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User profile for user: Blynn213
Blynn213 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Mini Mac start up problem

On startup, Mac screen is green with colored target symbol in the center, and black line in center of target. Asks for password but no known passwords will work. How to proceed?

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 9:13 AM

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
82,540 points

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 10:21 AM

What year model and what macOS is it running?

see > Identify your Mac mini model - Apple Support


Is it stuck at that screen or does it eventually move on and completely startup?


If stuck, shut it off by holding the power button for at least 10 seconds. Next disconnect all USB external drives and devices. Then power it on to see if it will startup normally.


If it does not, reconnect the USB keyboard and mouse if that is what you use, then startup in “Safe Mode” followed by a normal restart.

see > Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support


If Safe Mode doesn’t help, then try reinstalling the macOS.

see > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
82,540 points

Nov 19, 2022 10:21 AM in response to Blynn213

What year model and what macOS is it running?

see > Identify your Mac mini model - Apple Support


Is it stuck at that screen or does it eventually move on and completely startup?


If stuck, shut it off by holding the power button for at least 10 seconds. Next disconnect all USB external drives and devices. Then power it on to see if it will startup normally.


If it does not, reconnect the USB keyboard and mouse if that is what you use, then startup in “Safe Mode” followed by a normal restart.

see > Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support


If Safe Mode doesn’t help, then try reinstalling the macOS.

see > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

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User profile for user: Blynn213
Blynn213 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Nov 19, 2022 12:26 PM in response to den.thed

I did get the Mac opened using the above advice. After trying all known passwords, the screen eventually gave me an option to create a new Apple password and that worked. A scan with Malwarebytes shows no problems. When restarting, the same green screen comes up and requires the new password to proceed. The processor is a Macmini 7,1 and the overview page shows "Late 2014" although it was purchased new from a major retailer in March of 2018. Thank you, den.thed, for responding.

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Mini Mac start up problem

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