PerryJan 12, 2025

Anyone have any idea how I can rescue a #macmini - mid 2012 - I can’t get it to display anything. It makes the Mac sound, but never displays any picture. It was running Linux last I used it.

Things I’ve tried:
- clearing nvram
- launching recovery
- different displays
- different cables
- just trying to boot (no hot keys)
- trying to boot from a Linux usb (Debian, fedora, Ubuntu)

Nothing results in any sign that the #mac is actually booting.

#askfedi #troubleshooting #homelab

Show threadJonathan WJan 12, 2025
@perry_mitchell when you say “launching recovery” do you mean internet recovery also? But, otherwise, sadly it sounds dead to me: I’d be stumped too. Aside: those 2012 MacMini’s were fantastic (and upgradable) – I used one at work until earlier this year (albeit not as my primary Mac).
Show threadPerry

@chailey I just meant the key combination for selecting the startup time - option key I think?

Yeah, and that wouldn't be a surprise to be honest. Posted here as a last ditch effort. Nice to get some consensus before I recycle the hardware - you're right that they're fantastic little machines. Mostly silent, super reliable (besides this odd issue of course), great on performance. Quite honestly sad to see it go (even though it would have remained a linux box).

Jan 12, 2025 at 5:57pmWeb
Show threadJonathan WJan 12, 2025
@perry_mitchell yes, “Option-Command-R” on boot up (instead of just “Command-R”, which relies on an intact recovery partition on the Mac itself). So it sounds like you did already try the more dramatic one. :-( I switched up my personal 2011(!) MacMini to an M2 Pro one in early 2023. Love it! #MacMiniLife