Mac mini (Late 2012), OS X El Capitan (10.11.2)
Do you get a startup chime?
Disconnect all but KB, monitor and power and try booting with Command + R and with Option Key depressed.
If still problem take the Mac apart and disconnect internal drive(s) and try again
Try reseating the memory
Try another KB
Thanks,
will try this now.
Yes I do get a startup chime.
In regards to my KB, I don't know. It allowed me to reset NVRAM, and it's the apple UK numeric wired one, but if this helps the caps lock icon doesn't light up when booting, I don't know if this unusual ?
It could be memory, will try reseating it.
Not sure if I want to take my Mac apart yet, but I will if it's necessary.
Thanks
Can you boot your Mini in OSX Safe Mode - Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up - Apple Support ?
If the Mini cannot be in Target Disk Mode, can you put the other Mac in TDM, and connect it to the Mini and check if Alt/Option will let you see the OSX disk from the other Mac? Another option is to install OSX on an external disk - How to install OS X on an external drive connected to your Mac - Apple Support - and try to boot from it.
Are you allowed/able to run Apple Hardware Test - Using Apple Hardware Test - Apple Support ?
UPDATE: tried all your things other than internal drives and if anything I think I made it worse by reseating the memory. Any other suggestions ? I don't get why it won't let me press
Thanks,
As for target disk mode, I am waiting for the cable, but the Mac won't display it on screen.
Will try installing it on external HDD, but as my Mac wouldn't boot of a live install of Ubuntu I have little hope.
I will try the hardware test.
If your Windows installation was pointed to the incorrect partition, and your EFI partition was somehow overwritten, you will run into a lot of issues. If the disk was turned into an MBR only disk, instead of a GPT, OSX will refuse to boot. The external disk boot will allow some diagnostics on your internal disk's partitions.
Do you hear any startup chimes? You may want to check them against some of the tones documented in About Mac computer startup tones - Apple Support .
I think what you said happened. But will this allow me to fix it ? I think my EFI has been formatted...
Update: I don't get the EFI 3chime thing. Not sure how im meant to boot off an external drive if I can't change boot device
The worst case scenario would be to disconnect the internal SATA cable, which should allow the Mini to boot from an external disk. Once it boots, the cable can be re-connected and further diagnosis should be possible.
OK, can I boot the mac even if its unassembled (I know, I know, anti-static and all that ****) but it's time consuming, esspessialy for me, to take my Mac apart. I'm downloading the OS X install for my drive now: is it likely that it'll boot without disconnecting SATA ?
oh and the AHD didn't work
If you are able to run SMC/NVRAM reset, then the Alt/Option key should also work during power up and let you select the boot disk.
Ahh OK, so I cant use alt/option now, but when I plug in a external drive it might work ? I say might because I tried booting into a OS X install USB using alt to no extent
Is your keyboard a wired keyboard? A wired KB may help, if you have access to one. A BT KB may have additional challenges.
My Mac mini late 2012 won't boot: stuck at total black screen
