Can 2 Macs connect with ethernet cable to share DVD for remote install?

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Can 2 Macs connect with ethernet cable to share DVD for remote install?

Can I simply connect a Mac Mini Server and MacBook together with an ethernet cable?

I want to reinstall Mac OS X Server on the DVDless Mac Mini. There is no separate AirPort device.

So do I just connect the two machines with an ethernet cable, start the remote install program on the MacBook, then restart the Mac Mini with the Option key pressed?

Thanks.

Posted on Jul 21, 2010 8:54 PM

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Answer 1

R C-R

Level 6

17,782 points

Jul 22, 2010 6:48 AM in response to rgross999

According to page 57 of the Getting Started 10.6 server manual, you can use a Mac with a DVD drive operating in target disk mode for this. I see no mention of using Ethernet so I assume it is not supported. Even if it was, it would be extremely slow compared to using FireWire target disk mode.

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Answer 2

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Jul 22, 2010 7:24 AM in response to rgross999

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2129

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Answer 3

R C-R

Level 6

17,782 points

Jul 22, 2010 8:19 AM in response to andyBall_uk

Don't be surprised if this method either takes an unusually long time to complete or doesn't work at all. For the best chances of relatively speedy success, make sure the MacBook's software is up-to-date & its OS is working as expected, with no glitches. Unlike with Firewire Target Disk Mode, the Mac with the optical drive depends on an app (Remote Install) to provide the connectivity.

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Answer 4

Jul 22, 2010 8:23 AM in response to R C-R

Macs have been coming with gigabit ethernet for many years now. In fact, a direct GB ethernet connection performs practically equally well as a FW800 connection, despite the protocol overhead of the TCP/IP layer.

Cheers,

Jazz

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