MacMini Help

Kido

I bought a Macmini a couple of weeks ago. Everything was up and running on it without any problems. I tried to install an external HDD via USB and now when I switch the MAc on all it does is come up with a grey screen. I tried to re-boot it by putting the installation disc into the drive but now I can't get that out and I'm no further forward. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I can do. I've taken the external HDD away for now but it doesn't seem to have made any difference.

Susan

knightstyle

If you don't get any replies here try the Machelp forum here https://www.macworld.co.uk/forums/ You have to join but they are very good at helping with Mac problems.
I have used them a lot.

almillar

google for keyboard shortcuts - there's one for forcing it to boot off the CD which you should try first. It could take ages before you get anything apart from the grey screen, put your ear up to it to check if it's reading the CD. If you can't even get that to work, there should also be a method for resetting the power circuit, or the 'open firmware'. https://www.apple.com/support is actually very helpful for this kind of thing...

isofa

It maybe trying to boot from the external drive, but unlikely unless you've installed OS X on that, and I don't think USB drives can be booted from, only firewire, but I may be wrong.

Reboot with the OS X CD/DVD in the slot and hold down the C key on the keyboard to force it to start from the CD, then run the Disk Utility to scan for any problems. If that sounds like gibberish to you, read: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214

For excellent advice try the MacUser Forums.

chorlton

If you bought it new a couple of weeks ago then you should have got 90 days free applecare support so call them on 0870 876 0753 and they can talk you through any of the suggestions above.

To get the DVD out, switch it on while holding your mouse button down.

moomintroll_3

It may be trying to boot from a non-existent USB drive (new macs support USB booting). Hold down the 'option' key when you're starting the machine. Once it gets past the EFI checks it should show a list of boot volumes it can recognise - just choose your normal boot disk.