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Mac mini startup problem. Blank desktop - no dock/icons.

But i can see the clock, wifi symbol, etc.... and i can move the cursor.

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Mar 25, 2014 7:34 PM

41 replies

dang314

Level 1

85 points

Mar 26, 2014 9:56 PM in response to greekmushroom

Restart the MacBook while pushing down on the trackpad.

lllaass

Level 10

210,417 points

Mar 27, 2014 2:56 AM in response to greekmushroom

After yo get the disk ejected, boot the Min in Target Disk Mode, connect to MacBook via FW , bot Mackbook normally and backup data from Mini. The download SuperDupper

http://download.cnet.com/SuperDuper/3000-2242_4-46651.html

and clone the MacBook HD to the Mini

Mar 27, 2014 6:27 AM in response to lllaass

Thanks guys.

Ok the CD is stuck for good, I've tried every possible solution

and nothing works. It's stuck and will definitely not eject.

I am going to try the SuperDuper method, hopefully it's easy to understand?

Mar 27, 2014 6:55 AM in response to greekmushroom

I've downloaded Superduper,

but i have no idea how to clone the Macbook HD to the mac mini.

lllaass

Level 10

210,417 points

Mar 27, 2014 8:01 AM in response to greekmushroom

To eject:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2097

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5064261?tstart=0

http://www.faqforge.com/macosx/how-to-eject-a-cd-in-a-mac-mini-with-pc-keyboard- and-mouse/

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4278382?tstart=0

To uses SuperDupper just open it and in the entry box labled Copy select the MackBook startup disk. In the to you want the Mini's HD

Mar 27, 2014 8:12 AM in response to lllaass

i can live with the stuck CD in macbook for now, i've tried every single method.

is superduper that simple?

will it simply replace the mini HD with my macbook HD?

I don't need to do anything else other than the instruction you gave above?

lllaass

Level 10

210,417 points

Mar 27, 2014 8:21 AM in response to greekmushroom

It is very simple. It will clone the MacBook's HD to the Mini's HD.

SuperDuppers Help is is also very good.

Mar 27, 2014 8:24 AM in response to lllaass

last question before i go for it with superduper:

Below where i select the copy from and to, which seems straightforwad

do i leave the selection at 'Using - Backup all files

lllaass

Level 10

210,417 points

Mar 27, 2014 8:48 AM in response to greekmushroom

Yes, you want all files backed up. Y can open SupperDupper and then clci on Help in the Munue and select users Guide. Go to Backup for first time topic.

Mar 27, 2014 12:03 PM in response to lllaass

wow.

you've been fantastic. thank you so much.

I used Superduper and i now have a mac mini working better than ever, (i hope)

plus it's no longer stuck on 10.5.8 which is extra sweet!

lllaass

Level 10

210,417 points

Mar 27, 2014 2:17 PM in response to greekmushroom

There is an advantage with having two Macs.

Mac mini startup problem. Blank desktop - no dock/icons.