Apple mac mini server mid 2010 User Manual

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 312010-10-29
3. (HDMI) Connect supported 
known-good external display 
on HDMI port. Select HDMI 
input on display and verify 
whether image appears 
correctly on external display 
when system is booted.
YesVideo circuitry on logic 
board functional. Return 
to customer or jump to 
appropriate display issue 
troubleshooting flow.
NoGo to step 4
4.  Replace with known-good 
SDRAM and verify that the 
computer displays video.
YesInstall user’s SDRAM and test. 
If no video issue reoccurs, 
replace SDRAM. Verify that 
the correct SDRAM type is 
being used.
X01
NoReplace logic board. Retest.M03
Corrupted Video
Unlikely cause:  Adapter, hard drive, optical drive, fan, or speaker.
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Corrupted Video
• Text and graphics appear fuzzy
• Image corrupted
1. Set System Preferences/Display to a native 
resolution. Non-native resolutions are unable to 
produce optimal clarity.
2.  Make sure all relevant software updates have 
been applied. Graphics driver updates may be 
included with software updates.
3. When the issue occurs take a screenshot of the 
display (Command-Shift-3). View the screen shot 
file on another known-good computer. If the 
image corruption can be seen in the screenshot 
then the issue is with the video drivers, software, 
or video/logic board. If the issue cannot be seen 
in the screenshot then the display and cable 
should be tested further.
4.  Boot from install DVD or another known-good 
volume to determine whether a potential 
software/driver issue exists. 
5. Verify if issue can be reproduced on both 
DisplayPort and HDMI ports.
6.  Go to Deep Dive.
Deep Dive  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 322010-10-29
CheckResultActionCode
1. Boot from Original Mac mini 
Install DVD inserted in internal 
optical drive (or in optical drive 
of another computer setup in 
Target Disk Mode), and verify 
whether issue is still visible.
YesGo to step 2.
NoIssue likely caused by installed 
software or driver issue. 
Troubleshoot for software 
issues. Make sure all software 
updates have been installed.
2.  Use known-good SDRAM in 
the system. Does the corrupted 
video issue still appears?
YesGo to step 3.
NoReinstall user’s SDRAM and 
test. If corrupted video issue 
repeats, replace SDRAM. Verify 
that the correct SDRAM type 
is being used.
X01
3. Connect a known-good 
external DisplayPort display, 
then an HDMI display (or a 
DVI display via an HDMI to DVI 
adapter) to each video ports 
and verify if issue only happens 
to one of the ports.
YesIssue is isolated to one of the 
display ports. Go to step 4.
NoReplace Logic board and go 
to step 5 
M04
4.  Inspect display connectors and 
display cables and reseat them. 
Does the issue persist?
YesReplace Logic board and go 
to step 5. 
M04
NoIssue likely caused by poor 
connection/cable. Replace 
cable if Apple, and return 
computer to user.
X03
5. After logic board exchange, 
customer returns system with 
same video issue.
YesUser’s display or display cable 
may be incompatible(s) with 
the Mac mini. Recommend 
user to direct connect the 
display to computer, and 
contact the display/cable/
switcher manufacturer for 
support and service.
NoIssue resolved with 
replacement logic board.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 332010-10-29
Burnt Smell/Odor
Unlikely cause:  speakers, microphone, housing
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Burnt Smell/Odor
• Burning smell
• Unusual odor
1. Verify source of smell/odor is emanating from the 
system.
2.  Refer to KBase articles: 
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA22044 or 
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA22045.
3. Disconnect all third party devices and confirm 
whether the odor is being generated by the 
device.
4.  Inspect air intake and air outlets for obstructions. 
To prevent overheating make sure there 
is sufficient clearance to allow air to flow 
unobstructed into and out of the system.
5. Verify whether system is functional.
6.  Go to Deep Dive.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Disconnect all 3rd party devices 
and cables. Power On system 
and verify whether smoke or 
strong odor returns.
YesPower down system 
immediately. Go to step 2.
NoSystem functions correctly. 
Verify system functionality 
with 3rd party devices and 
cables and return system 
to user if problem has been 
resolved. Consult 3rd party 
companies as needed for 
issues with those products.
2.  Verify whether the source of 
the odor can be identified 
by visually inspecting each 
module and associated cables 
for signs of burned or damaged 
components, smoke residue, 
burned traces, melted or 
damaged wiring.
YesReplace affected module(s). P08
NoUnable to visually locate the 
source of odor. Go to step 3.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 342010-10-29
3. Can the source of the odor be 
located using nose? 
YesReplace affected module(s) 
and retest system. 
P08
NoContact Apple for assistance 
if you feel that there is a 
possible safety issue with the 
computer that has not been 
resolved in the previous steps.
Noise, Hum, Vibration
Unlikely cause: enclosure, cables.
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Noise/Hum/Vibration
• Buzzing noise
• Rattling noise
• Ticking noise
• Squeaking
1. Verify that the vents on the bottom and 
back of the system are free of dust and other 
obstructions that might inhibit proper airflow 
through the system. 
2.  Launch Applications/Utilities/Activity Monitor. 
Determine whether an application or process is 
consuming a high percentage of CPU bandwidth. 
CPU intensive applications can cause the fans 
to run fast in order to maintain the proper 
internal system temperatures. If needed, quit the 
application or restart the system to resolve the 
issue.
3. Eject optical media from optical drive. Out of 
balance optical media can generate audible 
noise. To resolve try a different brand of media. 
For additional information jump to ‘ Optical Drive 
Noisy’ symptom flow. Disconnect all third party 
devices and confirm whether the odor is being 
generated by the device.
4.  Play sound sample at loud and soft volume levels 
to determine if the noise is caused by the speaker 
or the amplifier circuit. Jump to ‘Distorted sound 
from built-in speaker symptom flow for additional 
information.
5. Go to Deep Dive.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 352010-10-29
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Run latest available service 
diagnostics. Was an error 
reported?
YesSuspect possible fan or 
sensor error. Check fan cable 
connection to the logic board.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Does the noise sound like fan 
running faster than expected?
YesReset SMC by disconnecting 
power cord for ~15 seconds 
then retest. If issue persists go 
to step 3.
NoGo to step 5.
3. Does the noise change when 
the optical drive is being 
accessed or media is inserted 
or ejected?
YesSuspect issue with optical 
drive or media being used. 
Jump to ‘Optical Drive Noisy’ 
symptom flow.
NoGo to step 4.
4.  Mute the system volume. 
Connect a pair of headphones 
to audio out port. Verify 
whether the issue still occurs.
YesGo to step 5.
NoSuspect issue with speaker 
or audio circuitry. Jump 
to ‘Distorted Sound From 
Internal Speaker’ symptom 
flow.
5. Remove fan and rotate the 
blades. Verify that fan blades 
spin smoothly without 
interference with fan housing.
YesGo to step 6.
NoReplace fan.X23
6.  Reinstall fan, carefully ensuring 
that its cable is routed properly 
and there’s no interference 
with the fan blades. After 
reassembling system verify that 
the noise issue is resolved.
YesProper reassembly resolved 
noise issue. Suspect issue 
was caused by interference 
from wiring, or possible fan 
housing distortion when 
installed in system.
NoGo to step 7.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 362010-10-29
7. Remove bottom cover, 
disconnect AirPort antenna 
and remove shield, disconnect 
and remove Fan and cowling, 
then disconnect one at a time 
each following cable and 
retest :HDD, ODD/HDD, then 
power ON the system each 
time . Determine if noise issue 
goes away when one of these 
modules is disconnected. Note: 
Do not keep system On for 
long, when fan is disconnected.
YesIdentify, inspect, and if 
necessary, replace the part 
that caused the noise until it 
was disconnected from the 
system.
NoAll parts verified. Verify that 
the correct symptom flow is 
being used.
Uncategorized Symptoms
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptoms
• Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code.
1.  Make sure system is plugged into a known-good 
outlet.
2.  Listen for boot chime, fan, optical drive, or hard 
drive noise which indicates system is powering 
up. If noise is heard, go to Won’t Start Up 
symptom flow. If no noise is heard go to No 
Power symptom flow.
3. Attempt to boot from Install DVD inserted 
in internal optical drive (or in optical drive of 
another computer setup in Target Disk Mode) to 
isolate possible software issues.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify whether existing 
symptom code applies to the 
issue reported by the user.
YesJump to appropriate 
symptom code flow.
NoDocument reported failure 
and send feedback to 
[email protected] 
stating that a suitable 
symptom code wasn’t found. 
Provide as much detail as 
possible.
N99  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 372010-10-29
Communications
AirPort/Bluetooth Issues
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
AirPort/Bluetooth Issues
• AirPort or Bluetooth cannot be 
enabled.
• AirPort/Bluetooth card not 
available in System Profiler
• Unable to join networks or pair 
devices
• Intermittent device or 
connection dropouts
• Limited wireless range
1. Verify that AirPort or Bluetooth is turned ON , 
2.  (AirPort) Make sure that a network is available 
and selected.
3. (AirPort) Run the Apple System Profiler and verify 
that installed AirPort card supports the channel 
number used by the wireless access point.
4.  (AirPort) Check if the wireless access point 
requires special connection and encryption 
protocols.
5. (AirPort) Check the number of users trying to 
use AirPort in the area for possible network 
congestion (available bandwidth).
6.  (Bluetooth) If customer complaints about a 
Bluetooth issue with his input device, first use a 
known-good Bluetooth input device to perform 
tests with computer. Then test customer’s 
Bluetooth device on known-good computer to 
define which side is creating the communication 
issue.
7. (Bluetooth) Make sure that customer is not using 
too many Bluetooth devices, and that disabling 
one of them does not solve the issue.
8.  Isolate potential OS related issues by starting up 
from another bootable drive like the original Mac 
mini Install DVD inserted in internal optical drive 
(or in optical drive of another computer setup 
in Target Disk Mode), an up -to-date Mac OS X 
10.6.X external bootable drive, or from a same 
model of Mac mini setup as FireWire Target Disk 
Mode. 
9. Check for nearby sources of interference such as 
microwave ovens or cordless phones. See article 
  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 382010-10-29
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open System Profiler. AirPort 
is listed under Network, while 
Bluetooth is listed under USB. 
Are AirPort and Bluetooth ports 
recognized?
YesInstall all available software 
updates for AirPort/Bluetooth 
and go to step 4.
NoRemove the AirPort/Bluetooth 
card and examine card and 
logic board connectors for 
damage: 
-If no damage is found, reseat 
cable on logic board and on 
AirPort/Bluetooth card ends 
and retest. If both AirPort and 
USB Bluetooth devices are 
still unrecognized in System 
Profiler, replace the AirPort/
Bluetooth flex cable and 
retest. Go to step 2 
.-If any AirPort/Bluetooth card 
connector is damaged replace 
card and retest. 
-If the corresponding 
connector on logic board is 
damaged replace logic board 
and retest.
 
 
 
 
 
 
X03  
 
 
N17
M24
2.  After AirPort/Bluetooth flex 
cable has been replaced, are 
the AirPort and USB Bluetooth 
devices visible in System 
Profiler?
YesIssue resolved
NoReplace AirPort/Bluetooth 
card
N18
3. After AirPort/Bluetooth card 
has been replaced, are the 
AirPort and Bluetooth devices 
visible in System Profiler?
YesIssue resolved
NoReplace Logic BoardM24
4.  Ensure that the Bluetooth 
antenna and the AirPort 
antennas cables are connected 
properly and not damaged. Do 
connection issues persist?
Yes- For AirPort related issue, go 
to step 5,  
- For Bluetooth related issue, 
go to step 6.
NoIssue resolved.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 392010-10-29
5. (AirPort) Create a Computer 
to Computer network with 
another known-good Mac 
computer using AirPort. 
See article http://docs.
info.apple.com/article.
html?path=AirPort/5.0/en/
ap2110.html. Can you connect 
to this computer successfully?
YesNetwork or channel issue.  
Go to step 7
NoDouble check any password 
required. Try connecting 
another known-good 
computer to the created 
network. If known-good test 
computer connects, replace 
the round AirPort antenna 
assembly and go to step 7
 
 
X03
6.  (Bluetooth) Make sure that your 
known-good Bluetooth device 
is in discoverable mode, and 
that your computer is also in 
discoverable mode. Can you 
successfully and reliably pair 
the device now?
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace the AirPort/Bluetooth 
card and retest. Go to step 8
N15
7. (AirPort) Try connecting to a 
known good network that does 
not require password or has 
MAC address filtering enabled. 
Can you connect to a network 
reliably now?
YesTroubleshoot local network. 
Possible password or MAC 
address filtering issue.
NoReplace the AirPort/Bluetooth 
card and retest.  Go to step 8
N14
8.  With the antenna(s) or card 
replaced, are the connection 
issues resolved?
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace the logic board 
(Bluetooth antenna and 
second Airport antenna are 
both part of Logic Board I/O 
wall). 
M11  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 402010-10-29
AirPort/Bluetooth Card Kernel Panic
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
AirPort/Bluetooth Card Kernel 
Panic
• Kernel Panic on startup
• Kernel Panic or freezing while 
attempting to connect to Wi-Fi 
networks
• Kernel Panic while transferring 
data on Wi-Fi networks
1. Isolate OS by starting up from original Install 
media for the computer, from same model 
computer setup in Target Disk Mode, or from 
compatible known good up-to date Mac OS X 
10.6/X loaded on an external drive.  
Note: AirPort and Bluetooth services are available 
when booted from the Install disk.
2.  Ensure that all software and firmware updates for 
the computer and AirPort been installed.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Remove bottom cover, 
disconnect AirPort antenna 
and remove shield, disconnect 
and remove fan and cowling, 
then disconnect the following 
cables from logic board before 
being able to extract it: HDD, 
ODD/HDD, Ambient sensor, 
HD sensor, ODD/HD sensor, IR/
LED cable, Power supply cable. 
Disconnect AirPort/Bluetooth 
flex cable from logic board. 
Reconnect power supply and 
hard drive cable and retest. 
Does computer start without 
kernel panic?
YesPossible logic board issue. 
Go to Kernel Panic/System 
crashes symptom. 
NoReseat AirPort/Bluetooth flex 
cable to the logic board and  
to the AirPort/Bluetooth card 
and retest. If problem persists, 
replace AirPort/Bluetooth flex 
cable. Go to step 2
2.  With replacement AirPort/
Bluetooth flex cable installed, 
does computer start without 
kernel panic?
YesAirPort/Bluetooth flex cable 
issue. Issue resolved.
NoReplace AirPort/Bluetooth 
card. Go to step 3. 
N13
3. With replacement AirPort/
Bluetooth card installed, does 
computer start without kernel 
panic?
YesAirPort/Bluetooth card issue. 
Issue resolved.
NoPossible logic board issue. 
Go to Kernel Panic/System 
crashes symptom.