Q: 2014-spec Mac Mini Windows 7 install boots into black screen

Excuse me as I'm not sure how to properly embed quote snippets...

sirwiggum wrote:

 

I've followed the instructions to the letter, burnt the install DVD to ISO, used this to create the USB install drive, downloaded and copied the Apple drivers to the correct place.

Did you do this manually? BC Assistant is supposed to do this automagically.

-----

I thought so, but BC Assistant directed me to the Apple Bootcamp drivers download page. Possibly as this was a Windows 7 install? (I don't like the interface of Windows 8, and the privacy issues of Windows 10, 7 was my choice.)

-----

I've tried:

- 2 different USB pens with the ISO installer and apple drivers, same result

- The original install DVD booting off an external USB DVD drive, again same result

Please verify that your USB is a USB2 flash drive. There should be no other external storage or any USB hubs in the connection chain. Does the DVD show up as a selection when you power down the Mini and boot it back up and hold Alt/Option key?

----

How do I verify that the USB drive is USB2? They're both Kingston drives, one is a data traveller, I can't recall the other one but I'll get model names at home.

I disconnected my external HDD and webcam, leaving only the USB pen and the keyboard/mouse USB connector.

When I hold Alt/Option, the DVD showed up, just as the Windows USB installers would've shown up. Selecting either just causes a black screen, the monitor says it loses signal.

----

I'm connecting via a lightning to VGA adaptor to my monitor.

I assume this is a Thuderbolt-to-VGA. Windows installers by default do not have TB drivers. Can you test with a HDMI or HDMI-to-VGA adapter?

----

Whatever Apple is calling it these days. I'll try plugging it into the TV as HDMI.

If this is the case, it should be called out explicitly as a limitation on the bootcamp page.

----

Is there a fix / workaround? I've read other threads where people copy different nvidia/AMD drivers to the install drive. I think the 2014 Minis use Intel graphics?

It is unlikely to change the behavior. You can try a SMC and NVRAM Reset

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

----

I'll give those a whirl and see if it changes anything.

Thanks.

Hi,

Your second point - Install Windows 7 and earlier on your Mac using Boot Camp - Apple Support

This was where BootCamp Assistant directed me to to manually download the drivers, it told me to place the files on the root directory level of the USB stick.

I'll get the bootcamp.xml contents and OSX report USB versions at home later, thank you.

Thanks, those 2 threads do suggest that perhaps Thunderbolt -> VGA isn't supported, at least for installs.

I'll try hooking up to the HDMI TV and at least get see if it gets the install running.

If it was the case, ideally Apple could add a note re: Thunderbolt to VGA adaptors on bootcamp installs.

Thanks.

Sorry for lack of updates, this weekend I finally got a brief chance to have another go at the bootcamp.

The USB stick was USB3, however when I plugged it into the TV via HDMI, it booted and installed off the stick.

Note that I had to hold Alt (non-Apple Option) key and select the install USB pen.

(One thing to note is that my wireless non-apple (Logitech) keyboard and trackpad weren't supported by Windows installer, though that is more of an MS thing than Apple - the Apple drivers installed fine.)

So if anyone else is in the same situation - Windows install does not support thunderbolt to VGA adaptor - use HDMI, at least to get it installed and drivers on.

Thank you!