Barry Schiffman

Q: Older OS on Mini Server?

Can we drop back and run the desktop (i.e. not the OS X server version)  of Snow Leopard on a new Mac Mini server?

 

We need the two hard drives but really have no need for the server OS and have licenses for  Snow Leopard.

Posted on Feb 28, 2012 8:45 AM

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Q: Older OS on Mini Server?

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  • by kylepiggy,

    kylepiggy kylepiggy Feb 28, 2012 9:10 AM in response to Barry Schiffman
    Level 1 (95 points)
    Feb 28, 2012 9:10 AM in response to Barry Schiffman

    You cannot install an OS lower than the one the Mac is shipped with

     

    Message was edited by: kylepiggy

  • by Eric.,Solvedanswer

    Eric. Eric. Feb 28, 2012 2:36 PM in response to Barry Schiffman
    Level 6 (12,260 points)
    Feb 28, 2012 2:36 PM in response to Barry Schiffman

    Lion Server has an additional app and support files "on top" of Lion client. You can remove it if you just want to run Lion client; see here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4827

     

    I have a 2011 mini server 5,3 (quad-core i7 2.0) purchased at the end of last year. It came with Lion Server on it. I installed Snow Leopard Server on the 2d HD following some directions posted here and the internet; I was double-checking for a friend whether SL Server would work. I suspect I could have done regular Snow Leopard client as well.

     

    You have to some somersaults because the retail SL discs typically don't have the drivers for the i5 and i7 chips; they appear later but can be found in the Combo update. And it may be that you can't boot the mini from the SL install disc. I just put the mini in firewire target disc mode hooked up to my MBP, which came with snow leopard. After installing, I immediately ran the Combo update. As always, your mileage may vary.

  • by Barry Schiffman,

    Barry Schiffman Barry Schiffman Feb 28, 2012 2:56 PM in response to Eric.
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Feb 28, 2012 2:56 PM in response to Eric.

    That's very cool. Thanks.

     

    One big motivation for not waiting the server OS was to be able to run the desktop version of Retrospect, which the user of the machine likes. I don't know how Retrospect decides what it will and won't run on and how.

     

    In any case, we're talking about dropping Retrospect and relying on Time Machine instead

     

    .