Apple mac mini User Manual

12 - Mac mini Troubleshooting
 Reset PRAM and NVRAM
Reset PRAM and NVRAM
Procedure
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need 
to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination  before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the  second time.
6. Release the...

Mac mini Troubleshooting - 13
 Symptom Charts
Symptom Charts
How to Use the Symptom Charts
The Symptom Charts included in this chapter will help you diagnose specific symptoms 
related to the product. Because cures are listed on the charts in the order of most likely 
solution, try the cures in the order presented. Verify whether or not the product continues 
to exhibit the symptom. If the symptom persists, try the next cure. 
Note:   If you have replaced a module, reinstall the original module before...

14 - Mac mini Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
No Video
Computer starts up, but no video on display, there is a startup chime, fans 
and drive spins up, and the power LED is on 
1. Make sure that the monitor is turned on and has power. Make sure that the displays 
power cord is plugged into a working wall outlet, and that its properly connected to the 
power adapter. (To check if the wall socket is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical 
device.)
2. Check that all video cable connections to the...

Mac mini Troubleshooting - 15
 Symptom Charts
Display shows ghosting (signal re flection) 
1. Verify monitor that is used in testing is known-good and is supported by this computer.
2. Verify that the cables are correctly installed and firmly seated.
3. Connect a known-good display (if you have an extra one available). If it solves the 
issue, replace your display.
4. Try and known-good DVI to VGA adapter.
5. Replace the adapter cable.
6. Replace the logic board. 

16 - Mac mini Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
AirPort
AirPort Extreme card not recognized
If the Mac mini does not recognize an AirPort Extreme card, the card may not be seated 
correctly or it is inoperable. 
1. Depending on which Mac mini model you have, reseat the AirPort Extreme card and/
or cables making sure it is securely connected to the mezzanine card (top pho\
to) or 
check the AirPort Bluetooth combo card cable connections shown in lower photo. 

Mac mini Troubleshooting - 17
 Symptom Charts 2. On the older Mac mini models, make sure the kapton tape is applied properly to hold 
the AirPort Extreme card in place.
3. Make sure that the mezzanine board is properly seated on the logic board. This shows  the older mezzanine board, but the location is the same on the newer models.
4. Reassemble the computer and test. Again, depending on the Mac mini model, if the  AirPort Extreme card is still not recognized, test with a known good AirPort Extreme...

18 - Mac mini Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
Poor AirPort reception, the Mac mini is able to connect to the network, but 
the signal strength is poor
1. Dont put anything on top of your Mac mini or stack Mac minis on top of each other 
either. If the Mac mini is configured with AirPort or Bluetooth, it could hamper the 
signal strength since the antennas are located in the top of the compute\
r.
2. If your Mac mini is still experiencing poor AirPort reception, try the steps outlined in  Knowledge Base...

Mac mini Troubleshooting - 19
 Symptom Charts
Can’t Connect to the Internet over AirPort
The Mac mini recognizes an AirPort Extreme Card installed, but cannot connect to the 
internet over AirPort.
1. If your Mac mini recognizes your AirPort Extreme card, but you are unable to connect 
to your network, try the steps outlined in Knowledge Base article 106858: AirPort 
Troubleshooting Guide.
2. Reseat and replace the AirPort antenna if the above information does not resolve the  issue. 
3. Make sure that...

20 - Mac mini Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
5.
Note:  The airport antenna board contained in the finished goods upgrade kit has too 
large a hole for the internal frames to clip onto. Use additional kapton tape to secure 
the antenna to the internal frame. Place a little kapton tape beneath the antenna or 
place a strip of tape going from the optical drive to the internal frame, where the 
antenna connects to the antenna board. 
6. Replace the AirPort antenna and test.
7. If the issue persists, replace...

Mac mini Troubleshooting - 21
 Symptom Charts
BlueTooth
The Mac mini does not recognize the Bluetooth board 
If the Mac mini does not recognize Bluetooth, the board may not be seated correctly or is 
inoperable.
1. Depending on the Mac mini model, reseat the Bluetooth board or cable on the AirPort/
Bluetooth combo card (lower photo), making sure they are securely connected.