Mac Mini Factory Restore Issue

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Level 1

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Mac Mini Factory Restore Issue

Have an issue with restoring my mac mini... it is a little older version (but runs OSX Tiger). I have the restore disks that came with it. I have been trying for hours now and can not figure out what I am doing wrong. Here is what I am doing:

1.) Insert Disk One of the OSX Install Disk

2.) When it opens on my mac I click on "Install Mac OSX and Bundle Software"

3.) Click on the "Restart" button

4.) Wait for the computer to restart, then hold on to the "C" button

Every time I do this, the cd ejects before the apple shows up on the startup screen, and the computer restarts normally. I have tried holding down the "C" button at different points of the restart, before the restart and even changing the boot disk options in my preferences. Nothing works. I have also search the internet and keep coming up with the same instructions.

Am I missing something? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 30, 2012 10:26 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jun 30, 2012 10:31 PM in response to scottinaz

Booting From An OS X Installer Disc

1. Insert OS X Installer Disc into the optical drive.

2. Restart the computer.

3. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the "C" key.

4. Release the key when the spinning gear below the dark gray Apple logo appears.

5. Wait for installer to finish loading.

Prepare Your Mac for Sale

After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select the startup volume from the left side list then click on the Erase tab. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) then click on the Options button. Select the one pass Zero Data option and click on the OK button. Then click on the Erase button.

Note: You can skip the Zero Data option if you are not concerned about removing sensitive personal data from the hard drive. If you choose to skip this part of the process then it is possible for others to recover data from the hard drive. The Zero Data procedure will prevent others from getting access to your personal information.

This process will take 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the size of the hard drive. After formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Now complete the OS X installation. At the completion of the installation do not restart the computer. Instead just shut it off. The next user will be presented with the Setup Assistant when they turn on the computer just as it would if new out of the box.

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Answer 2

scottinaz Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 30, 2012 10:51 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for your quick response!

None of the tutorials I ready said anything about waiting for the tone (when the computer starts up). However when I did this... Held down the "C" button when the startup tone is heard. It scans the CD for a while and comes up with a folder with a question mark on it. Then the CD ejects again. I put the cd back in and the wheel came up, released the "C" button and it started up normally again. I also tried with CD 2 of the install disks, it did not eject the CD, but still started up normally (and gave me an error message).

The restore disks I have are origonal and in great condition. So I do not think it is the CD. Any other thoughts at why it will not boot into the DU? Thanks Again!

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