Recovery mode without command or windows keys

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Level 1

4 points

Recovery mode without command or windows keys

Hello,

I am a mac newbie, but experienced linux and windows user. I am trying to restore my mac mini (mid 2011) running mavericks. The process should normally be very simple; press command-R keys while booting to start recovery mode and go from there.

Unfortunately my keyboard is a palm-sized keyboard without command or windows keys. So I am stuck. I have 2 windows laptops that I can use to remote login but I cannot do remote login during boot.

I tried mapping the Command key to Ctrl key inside OS X, but it seems like this only works after reboot.

I tried to use recovery disk assistant as it requires "Option" key, but the assistant does not allow me select the HD, as I guess I do not have a recovery system on the HD.

I tried doing network install, but it requires the install CD, which I don't have.

Can you help me get out of this situation? I have an ipad and two iphones if it helps.

Thanks!

Mac mini, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4), mid 2011

Posted on Sep 8, 2014 10:03 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 8, 2014 10:11 AM in response to tarkani

This is the OS X keyboard shortcuts list:OS X: Keyboard shortcuts

You can also restart and hold the Option key if you have one on your palm-keyboard and that will bring up the grey screen showing all bootable sources...select the Recovery HD from that screen.

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Answer 2

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Sep 8, 2014 3:25 PM in response to tarkani

I tried to use recovery disk assistant as it requires "Option" key, but the assistant does not allow me select the HD, as I guess I do not have a recovery system on the HD.

If you mean holding down the OPTION (alt) key during restart, that takes you to the Startup Manager. AFAIK, there's no recovery disk assistant app in OS X. If you can't do that, then get an Apple keyboard. Without a recovery HD, you'll have to reinstall the OS.

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