Q: My Mac mini won't reboot after a software update.

When you repaired the HD were errors repaired? Maybe the HD is failing

Try running Apple diagnostics

Using Apple Diagnostics - Apple Support

Hi, this same problem is happening to me. I'm trying to use an older mac mini to download itunes so I can synch and back up my phone. I've successfully downloaded the files, but restarting is required to complete the update, and my computer will never restart fully. I've also tried downloading and updating the software on the mac but the same problem occurs. Files are downloaded but computer won't restart. I've attempted all the troubleshooting I can find, and have tried various methods to run the Apple Diagnostic Test but it won't work holding down D upon reboot. I even tried downloading the dmg and opening it in Pacifist but I don't think I have the right dmg file (someone had posted it on a different thread). I did run a disc verification and the volume was determined to be ok.

If there is any advice or additional troubleshooting I can do, please let me know. I really need to get my computer to restart after updates so I can get iTunes to work.

Current Mac OS X version: 10.6.6  (not sure which version it is trying to get me to upgrade to)

Processor: 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo

Memory: 1.5 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Manufacture year: 2006

Thanks,

Steph

Have you tried booting from the install DVD and reinstalling SL without formatting the startup disk?

Firs,t, from the install DVD go to Disk Utility and repair the startup disk

To run Apple Hardware test on your old Mac you have to find your original install disks and use the one disk that has AHT and boot from the disk.

After you install update using:

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399?locale=en_US

and

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1429?locale=en_US

Thanks for the quick response!

I actually don't have any of the original discs for the device. I bought it used from a co-worker years ago without them.

Do I have any other options? I let the computer try to restart all night to no avail.

Thanks, Steph

Do you have another Mac?

If not you can order SL install DVD here

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

No, I don't have another Mac. Had a HP laptop that was recently stolen :-(

If I order the install DVD, will I for sure be able to resolve my issue?

Thanks again.

You mentioned an install disk yo have. What is written on it besides 10.6.2?

What color is it?

What model Mini?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3476

No I don't have any install disk. I looked up the current version in the 'about' section.

The model I have is A1176

The color of the mini is white (If that is what you were asking...)

Will the snow leopard product you suggested work on my model A1176? Thx

Yes, The modelnumber covers the 2006 Minis and the 2007 Mini. The 2006 ones can only go to as high as 10.6.8 while the 2007 can go to 10.7.5

Hello again,

I just received the new software. Can you please advise on the next steps I should take to install properly? Do I need to erase the HD prior to uploading new version? Or any type of backup I should do?

Thanks for your help!

Cheers,

Steph

Refresh me as to the current operating status of the Mac.

You can boot using the install DVD and then if you do not have a backup clone the existing HD to an external disk using disk utility. Then you can format the internal drive and install OSX from the disk.

Then fully update vai Check for updates.