If I boot my mac mini in Command R and run first aid, does it automatically repair?

Question

Level 1

16 points

If I boot my mac mini in Command R and run first aid, does it automatically repair?

I have a mac mini, late 2014 model. I can't find my previous post, but I was advised to run etrecheck, and it stated my hard drive was failing. Not a big surprise, but in the meantime, I have been trying to decide whether or not to have Apple repair it or buy an external Hard drive. I'm not wanting to spend a lot on this as it has always had beach balls going round, but it is cheaper than other options at this time. It doesn't appear that and external hard drive will be much less expensive from what I am seeing. In the meantime, I booted in command + R and ran disk utilities and first aid. It states it is fixable, but does it automatically repair the disk? Is there a report generated after firstaid is run, and if so, where do I find it?

Mac mini, macOS 12.4

Posted on Jun 21, 2022 10:21 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

islandlady91 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jun 21, 2022 1:45 PM in response to islandlady91

Etrecheck report

Reply

Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

103,081 points

Jun 21, 2022 1:58 PM in response to islandlady91

Good work on trying to figure out the best route to take and thank your for the EtreCheck report. That makes the whole process up-front and easier

disk0 - APPLE HDD HTS541010A9E662 1.00 TB (Mechanical - 5400 RPM)

A - Mac mini 2014 with Rotational Drive and a 5400 RPM drive will be slow not matter how clean the System is kept.

A - Option is a good reliable External SSD Drive compatible with the USB ports of this computer. Just make sure the SSD Drive has the capacity you need to work and store your data.

A - Install the Operating System Directly to the External Drive. In System Preferences >> Startup Disk, choose the External Drive as the default Drive.

A - Suggestion if going this route. Only have the External Drive attached to computer @ Startup. Having more than one external Drive attached my confuse the computer and then will not startup as planned.

Q - 8 GB RAM - Not upgradeable

A - The SSD Drive will increase the overall speed and responsiveness but RAM would make it even faster. I=Unfortunatley, this machine an no upgrade to RAM

Reply

Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

103,081 points

Jun 22, 2022 1:12 AM in response to islandlady91

https://www.owc.com is a reputable starting point and may even have specific SSD Drives to match the Age of this Mac Mini 2014.

The External Drive - once the drive has the Operating System installed on it, the would be the Sole and Only Purpose of that Drive. Nothing more.

Reply

Answer 4

islandlady91 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jun 21, 2022 1:44 PM in response to islandlady91

I ran etrecheck again and thought I could maybe try to work on the solutions myself, but I don't think that will be wise. I don't know enough and don't want to make it worse. I am trying to figure out how to add the report and see if someone can advise me on these solutions.

Reply

Answer 5

islandlady91 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jun 21, 2022 6:43 PM in response to Owl-53

Thank you very much for your reply and all your good advice. This was the first time I figured out how to attach the etrechek report…. It sounds like it would not be worth spending the money to have the hard drive replaced and that an external drive would work better. I bought an older refurbished model to use, but after spending several hours today, I think this one is working better now, but I definitely will need to get an external drive. Then to figure out how to follow your instructions. I don’t understand how I can use the external drive if not attached after startup, but I will figure it out. I have read some of this in other posts, so now to find an external drive. If you have recommendations, I would really appreciate knowing what would work the best, and how install the operating system to the external device. I do see what you stated above, so hopefully I can do that. Thank you in advance, and I really appreciate your help.

Reply