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Mac Mini 10.6 Server OS Issues

It is running MacOS X 10.6 server. It gets past the main language screen and intro, but gets stuck on the "Welcome" screen, steps pictured below:

On the welcome screen, the background would first appear as black, it slowly faded in over time, into the last image. I am not sure what is wrong. I've seen videos that it’s supposed to show a region selection option, but it doesn't appear on mine? I’ve tried to reinstall, but the shortcuts don’t seem to work for me.

I have a windows formatted keyboard if that helps

At the time of the installation, I had a usb mouse, hdmi, and power cord plugged in.

It’s a model A1347, MC438LL/A 1tb server

its the original OS factory install, the mini still had its sealed plastic wrap (label was unbroken) It should be 10.6 snow leopard server

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Jan 9, 2025 6:30 AM

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HWTech

Level 9

68,630 points

Posted on Jan 19, 2025 8:29 PM

MrHoffman wrote:

and the NVRAM battery has quite likely failed. Those batteries are usually good for somewhere around seven to ten years. Whether the battery itself or any components have leaked, too?

Should be able to remove the PRAM Battery and computer should still work, but it won't retain any PRAM settings when unplugged from power.

Start by determining if the hardware is even working. Run hardware diagnostics. IIRC, the diags were included on the utilities disk and pre-installed, but it’s been a while. (Search for a GitHub page for Apple Hardware Test (AHT) Info.)

AHT should be available on the 2nd DVD which shipped with the Mac from the factory. I believe the "D" key must be held down in order to boot the AHT from the 2nd DVD.

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25 replies

Jan 21, 2025 7:51 AM in response to Ethan0001

AHT finds selected hard failures. It can and variously does miss soft errors, and transient problems.

Usual keyboard choice here would be a USB-A wired keyboard, whether that keyboard originally for Mac or PC.

Feb 18, 2025 5:12 AM in response to Ethan0001

Ethan0001 wrote:

So I finally got my KB, sorry for such a long wait, what should I do?

Plug it in, and see what else failed, whether the battery leaked, and see how much of networking and comms and apps doesn’t and won’t interoperate because it’s OS X 10.6.

That Mac mini can get to macOS 10.13, though server (Server app) is likely only available to those that had already purchased it

Ethan0001 Author

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Jan 12, 2025 11:08 AM in response to BDAqua

I have to original OS install disk that came with it, I’ll try booting into safe mode, I’ll tell you how it goes

Ethan0001 Author

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Jan 19, 2025 5:56 PM in response to BDAqua

The screen that came up looks cool to be honest XD. but what should I do next? Exit to boot?

Ethan0001 Author

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Jan 20, 2025 6:08 AM in response to BDAqua

I repeated it once again after this. “Regions” still aren’t appearing

Ethan0001 Author

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Jan 20, 2025 6:11 AM in response to HWTech

The 2nd dvd is the admin tools cd right? Or the server install cd? Oh also, is the LG cd drive adequate enough?

BDAqua

Level 10

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Jan 21, 2025 8:24 AM in response to Ethan0001

As MrHoffman says, AHT isn't very good & a USB KB is needed.

Ethan0001 Author

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Feb 18, 2025 4:59 AM in response to BDAqua

So I finally got my KB, sorry for such a long wait, what should I do?

Ethan0001 Author

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Jan 18, 2025 3:10 PM in response to BDAqua

So, I tried what you said, hitting shift on startup. The Apple logo appeared, with a spinning gear, and a loading bar. It loaded into this screen.

I hit the English option, and then pressed the blue arrow in the bottom right, and then the screen turned grey, and skipped past the loading intro (the flying X, coming in from above) and into this

This “Welcome” screen is the screen I can’t get past, and I’m pretty much stuck on. (For future reference) I have a LG GP65NS60 external dvd drive (pictured below)

I also have the install dvds, from the box the Mini came in (also pictured below)

Do you know what I should do now? I am totally stuck.

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Jan 18, 2025 3:17 PM in response to Ethan0001

When it's stuck, have you tried unplugging the KB & Mouse, pausing then reconnecting them?

Has it got an internet connection?

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Mac Mini 10.6 Server OS Issues