Apple mac mini server mid 2010 User Manual

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 412010-10-29
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
Unlikely cause: Adapter, hard drive, optical drive, fan
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
• No Ethernet device present
• Unable to access network 
resources
• Ethernet device shows no 
connection
• Ethernet device unable to an IP 
address
• Slow network performance
1. Check the Ethernet cable for damage, try a 
known good Ethernet cable – CAT5 or better 
recommended for 100Mbps+ connections.
2.  Check Ethernet ports on the Mac and wall/switch 
for dust, debris, damage or bent pins.
3. Ensure distance from networking infrastructure is 
less than 300 feet/ 105 meters
4.  Verify port, cable and network hardware with a 
known good system. Isolate firewall, MAC address 
filtering or hardware access control devices
5. Isolate OS by starting up from the original Mac 
mini (Mid 2010) Install media (system version 
10.6.3 Build # 10D2235 , or 10.6.4 Build # 10F2025), 
from the same computer model connected in 
Target Disk Mode, or from compatible known-
good OS 10.6.4 installed on an external drive. For 
reference, the list of versions of system specific 
install media is available at http://support.apple.
com/kb/HT1159.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Visually inspect the Ethernet 
port on computer and verify 
that all pins will make physical 
contact with the CAT5 Ethernet 
cable.
YesGo to step 2
NoPins are damaged, bent flat or 
missing. Replace logic board
M24
2.  Boot from original Mac mini 
(Mid 2010) Install media (system 
version 10.6.3 Build # 10D2235 , 
or 10.6.4 Build # 10F2025). Verify 
Network Link status active by 
using Network Utility under 
the “Info” tab. Is the Link Status 
“Active” ?
YesGo to step 3
NoIf same Ethernet cable gives 
an “Active” link status on 
a known good computer 
of same make and model, 
replace logic boardM10  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 422010-10-29
3. Connect the computer to 
another Macintosh computer 
using CAT5 Ethernet cable. 
See article .
 
Can you connect successfully?
YesEthernet communication 
good. Go to step 4
NoIf same Ethernet cable and 
computer connects to a 
known good computer of 
same make and model, 
replace logic board
M10
4.  Check for speed and duplex 
issues on the network. Open 
System Preference > Network; 
click the Advanced button, 
then the Ethernet tab. Is the 
speed and duplex reported 
what is expected?
YesGo to step 5
NoChange the speed and duplex 
settings. See article . Go to step 6
5. Check for MTU (Maximum 
Transmission Unit) issues. 
See article . Does 
changing the MTU settings on 
the computer resolve the issue? 
YesGo to step 6
NoEthernet controller damaged. 
Replace logic board.
M10
6.  If changing the speed, 
duplex or MTU settings 
allows connectivity, check 
with another computer of 
same make and model. Does 
the known good computer 
produce the same results?
YesCheck with ISP or Network 
Administrator concerning 
speed, duplex and MTU 
settings.
NoVerify with known good up 
to date Mac OS X 10.6.X. If 
the issue persists, replace the 
logic board.
M10  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 432010-10-29
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t 
Pair
• Can’t get system to recognize a 
Bluetooth keyboard or mouse
1. Remove and reinstall the batteries for the device.
2.  Check that device is powering on.
3. Use known-good batteries with the device.
4.  Ensure that device is being used within range. 30 
ft. for Bluetooth devices.
5. Ensure that the latest Software Updates have 
been applied.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Without any wired input 
devices connected, start the 
computer. Does the computer 
show the Bluetooth Setup 
assistant?
YesBluetooth hardware is active. 
Go to step 3.
NoInspect and reseat AirPort/
Bluetooth card flex cable 
connections to logic board 
and to AirPort/Bluetooth card. 
Go to step 2
X03
2.  Restart the machine without 
any wired input devices 
attached. Does the computer 
show the Bluetooth Setup 
assistant?
YesBluetooth hardware is active. 
Go to step 3.
NoReplace the AirPort/Bluetooth 
flex cable.
M11
3. With a known-good wireless 
mouse on, and in discoverable 
mode, can you successfully pair 
the mouse with the assistant?
YesCheck for stability.  
Go to step 4
NoGo to  Wireless Device Loses 
Connection  symptom.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 442010-10-29
4. With the known-good wireless 
mouse paired, does the mouse 
stay connected?
YesIssue resolved
NoInspect and reseat the 
Bluetooth antenna cable 
on the AirPort/Bluetooth 
card. Replace any damaged 
AirPort/Bluetooth card if 
its antenna connector is 
damaged, or logic board if 
the Bluetooth antenna is 
damaged (Bluetooth antenna 
is part of logic board I/O wall)
Go to step 5
 
 
N17
 
M11
5. With the wireless mouse 
paired, does the mouse stay 
connected?
YesAntenna issue. Issue resolved.
NoGo to Wireless Device Loses 
Connection symptom
Wireless Input Device Loses Connection
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Wireless Input Device Loses 
Connection
• Wireless keyboard, mouse, or 
other wireless input device 
loses connection.
1. Remove and reinstall the batteries for the device.
2.  Check that device is powering on.
3. Use known-good batteries with the device.
4.  Ensure other devices pair and keep connection 
without issue. If not, see AirPort/Bluetooth: 
Defective Wireless Device symptom.
5. Ensure that device is being used within range, 30 
feet for Bluetooth devices.
6.  Ensure that customer is not using too many 
Bluetooth devices, and that disabling one of 
them does not solve the issue (some Bluetooth 
devices, when used together, may limit the 
needed bandwidth for an additional one).
7. Ensure that the latest Software Updates have 
been applied.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 452010-10-29
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open System Preferences > 
Bluetooth. Paired items and 
their connection status are 
shown. Is the device listed?
YesDevice has been paired. Go to 
step 2
NoThe device is not paired. Make 
device discoverable and open 
Bluetooth Setup Assistant. Go 
to step 3
2.  Make sure device is on. 
In System Preferences > 
Bluetooth, select the device 
and from the Action menu 
choose “Connect”. Does the 
device connect successfully?
YesGo to step 7
NoDelete pairing in System 
Preferences. Go to step 3
3. With the device on, run the 
Bluetooth Setup Assistant. 
Can you successfully pair the 
device?
YesGo to step 7
NoRestart the machine. Go to 
step 4
4.  With the device on, run the 
Bluetooth Setup Assistant. 
Can you successfully pair the 
device?
YesGo to step 7
NoCreate a new Admin User. Go 
to step 5
5. Log into new Admin User 
account. With the device 
on, run the Bluetooth Setup 
Assistant. Can you successfully 
pair the device with the New 
User?
YesUser-based issue. 
Troubleshoot software on 
User account. No repair 
needed.
NoRemove the following file: /
Library/Preferences/com.
apple.Bluetooth.plist  Go to 
step 6
6.  Restart the computer, With the 
device on, run the Bluetooth 
Setup Assistant. Can you 
successfully pair the device?
YesGo to step 7
NoGo to AirPort/Bluetooth: 
Defective Wireless Device 
symptom
7. With the device paired and 
connected, is the device 
connection stable if used 
normally? 
YesIssue resolved
NoCheck device documentation 
on standard length of 
operation, and other 
operational factors. Go to 
step 8  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 462010-10-29
8. Is the device performing to 
stated specifications?
YesEducate User. Issue resolved.
NoReplace device.
Uncategorized Symptoms
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptoms
• Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code.
1. Verify System Preferences/Network settings 
are configured appropriately to support 
communication method.
2.  For Ethernet connection issues verify that the 
cable being used functions when used with 
another known good system.
3. For wireless connection issues review user 
environment to determine whether possible 
interference from other 2.4GHz communications 
devices might be contributing to issue.  
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365
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 — Display 472010-10-29
Display
No Video
Unlikely cause:  hard drive, optical drive, speakers
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
No Video
• No image.
1. Check display DisplayPort or HDMI connections
2.  Connect known-good display and cables, 
3. For HDMI display, power on the display first and 
set AV input to HDMI, then power on the Mac 
mini. 
4.  Check that customer display is directly connected 
to computer with known-good cables.
5. Check connections for pin damage.
6.  Reset PRAM.
7. Reset SMC.
8.  Go to Deep Dive.
Deep Dive: No Video
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify boot chime present and 
fans running when system 
powered ON. (Reset SMC and 
clear PRAM if necessary for 
proper boot up.) 
YesPower ON self test OK. Boot 
sequence started.  
Go to step 2.
NoGo to Won’t Start Up 
symptom flow.
2.  (DisplayPort) Connect known-
good external display via Mini 
DisplayPort. Verify if image 
appears correctly on external 
display when system is booted.
YesVideo present. Verify system 
functionality and return to 
user or jump to appropriate 
display troubleshooting flow.
NoGo to step 3.
3. (HDMI) Connect known-good 
external display via HDMI port. 
Select correct HDMI input on 
display and verify if 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  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — No Video 482010-10-29
4. Install known-good SDRAM in 
the system. Does the computer 
start with video?
YesInstall user’s SDRAM and 
test. If no video issue persist, 
replace user’s SDRAM. Verify 
that the correct SDRAM type 
is being used.
X01
NoGo to step 5
5. Take apart system to access, 
remove battery, check battery 
voltage , reinstall good backup 
battery and retest. Does the 
computer start with video?
YesIssue solved. Corrupted power 
management or depleted 
backup battery caused the 
issue. Return system to 
customer.
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. Connect known-good display and cables, Power 
on the display first, then power on the Mac 
mini. Set System Preferences/Display to 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.  Verify if video issue can be reproduced on both 
DisplayPort and HDMI ports.
5. Verify if issue can be reproduced with every 
resolution and frequency setting Display in 
System Preferences.
6.  Boot from install DVD or another known-good 
volume to determine whether a potential 
software/driver related issue exists. 
7. Go to Deep Dive.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — No Video 492010-10-29
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Boot from Original Mac mini 
Install DVD 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 connector 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 contact the display/
cable/switcher manufacturer 
for support and service.
NoIssue resolved with 
replacement logic board.  
						

							Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — No Video 502010-10-29
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies to  the 
issue reported by the user. If not, document reported 
symptom and send feedback to smfeedback@apple.
com stating that a suitable symptom code could not 
be found.