed SwitchresX and under VNC retrieved the DDC info. Here's what I have for when it's plugged into the KVM and on channel:
DDC block report generated by SwitchResX for display
VGA/SVGA Display
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
0 | 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
1 | 0A 0A 01 01 0C 1E 17 BE E8 2D C9 A0 57 47 98 27
2 | 12 48 4C 00 00 00 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
3 | 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
4 | 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
5 | 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
6 | 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
7 | 01 01 01 01 01 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 20
Valid DDC block: checksum passed
EDID Version........1.1
Manufacturer........@@@
Product Code........0 (0000) (0000)
Serial Number.......0
Manufactured........Week 10 of year 2000
Max H Size..........30 cm
Max V Size..........23 cm
Gamma...............2.90
DPMS Supported Features:
Active off Suspend Standby
Display type:
RGB color display
</pre>
So far, I'm stumped. This is a $200+ KVM, supposedly better than many of the cheapies, with listed Mac compatibility. Neither Apple nor Belkin wants to take ownership for this problem. If anyone has any tips on where to look next, I'd be very grateful!
Thanks!
Jeff

Hi BSteely,
Thanks for taking the time to look into this.
The blue screen I see is definitely not being generated by the LCD - it's coming from the Mac. It's coming up just after the gray Apple logo you see when booting. Normally you'd next see the finder pop up, but that never happens as long as the KVM is plugged into the mac (and it's only the VGA connection which is doing this, since the same thing happens with the keyboard/mouse unplugged from the mac). Once I remove the VGA cable, it continues to boot normally. If I hookup the LCD directly to the mac, it also boot normally.
Sorry I wasn't clear about VNC. I'm not seeing two displays at once, I'm seeing two different displays -- one when the kvm is on the mac's channel, and another when it switches away. Funny enough, I'm getting MORE resolution choices when I'm not on channel. The DDC info I posted above is for when I'm on channel.
Jeff

FileMaker Server problem on Mac Mini Server - Mac Mini won't boot

I just installed a brand new Mac Mini Server today, and also FileMaker Server 11. A first-timer for both Mac OS X Server and FileMaker Server, I made an error as explained below, and right now I don't know how to get back on track with the system. It won't boot.
So, how did this happen?
At first everything was proceeding according to plan. I configured the pre-installed Mac OS X Server on the Mac Mini with users, groups and services. This was tested from clients and this seemed to work just fine. Then I installed and configured FileMaker Server. This was also tested from a client, and the example database that came with FMS was served up just fine.
The problem arose when I tried to install my existing FileMaker databases. I simply checked to see where in the file system the example database was located, and then copied my old databases to that location (I think it was Library > FileMaker Server > Data > Databases or something close to it - can't check it now...). I had the FileMaker Server Admin Console running, and hit the Refresh button hoping that this would make FileMaker Server find the databases.
This was my first error. I should have read ahead in the instructions to see that one is supposed to use an Upload Database assistant instead...
What happened when I hit refresh was that the FileMaker Server Admin Console became completely unresponsive with a spinning ball as cursor. I left it for about an hour hoping it would terminate, but gave up and tried to shut it down. It wouldn't close, so I force quit it from the Finder. Then I tried to shut down FileMaker Server, but I needed to force quit this as well. After this I thought it would be best to reboot the Mac Mini, so I shut it down, but now it won't even boot, it just stays on the screen with the spinning wheel for ever!
I have tried all the keyboard options while booting, but nothing seems to help. In safe mode, the grey progress bar just grows to about one third, then disappears and leaves the eternally spinning wheel.
The server version of the Mac Mini doesn't have an optical drive, only two internal hard drives. I tried to reinstall from scratch using the optical drive on another Mac on the network. The startup disk appeared when I tried to boot the Mac Mini holding down the option key, and after about 20 minutes or so of the spinning wheel I could actually access the discs. I started by running Disk Utility to check disk permissions. There were a lot of repairs concerning permissions and groups, especially on "Library". It said "ACL differs on Library", I don't know what this is but this was repaired. I then ran Repair Disk. The volume appeared to be OK.
When I tried to reinstall Mac OS X Server however, this failed with the message
"You can't upgrade this version of Mac OS X because a newer version is installed. Mac OS X Server couldn't be installed on this disk." I don't know how this can be, but I may have run software update earlier today.
What should I try next? Should I erase the primary HD and try to install again? Or should I install the system software on the secondary HD? Or should I just try to reboot as is in the hope that the disk permission repairs did the trick...?
Any helpful pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Hello there, I came across your post when browsing the forum for passive advice. I am in the same boat as you and am a first timer for both of these tools. I work for a company who now needs to expand its network and database capabilities. I have been assigned this task and these are the tools i have opted for. I have not yet purchased them and i am pleased to find someone who has my desired setup. Could you please advise on the simplicity of the setup and whether an advanced knowledge is required.
I want to use it in a mixed operating system environment. Is this possible?
Regards
Matthew

Mac Mini won't boot to Mac after partitioning for Windows 7

system:
Mac Mini, late 2009
Intel
4 gig ram
500 gig hard drive, brand new
OSX
Mtn Lion with Mavericks just installed, runs ok
problem:
Adding 90 gig partition for Windows 7, now won't boot to either Mac or Windows
After a little bit sticky install of Mavericks, I had the thing running fine. I downloaded support sw onto the USB drive as per Bootcamp instructions, and started going through the wizard to install Windows 7.
First try: "error" while creating the partition. I ran the Disk Utitliy, Verify Disk, found an error, ran Repair, it fixed the error
Second try: it started making the partition again, and then apparently just zipped through the partition making real fast (it finished so fast I could hardly catch it), then shut down in an apparent restart (as it's supposed to?), and from then on it won't reboot all the way. I get about 15 seconds of gray screen, the Win 7 disk jerks a little, then screen goes blank and silence. No hd activity. Tried restarting with all the usual key combinations (Command-R, "X" key, Option key, etc, etc). Nothing will bring the Mac login screen up again.
What gives? It is such b.s. for this stuff to be so flaky. This is all totally current software on the Mac side, running fine for days, and an apparently ok partition created. Fix me, Apple.

Got it. Thanks for the help. Isn't there any boot disk thing that I can just stick in there that will jerk the OS sideways and give me the Mac login screen, or did the Bootcamp/partition attack just wreck everything? I don't see why I have to do an entire scrape of my totally updated and formerly working OSX just to retry a routine Bootcamp partition, which the girl at the Mac Store in Seattle here assured me has worked for them all the time. It really is a crock. Maybe I shouldn't bother trying to put Windows 7 on there at all if all these latest versions are so flimsy. I wouldn't want to have to do it all again. But it looks like I'll have to at least once. And send Apple the bill for my wasted time. I ain't feelin' the glamour.

New mac mini won't boot.

Sorry I couldn't wait for a refresh. So I went to FRYS and got the last 529 mini. Under 600 and I got a mini 2.3ghz i5 and and 16gb flash stick for under 600 which is normally 600 plus tax.
Good deal. I'm so happy. Sorry I got impatient and couldn't wait for the refresh.
But 1 issue. It doesn't work. When I turn it on it all I get is a picture of a blinking trackpad and mouse. My mouse is wireless and battery is fine. Or mac is picky and need brand new battery.
What do I do. I don't have any corded mice.

What happened was I plugged the keyboard and mouse into my hub by mistake and it was not plugged. But the mini should of booted anyway without anything. I guess not however. So all is good now. But my wireless mouse still won't work even with unplugging it. But sliding the switch at the bottom on and off worked and now all is good thanks.

Brand new mac mini won't boot

I bought a mac mini for my teenaged daughter because the lap top options simply weren't in our price range. I have a high end dell monitor that is about five years old. It hasn't been used regularly so I felt this was a good fit. I was reassured by several that my peripherals would work with the mac mini... no problem. We had to buy a new keyboard, mouse and adapter for the monitor. This took several days and two trips to two different stores to accomplish. We finally got everything set up and working properly or so we thought. The system struggled to download office suite for mac. The system stopped working completely after attempting to download norton anti-virus for mac. Now the system won't boot at all. I've only tried to turn the system on and off to get it working again. I had it up for five minutes yesterday but again it shut down for no reason and now I can't get it back up at all. I usppose a trip to the Apple store is next on the list. Any suggestions are appreciated.

That is good news...the genius bar folks are generally great to deal with. Especially when you make an appointment and don't get all upset while waiting for someone to get free
As was said at the outset, be careful about software you install, not all is really good or necessary. If in doubt, just pose a question on here and you will get sound advice. We are all fellow users, many of whom have learned the hard way.
Keep in mind, this is a Mac OS X machine, not Windows which has everyone in the world writing viruses to attack.
Have a Happy New Year.

Mac Mini won't boot up, just beeps once every 4 seconds. Is it dead?

Mac Mini died, now it won't boot up. It just sits and beeps at me once every four seconds with the power light flashing once every four seconds also. If i shut it off, can't get it to turn on again without unplugging it. also, no boot sound. Time for a new one?

Sounds like a RAM problem:
1 tone, repeating every 5 seconds: This indicates no RAM is installed.
Try reseat8ng the RAM. Finde you Mac here for how to access the RAM
Or you can
Make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store. No warranty required
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

Mac Mini won't boot up after disconnecting it from iMac

I have disconnected my Mac Mini from the iMac I had it connected to, and now it won't boot up when I turn it on. Do I need to hold down a key combination to get it to boot from it's own operating system again?

I have disconnected my Mac Mini from the iMac I had
it connected to, and now it won't boot up when I turn
it on. Do I need to hold down a key combination to
get it to boot from it's own operating system again?
You should not have to hold down any key to get it to boot to an installed copy of MacOS, though if you hold the option key down, it should take you to the Startup Manager which will give you a list of available MacOS volumes it can boot from. If it doesn't show any, then you don't have a bootable MacOS on your mini.
Are you getting anything on your screen when you are trying to boot, such as a folder with a question mark?

Mac mini won't boot after latest update Maverick

My Mac mini running Maverick after an automatic update won't boot. " no bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key"
What option do I have here?

Reinstall Mountain Lion or Mavericks
OS X Mavericks- Reinstall OS X
OS X Mountain Lion- Reinstall OS X
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is
three times faster than wireless.

Mac Mini won't boot after update

I have a Mac Mini that won't boot after the most recent software update. Since the Mini has only a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a number of the usual options (hold down shift, etc.) won't work. I've tried a reset, also no luck. At the moment, I can't locate my Tiger install CD either.
When holding the power button on during boot, I get a series of flashes from the status light on the front (a set of very rapid flashes, followed by a slower set, followed by a slow set) but no startup chime, or fan, or video. My display and power source are both known-good (work fine with my Powerbook)
Any suggestions, other than buying a hardwired keyboard/mouse?

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
The 'newer version of OS X" error occurs because the installer on the DVD you have booted to has by default been set to update the version of MacOS on the hard drive, which of course it can't do because the version of MacOS it is installing is newer. The only way to install in this situation is to select a different option. However, that isn't what you want to do at this point, because as it says, you'll loose your data if you do an 'erase and install'.
Instead, you should see menus at the top of the screen when it's booted to that install disk. Click the Utilities menu, select Disk Utility, and then click the top entry for the internal hard drive on the left. Once done, click on the 'Repair Disk' button (not Repair Permissions). This will test the drive to make sure it's OK. If it reports errors, and then reports 'error or exit' with the drive not repaired, you will either need a 3rd party application such as Alsoft's Disk Warrior, or to perform an erase and install (which of course you don't want to do at this point because your data is not backed up).
If the Repair Disk process completes with no errors, next select Repair Permissions, and let that process complete, then reboot the system as normal to see if you can now access the drive.

Mini won't boot

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