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Q: Mac Mini server won't boot.

Our server is on, but when we try to access it via its screen it excepts password but returns to login page. Any ideas?

Mac mini, OS X Server

Posted on Apr 18, 2013 1:02 AM

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Q: Mac Mini server won't boot.

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Apr 18, 2013 11:37 AM in response to n9design
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Apr 18, 2013 11:37 AM in response to n9design

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.

    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, or by a peripheral device.

     

    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode* and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
    • Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then hold down the shift key while pressing the power button.
    • When you see the gray Apple logo, release the shift key.
    • If you are prompted to log in, type your password, and then hold down the shift key again as you click  Log in.
    *Note: If FileVault is enabled under OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t boot in safe mode.

     

    Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.

    The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

     

    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

     

    After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

  • by n9design,

    n9design n9design Apr 19, 2013 6:39 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 19, 2013 6:39 AM in response to Linc Davis

    Thanks Linc,
    Yes, same problem in safe mode.

     

    Drive is still accessible via the network. But can't login past username and password at start-up.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Apr 19, 2013 8:08 AM in response to n9design
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Apr 19, 2013 8:08 AM in response to n9design

    Back up all data. Ask if you need instructions.

     

    Boot into Recovery by holding down the key combination command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a gray screen with a spinning dial.

     

    Note: You need an always-on Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to the Internet to use Recovery. It won’t work with USB or PPPoE modems, or with proxy servers, or with networks that require a certificate for authentication.

     

    When the OS X Utilities screen appears, follow the prompts to reinstall the OS. You don't need to erase the boot volume, and you won't need your backup unless something goes wrong. If your Mac was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade, so make a note of those before you begin.

  • by Starvingarchi,

    Starvingarchi Starvingarchi Aug 6, 2015 2:33 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 6, 2015 2:33 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Hi Linc Davis,

    Earlier this week I had problems booting up whereby my mac mini server would get stuck at the grey screen with logo. I booted in safe mode (as you suggested) and the computer booted successfully. Disk utility reported that "permissions differ" on various items, I ran the repair then verified disk and finally the computer worked again. Today, the server got stuck again and am doing the same thing...I'm pasting a few lines of the report. Would you be able to see what's causing the issue?

     

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/1.6.0.jdk/Contents/Classes/dt.jar", should be lrwxr-xr-x , they are lrw-r--r-- .

    User differs on "System/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/1.6.0.jdk/Contents/Home/lib", should be 0, user is 95.

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/1.6.0.jdk/Contents/Home/lib/dt.jar", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Java/Support/Deploy.bundle/Contents/Home/lib/security/cacerts", should be lrwxr-xr-x , they are lrw-r--r-- .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Java/Support/Deploy.bundle/Contents/Resources/JavaPluginCocoa.b undle/Contents/Resources/Java/deploy.jar", should be lrwxr-xr-x , they are lrw-r--r-- .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Menu Extras/RemoteDesktop.menu/Contents/Resources/Japanese.lproj/RemoteDesktopMenu.n ib", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Support/Rem ote Desktop Message.app/Contents/Resources/Japanese.lproj/UIAgent.nib", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Menu Extras/RemoteDesktop.menu/Contents/Resources/German.lproj/RemoteDesktopMenu.nib ", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Support/Rem ote Desktop Message.app/Contents/Resources/German.lproj/UIAgent.nib", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/AppleVNCServer.bundle/Contents/Su pport/LockScreenLeopard386.app/Contents/Resources/French.lproj/MainMenu.nib", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.6.0/Classes/dt.jar", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.6.0/Classes/jce.jar", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.6.0/Classes/jconsole.jar ", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.6.0/Resources/JavaPlugin Cocoa.bundle", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are lrwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.6.0/Resources/JavaPlugin Cocoa.bundle/Contents/Resources/Java/deploy.jar", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .

    Warning: SUID file "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/ARDAg ent" has been modified and will not be repaired.

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Support/Rem ote Desktop Message.app/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/UIAgent.nib", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/AppleVNCServer.bundle/Contents/Su pport/LockScreen.app/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/MainMenu.nib", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

    ACL found but not expected on "Users".

    Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/AppleVNCServer.bundle/Contents/Su pport/LockScreen.app/Contents/Resources/Dutch.lproj/MainMenu.nib", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are -rwxr-xr-x .

     

    Thank you in advance.

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Aug 6, 2015 2:35 PM in response to Starvingarchi
    Level 10 (189,410 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 6, 2015 2:35 PM in response to Starvingarchi

    many Permission errors/repairs are not really problems see:

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203172

  • by Starvingarchi,

    Starvingarchi Starvingarchi Aug 6, 2015 2:53 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 6, 2015 2:53 PM in response to lllaass

    Hi lllaass,

    Thanks for the reference. Question: If they are not real problems, then what;s causing my mac mini to get stuck at the grey screen? As I mentioned in the last post, after running the repairs the comp seemed to run normal until it got stuck again today. Do you think it has anything to do with not updating software?

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Aug 6, 2015 3:10 PM in response to Starvingarchi
    Level 10 (189,410 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 6, 2015 3:10 PM in response to Starvingarchi

    Try booting the Recovery and repairing the startup drive.

    Also what is the status of SMART. Verified is good but it can still say Verified but the disk can have problems.

  • by Starvingarchi,

    Starvingarchi Starvingarchi Aug 10, 2015 2:32 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 10, 2015 2:32 PM in response to lllaass

    Server seemed to be working these last few days, albeit very slow. Over the weekend, it got stuck again and so I shut it off for the whole weekend. Turned it back on this morning and the situation seemed to have gotten worse...the screen of death came up after the grey icon appeared. Is my comp toast? Aaaaahh...

     

    Thanks!

     

    IMG_8560.JPG (see attached pic)

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Aug 10, 2015 3:23 PM in response to Starvingarchi
    Level 10 (189,410 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 10, 2015 3:23 PM in response to Starvingarchi

    After the next startup log the panic and post it here

    Mac OS X: How to log a kernel panic