Restoring boot/EFI on 2006-era MacMini

Question

Level 1

8 points

Restoring boot/EFI on 2006-era MacMini

Hello everyone,

I have a 2006-era "Core Duo" Mac Mini (MA608LL/A), and I would like to sell it off. However, a little while ago, I installed Ubuntu Linux on it and, as part of that installation, the original boot loader (EFI?) was removed and GRUB was installed.

Now, I'm at a point where I want to restore the original boot loader and wipe the hard drive. I do not have the original installation CDs, so I'm not sure how to proceed. I have searched around for help, but I not super confident about what I'm reading. Not to mention that it's hard to find info because this is older hardware.

Does anyone have any advice/guidance on how to proceed? Does anyone have the install CDs that they could lend to me? 🙂

Thanks in advance,

James

Posted on Jan 30, 2018 9:17 PM

Reply

Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

95,396 points

Jan 31, 2018 8:14 PM in response to jcubeta

I'm not exactly sure how to guide you at this point because it depends on the current state of the drive partition(s).

Check out > http://mac.linux.be/content/remove-grub-under-osx-if-osx-wont-boot

and/or > boot - Remove Grub Loader from Mac - USB Thumbdrive installation - Ask Ubuntu

I can say for sure that you will need to have either the original Install Disc Set or the Snow Leopard Upgrade DVD in order to properly prepare the Mac Mini to sale. see > https://www.macworld.com/article/1158670/macs/prepare-sell-mac.html

Reply

Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

95,396 points

Jan 30, 2018 9:34 PM in response to jcubeta

Early Intel Core Duo system originally came with 10.4, but you can use a 10.6 Snow Leopard Upgrade DVD and then pass that on to the new owners. see > Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple

Reply