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pcman3550
Level 1 (4 points)

Q: My new Mac Mini went dead after upgrading to El Capitan

I just upgraded to the El Capitan from Yosemite and now my Mac won't boot up anymore.  I'm resorting to using my Win 10 machine as I have not other way to post this message.  My last update was for the new El Capitan which now I regret having done.  Having a Mac Mini with no CD drive, I have no other choice than to take it back to the Micro Center store where I got it.  Any advice other than these is greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you,

Pat Canady

Mac mini, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), null

Posted on Oct 21, 2015 1:01 PM

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pcman3550

Q: My new Mac Mini went dead after upgrading to El Capitan

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  • by Pmintz25,

    Pmintz25 Pmintz25 Oct 21, 2015 1:04 PM in response to pcman3550
    Level 4 (1,634 points)
    Oct 21, 2015 1:04 PM in response to pcman3550

    What exactly is happening? Is it booting you to an Apple Logo and a progress bar? Is it not powering on at all? Is it booting you a folder with a question mark? Any of these screens?

     

    About the screens you see when your Mac starts up - Apple Support

  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Oct 21, 2015 3:35 PM in response to pcman3550
    Level 10 (207,963 points)
    Applications
    Oct 21, 2015 3:35 PM in response to pcman3550

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.

    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem.

    Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

    Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

    The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

    After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

  • by pcman3550,

    pcman3550 pcman3550 Oct 21, 2015 3:40 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 21, 2015 3:40 PM in response to Linc Davis

    This is great info for future reference.  The store gave me a replacement since I had only purchased the Mac mini yesterday.  i appreciate the quick replies.

  • by pcman3550,

    pcman3550 pcman3550 Oct 21, 2015 3:43 PM in response to Pmintz25
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 21, 2015 3:43 PM in response to Pmintz25

    I appreciate the quick response.  It was very dead. The Mac mini sounded like it was booting up but did not display anything.  Since I had just purchased it yesterday, I got a replacement and no questions asked. 

     

    Thank you,

     

    Pat Canady