I have years of apps, and files on my backup Time Machine using Snow Leopard, can I wipe Mountain Lion and install Snow Leopard?
No you can not install any earlier versions of OS X, because they do not support the newer Mac Mini.
No you can not install any earlier versions of OS X, because they do not support the newer Mac Mini.
That topic discusses the totally working option of installing Snow on a 2011 Mini. Ivy Bridge however is a step to far. But the shown page shows a little hint on using virtualisation to run Snow inside Mountain Lion. Virtualisation is the only option for now.
Running Snow Leopard (with Rosetta) in Parallels:
[click on image to enlarge]
Full Snow Leopard installation instructions here:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1365439
NOTE: Computer games with complex, 3D or fast motion graphics make not work well or at all in virtualization.
Can I wipe my 2012 Mini and install Snow Leopard
