Level 1

13 points

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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MrHoffman

Community+ 2025

Level 10

132,845 points

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 7:51 AM

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.

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BDAqua

Level 10

246,413 points

Jan 19, 2025 7:32 PM in response to Ethan0001

Does it boot to Single User Mode, CMD+s keys at bootup, if so try...

Paste these lines into Text Edit so you can arrow thru & see the spaces...

/sbin/fsck -fy

/sbin/mount -uw /

Repeat until it shows no errors fixed.

(Space between fsck AND -fy important).

HWTech

Level 9

63,764 points

Jan 19, 2025 8:29 PM in response to MrHoffman

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.

Ethan0001 Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 21, 2025 7:13 AM in response to BDAqua

I ran the AHT, and it passed all tests. I recently moved back to school, and I thought I could use my KB I have there. The keyboard seems to only turn on, after the Mini boot chime, which by then it’s too late to perform any shortcut keys. So I will have to get my older keyboard, so that will take me some time.

Ethan0001 Author

Level 1

13 points

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

Level 1

13 points

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

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

Ethan0001 Author

Level 1

13 points

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

BDAqua

Level 10

246,413 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?

BDAqua

Level 10

246,413 points

Jan 19, 2025 5:40 AM in response to Ethan0001

Yes, pause for a few seconds with them unplugged once you get to the screen where you can't do anything.

Might try Ethernet also.

BDAqua

Level 10

246,413 points

Jan 19, 2025 1:18 PM in response to Ethan0001

You have to boot into Single User Mode... CMD+s on startup

or ..

Restore mode, CMD+s on startup

Look for Utilities menu at top of screen.

Ethan0001 Author

Level 1

13 points

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?

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