screen sharing not working on Mac Mini media server

Question

screen sharing not working on Mac Mini media server

I am trying to run a Mac Mini (mid-2010 running ElCapitan 10.11.6) as a "headless" media server. I connect to it using screen-sharing from my laptop (2017 Macbook Air running 10.13.6 High Sierra); I select the Mini from "Shared" in the sidebar of Finder, then select "Share Screen" in the upper-righthand corner.

The Mini is connected by ethernet (to a switch fed by a router in another room), and the Air connects by wifi to an Airport Extreme connected to that same switch.

It seemed like it was working pretty well for awhile, and I don't think anything changed. But now, within days of rebooting the Mini, it stops working (click the "Share Screen" button and nothing happens). If I reboot the Mini (with extreme prejudice using the power button, since I have no keyboard/mouse connected to it) it starts working again; then at some point, typically days later, it no longer works. Rinse and repeat.

Not sure what to try. I did reset the SMC (the right way, I think, by unplugging the power cord and holding the power button for 5-10 sec), and maybe it worked a little better after that - hard to say, since I go days in between trying to connect. About to give up and get a Bluetooth keyboard/trackpad for te thing, but kinda pricey.

Mac mini, OS X 10.11

Posted on Aug 3, 2020 4:56 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 2, 2020 12:54 PM in response to RustyQShackleford

Or, should I say, resetting NVRAM fixed it for awhile. Couple of add'l data points:

I believe I'd attached my iPod (to update its music library) in between when it was working and when it stopped.
The remote app on wife's iPad still worked (even after screen-sharing from my laptop stopped).
Attaching a keyboard and going into SystemPrefs->Sharing, then unchecking and checking again ScreenSharing, made it start working again.

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Answer 2

Aug 8, 2020 5:41 PM in response to RustyQShackleford

Resetting PRAM/NVRAM fixed it !!

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Answer 3

Aug 4, 2020 4:19 AM in response to RustyQShackleford

Have you considered upgrading the Mini to High Sierra?

FWIW, my "headless" 2010 Mini that I use as a file server

and iTunes media server is working fine on High Sierra.

Also, on your system, how long has it been since you have done

a check of the drives with Disk Utility? If your Mini is still running

the original hard drive, after 10 years it may quite possibly be failing.

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

91,576 points

Aug 3, 2020 7:44 PM in response to RustyQShackleford

You can get and use an inexpensive Logitech MK120 USB Keyboard and Mouse Combo for under $20.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-mk120-desktop-usb-keyboard-and-mouse-black/1083236.p?skuId=1083236

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Answer 5

Aug 5, 2020 5:27 PM in response to woodmeister50

Yeah, I'll try those, thanks. I wouldn't mind replacing the hard-drive with SSD. I actually found a very cheap one on craigslist; it had CPU issues, but apparently a working SSD and CD/DVD drive (which the one in my Mini is flakey too). But, that replacement looks like a real PITA. Maybe I just need to look for a new Mini.

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Answer 6

Aug 6, 2020 4:57 AM in response to RustyQShackleford

I put an SSD in my 2010 and while it is a bit of work, the only part

that took a bit of care was removing the two temp sensors from

the old drive.

FWIW, I didn't specifically purchase an SSD for my Mini but it

was a "hand me down" from another Mac I upgraded to a larger

SSD.

Since it is a 2010, perhaps it is time to retire it. I am about to myself

as the USB2 ports have become a bottleneck in my network file

transfers.

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Answer 7

Aug 5, 2020 5:24 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks, but I'd really like something wireless. In theory, my laptop should fit the bill, but it doesn't seem very reliable (hence this thread)..

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Answer 8

Aug 6, 2020 10:32 AM in response to woodmeister50

Problem is, newer than 2010 do not have a CD/DVD drive, right ? So to add new CDs to library, have to use an external drive, or rip them on desktop that has drive, and move files over somehow.

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screen sharing not working on Mac Mini media server

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