remote install OS X

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Level 1

5 points

remote install OS X

I have a Mac Mini (OS 10.5.8) that does not have a DVD drive. I have set up my MacBook (OS 10.6.8) on the network via ethernet. I have started Mac OS Remote Install on the MacBook, with the install disc in the MacBook. I went through all the steps on the MacBook and it is waiting for the Mac Mini to connect. When I restart the Mac Mini and I hold down the Option Key, the Mac Mini only shows the Mac HD as the only bootable drive. It does not recognize the Remote DVD. I have turned the firewalls off on both Macs. Can someone help?

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 30, 2011 8:41 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Jun 30, 2011 12:28 PM in response to mgmcotton

IIRC, you're doing it backwards. Start the mini in target disk mode (restart holding down the T key), then boot the MB with the install disc, and the Mini should show up as a target volume.

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Answer 2

mgmcotton Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 30, 2011 12:35 PM in response to baltwo

I thought we only used Target mode for Firewire Connections. I am using ethernet connections. When starting in Target Disk Mode the Screen on the Target Disk shows the Firewire symbol and all other functions are not working so I would not be able to install over the network. Unfortunately, my MB does not have firewire.

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Answer 3

Jun 30, 2011 12:53 PM in response to mgmcotton

Just for clarification, what DVD are you using? Are you trying to install 10.6 or 10.5?

If 10.6 is it a retail DVD, or are you trying to use the MB's grey install disc?

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Answer 4

mgmcotton Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 30, 2011 12:59 PM in response to noondaywitch

Using the Retail Family Pack DVD of Snow Leopard (10.6). Not using MB's grey install disc. Trying to update 10.5.8 to Snow Leopoard (10.6).

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Answer 5

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Jun 30, 2011 1:24 PM in response to mgmcotton

Sorry, I was thinking FireWire. As for ethernet, I'll let others chime in, but maybe you need to set up sharing on both machines.

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Answer 6

Jun 30, 2011 3:06 PM in response to mgmcotton

mgmcotton wrote:

Using the Retail Family Pack DVD of Snow Leopard (10.6). Not using MB's grey install disc. Trying to update 10.5.8 to Snow Leopoard (10.6).

Fine, but had to check.

Firewire would be easier, but if it ain't there...

It should be possible over the network, and I have an idea how, but as I haven't actually done it and haven't any way of trying it at the moment, I'll have to do a bit more digging before posting how I think it should work.

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