NevBull

Q: Snow Leopard on Mac Mini Server

Hi All - I have a new 2010 Mac Mini Server and would like to install Snow Leopard (non server version) on it. When I boot from the retail SL DVD on an external USB drive, it boots ok, then I get the error screen and have to hold down the power button to restart.

does anyone have any idea how I can achieve this?

Nev.

Mac Mini Server 2010, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jun 18, 2010 5:39 AM

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Q: Snow Leopard on Mac Mini Server

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  • by Steep&Deep,

    Steep&Deep Steep&Deep Jun 23, 2010 12:03 PM in response to Hotman2009
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 12:03 PM in response to Hotman2009
    Just got back from the Apple store with no luck getting the Mac mini restore disks. They told me the only way they would provide them to me would be if I could show proof of purchase of a mac mini, proof of purchase of a mac mini server would not work. The apple genius also insured me that I could use the SL 10.6.3 retail disk to install SL client on my mac mini server without any issues, even though we all know you can't. Now I am thinking of buying a mac mini and making disk images of the install disks and then returning it. Anyone have issues returning a computer to apple?
  • by acaurora,

    acaurora acaurora Jun 23, 2010 12:06 PM in response to Steep&Deep
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 12:06 PM in response to Steep&Deep
    Bear in mind the restocking fee. I think when I looked at my receipt for the server it was somewhere around $9x. To be honest I just reinstalled the server Snow Leopard, turned off all the services, and am using it as a normal computer. Works great for me, no hiccups or weirdness.
  • by JOEJOEMOJO,

    JOEJOEMOJO JOEJOEMOJO Jun 23, 2010 12:13 PM in response to NevBull
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 12:13 PM in response to NevBull
    I followed a similar process to get my Mac Mini Server Macmini4,1 mid-2010 to run the SL CLIENT OSX

    Install the OSX SERVER 10.6 that came with the Mini on an external drive called "osxServerDisk", complete the full installation process and apply software updated patches.

    Verify the Ethernet wired connection is working properly.

    Install the OSX CLIENT 10.6.3 on the internal disk, complete the full installation process and apply software update patches.

    Boot the system into the OSX CLIENT

    Verify the Ethernet wired connection is NOT working properly.

    Run a shell Terminal and become superuser root

    Run the following:

    root# cp -rpv /Volumes/osxServerDisk/System/Library/Extensions/AppleSDXC.kext /System/Library/Extensions

    root# cp -rpv /Volumes/osxServerDisk/System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Conten ts/PlugIns/AppleBCM5701Ethernet.kext /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns

    root# cp -rpv /Volumes/osxServerDisk/System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Conten ts/PlugIns/nvenet.kext /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns

    root# kextload /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns/nvenet.kext

    root# kextload /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleBCM570 1Ethernet.kext

    root# kextload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleSDXC.kext

    You should not need to reboot, and all the devices should now be available.

    Verify the Ethernet wired connection IS working properly.

    Smile
  • by acaurora,

    acaurora acaurora Jun 23, 2010 12:50 PM in response to JOEJOEMOJO
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 12:50 PM in response to JOEJOEMOJO
    That is an awesome walkthrough! Will keep it handy for if/when I decide to go to the non-server version.
  • by joeinid,

    joeinid joeinid Jun 23, 2010 2:02 PM in response to JOEJOEMOJO
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 2:02 PM in response to JOEJOEMOJO
    Thank you joejoemojo. Very much appreciated.

    Joe
  • by Hotman2009,

    Hotman2009 Hotman2009 Jun 23, 2010 2:11 PM in response to JOEJOEMOJO
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 2:11 PM in response to JOEJOEMOJO
    JOEJOEMOJO wrote:
    I followed a similar process to get my Mac Mini Server Macmini4,1 mid-2010 to run the SL CLIENT OSX

    Install the OSX SERVER 10.6 that came with the Mini on an external drive called "osxServerDisk", complete the full installation process and apply software updated patches.

    Verify the Ethernet wired connection is working properly.

    Install the OSX CLIENT 10.6.3 on the internal disk, complete the full installation process and apply software update patches.

    Boot the system into the OSX CLIENT

    Verify the Ethernet wired connection is NOT working properly.

    Run a shell Terminal and become superuser root

    Run the following:

    root# cp -rpv /Volumes/osxServerDisk/System/Library/Extensions/AppleSDXC.kext /System/Library/Extensions

    root# cp -rpv /Volumes/osxServerDisk/System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Conten ts/PlugIns/AppleBCM5701Ethernet.kext /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns

    root# cp -rpv /Volumes/osxServerDisk/System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Conten ts/PlugIns/nvenet.kext /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns

    root# kextload /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns/nvenet.kext

    root# kextload /System/Library/Extensions/IONetworkingFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleBCM570 1Ethernet.kext

    root# kextload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleSDXC.kext

    You should not need to reboot, and all the devices should now be available.

    Verify the Ethernet wired connection IS working properly.

    Smile


    Unfortunately you will find there are still issues. Such as if you try to play a DVD with the bundled software you get an error. This means that OS X Client did not take perfectly. Also the ethernet driver might be installed but i found it to be a bit jumpy and not connect right away. Also I am interested in how you installed OS X Client. As per your guide I am reading it that you installed it from the Mini which is not possible. Are you installing it from a second mac. If not i am interested in what disk you are using to make the install because a normal OS X 10.6.3 client disk will not just install.
  • by Hotman2009,

    Hotman2009 Hotman2009 Jun 23, 2010 2:21 PM in response to Steep&Deep
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 2:21 PM in response to Steep&Deep
    Steep&Deep wrote:
    Just got back from the Apple store with no luck getting the Mac mini restore disks. They told me the only way they would provide them to me would be if I could show proof of purchase of a mac mini, proof of purchase of a mac mini server would not work. The apple genius also insured me that I could use the SL 10.6.3 retail disk to install SL client on my mac mini server without any issues, even though we all know you can't. Now I am thinking of buying a mac mini and making disk images of the install disks and then returning it. Anyone have issues returning a computer to apple?


    Yea be careful. It might not be worth the restocking fee. I mean $30 for a cd that works and no headaches is much better then $90 for possible problems. Even tho I belive as well as many others that the Mac Mini restore disk will install without a hitch there could still be a flaw in our theory such as a hardcoded machine id number in the disk to make sure it only works with one machine.


    Also another thing that iI found actually just now. Is that is seems like the graphics driver on the Server install is much more stable then my OS X Client. For example it detects my display better, and provdes me with the ability to calibrate the display. Something that the client will not currently allow. Just another observation.

    -Andrew

    Message was edited by: Hotman2009
  • by joeinid,

    joeinid joeinid Jun 23, 2010 2:22 PM in response to Hotman2009
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 2:22 PM in response to Hotman2009
    I don't think hardcoded is it. They will replace reinstall disc if you give serial #of mini to prove ownership. I'll chip in to help cover cost of restock fee. pm me.


    Joe
  • by pmcd,

    pmcd pmcd Jun 23, 2010 9:48 PM in response to Hotman2009
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 9:48 PM in response to Hotman2009

    Yea be careful. It might not be worth the restocking fee. I mean $30 for a cd that works and no headaches is much better then $90 for possible problems. Even tho I belive as well as many others that the Mac Mini restore disk will install without a hitch there could still be a flaw in our theory such as a hardcoded machine id number in the disk to make sure it only works with one machine.


    Also another thing that iI found actually just now. Is that is seems like the graphics driver on the Server install is much more stable then my OS X Client. For example it detects my display better, and provdes me with the ability to calibrate the display. Something that the client will not currently allow. Just another observation.

    -Andrew



    I still have my unopened Mini "server" haunting me. I really want to avoid downgrading to the normal Mini but there are time constraints and it's getting a bit strange.

    Are you suggesting that the server might never be able to run OSX client as it was meant to be a server?

    In any case it seems to me that the worse that can happen is that we have to wait for a newer retail SL? In the meantime can I just move my home that is on my current Min over to the Mini with SLS? What will happen to my iTunes music, apps, etc...? This is turning into a nightmare (:

    I guess the question is whether the server version is sufficiently faster to make all of this worth it.

    Even if we had a restore DVD from a Mini wouldn't that wipe everything out, or could you restore to the 2nd hard drive?

    philip
  • by acaurora,

    acaurora acaurora Jun 23, 2010 9:53 PM in response to pmcd
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 9:53 PM in response to pmcd
    You can use SLS as a normal OS, there are a few parts of the operating system that are server-specific, but they do not impede normal day to day use. That's what I'm doing.
  • by Hotman2009,

    Hotman2009 Hotman2009 Jun 24, 2010 7:35 AM in response to pmcd
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 24, 2010 7:35 AM in response to pmcd
    pmcd wrote:

    Yea be careful. It might not be worth the restocking fee. I mean $30 for a cd that works and no headaches is much better then $90 for possible problems. Even tho I belive as well as many others that the Mac Mini restore disk will install without a hitch there could still be a flaw in our theory such as a hardcoded machine id number in the disk to make sure it only works with one machine.


    Also another thing that iI found actually just now. Is that is seems like the graphics driver on the Server install is much more stable then my OS X Client. For example it detects my display better, and provdes me with the ability to calibrate the display. Something that the client will not currently allow. Just another observation.

    -Andrew



    I still have my unopened Mini "server" haunting me. I really want to avoid downgrading to the normal Mini but there are time constraints and it's getting a bit strange.

    Are you suggesting that the server might never be able to run OSX client as it was meant to be a server?

    In any case it seems to me that the worse that can happen is that we have to wait for a newer retail SL? In the meantime can I just move my home that is on my current Min over to the Mini with SLS? What will happen to my iTunes music, apps, etc...? This is turning into a nightmare (:

    I guess the question is whether the server version is sufficiently faster to make all of this worth it.

    Even if we had a restore DVD from a Mini wouldn't that wipe everything out, or could you restore to the 2nd hard drive?

    philip


    No I would not say that we will never be able to install the client on the server. I believe it is more of a waiting game until the next SL DVD has all the hardware kexts and configs on it. Then we should have no problem installing it. Also you can use SLS and run it like normal. I am currently doing this, I am also personally using some of the server features but you can have them all disabled and not worry about them. Its really your call. I think that in the future there will be no problems with installing the client. I think that just at this time we are running into issues because we really dont have the correct disk with all the correct hardware incorporated in it. But only you can be the judge. If we are never able to install (Not to say we wont) it will you be ok with SLS running on you mini.

    As per your questions. You could try and move your current setup to the second mini harddrive by making an image of it, and restoring it to the second harddrive. If you make an image all of you itunes and information will be saved with it, and it will make a perfect copy of the drive. To make sure of this check the file size of the image when its done. Should be close to the total disk usage.
    As per speed. I have found that the make shift versons of the client do not perform as well as SLS on my mini. This is prob because it was not installed on the mini and there are kexts, and other files its seems missing. I seem to find more and more each day. So as of now SLS installs correctly and seems to work the best. So until i can get my hands on a Mac Mini restore disk, or Apple puts a fix out for this i am working with SLS.
    If we were to eventually get a restore dvd or one that works to install, we would not need to wipe everything out because of the second harddrive. (Unless its full) you should install to that and have not problems with the other install. I currently have two installs on my machine now.

    Hope this helps and clears up a few questions.

    -Andrew
  • by jnjr16,

    jnjr16 jnjr16 Jun 24, 2010 8:56 AM in response to Steep&Deep
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jun 24, 2010 8:56 AM in response to Steep&Deep
    Steep&Deep wrote:
    Just got back from the Apple store with no luck getting the Mac mini restore disks. They told me the only way they would provide them to me would be if I could show proof of purchase of a mac mini, proof of purchase of a mac mini server would not work. The apple genius also insured me that I could use the SL 10.6.3 retail disk to install SL client on my mac mini server without any issues, even though we all know you can't. Now I am thinking of buying a mac mini and making disk images of the install disks and then returning it. Anyone have issues returning a computer to apple?


    The geniuses are right. I went and bought another retail disk. This time one specifically labeled with a grebe sticker as 10.6.3 and it installed just fine. I then did system updates and applied the mid 2010 Mac mini update from the apple site. All could not be better.

    So to sum up. I have the new just released Mac mini server model with snow leopard server removed and snow leopard regular installed fresh from a 10.6.3 disc.

    Hope this helps to know.
  • by joeinid,

    joeinid joeinid Jun 24, 2010 9:10 AM in response to jnjr16
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jun 24, 2010 9:10 AM in response to jnjr16
    Thanks jnjr16 !!!!

    Helps a lot. I appreciate the input. Can't wait until mine comes next week.
  • by tzmmtz,

    tzmmtz tzmmtz Jun 24, 2010 9:30 AM in response to joeinid
    Level 1 (14 points)
    Jun 24, 2010 9:30 AM in response to joeinid
    Last night I got a hold of the disks that come with a New Mac Mini Mid 2010 non-server version and used those disks to install on my Server version.

    Everything working, including EtherNet, DVD Player and SD slot. I didn't want to take a chance that a retail version of 10.6.3 has everything on it since this Mac Mini is newer then when retail 10.6.3 came out.

    So far, everything fine and updated to 10.6.4.
  • by Francois Petit1,

    Francois Petit1 Francois Petit1 Jun 24, 2010 9:32 AM in response to tzmmtz
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Jun 24, 2010 9:32 AM in response to tzmmtz
    How did you test the DVD PLayer with the Macbook Air Superdrive or a third party dvd drive/burner ?
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