Having trouble re-loading Mac OS X to mac mini.

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Having trouble re-loading Mac OS X to mac mini.

I recently recieved a hand-me-down mac mini which was in "server mode". I tried to re-load Mac OS X, choosing to archive the old server data just in case the original owner wanted it back. But after the first CD has run its course, the mini goes through a never-ending rebooting cycle. I tried to reload it last night and checked this morning and it would still reboot, go to the white screen with the white apple, then reboot again and repeat. I tried holding down "C", but all that let me do was re-load mac os x again and repeat the process.

When I manually shut the computer down and repower it, it again is stuck in the rebooting loop.

Please help.

Thanks,

e

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Feb 28, 2012 6:28 AM

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Answer 1

emtoujouse Author

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Feb 28, 2012 7:18 AM in response to emtoujouse

The Mac Mini is a 1.83 GHz, 1 GB ram, 80 GB HD from 2008 I believe.

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Answer 2

b j t

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Feb 28, 2012 7:22 AM in response to emtoujouse

You need to use the disc/s that came with it.

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Answer 3

emtoujouse Author

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Feb 28, 2012 7:36 AM in response to b j t

I used the discs that I was given...It said Mac OS X 2008 on it. Are these not the right discs?

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Answer 4

b j t

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Feb 28, 2012 7:44 AM in response to emtoujouse

Do the disks say "Mac OSX Leopard / or Mac OSX 10.5 ? printed on the label ?

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Answer 5

emtoujouse Author

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Feb 28, 2012 7:45 AM in response to b j t

Mac OS X 10.5

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Answer 6

b j t

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Feb 28, 2012 7:56 AM in response to emtoujouse

These links will give you the info you need

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1545

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1773

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2186

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2956

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Answer 7

emtoujouse Author

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Feb 28, 2012 8:17 AM in response to b j t

How do I boot directly to the hard drive and not to the Mac OS X 10.5 CD?

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Answer 8

b j t

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Feb 28, 2012 8:20 AM in response to emtoujouse

You need to boot from the disk.

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Answer 9

emtoujouse Author

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Feb 28, 2012 8:46 AM in response to b j t

When I reboot from the disk and try to exit the mac os x installer and go to the startup disk, it brings me back to the infinite loop until I eventually have to hold the C button which brings me back to the mac os x installer. Any suggestions?

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Answer 10

emtoujouse Author

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Feb 28, 2012 4:55 PM in response to emtoujouse

So the disk that I was trying to re-install was Mac OS X 10.5.4. I tried doing all of the things in the link to no avail. When I try to install the CD, it reboots, goes to the gray screen for a few minute, then reboots and repeats. The only things that work are ejecting the CD, holding down C to get back to the Mac OS X installer, going to the single user screen. None of which fix the problem. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

E

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