I understand mods can't run around merging threads but it might be worth linking to this thread
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1232212/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1232212/
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Mac Mini 2011 - Wireless Keyboard During Initial Setup
- Thread starter floridonet
- Start date
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That totally makes sense think about it, the OS is not up during the post.
Cheers,
Greg
It does when not paired to another computer. In your case, the paired computer is dead which makes for an unusual situation.
Not exactly the same situation as the OP's Initial Setup issue,
but I had a similar problem when my Apple wireless keyboard batteries were weak and died when the Mini was asleep. When I clicked the mouse to activate the Mini and discovered the keyboard was dead, I put in new batteries but the keyboard wasn't recognized and I needed to input my password so I was stuck. Eventually I forced a power-off with the power button and rebooted and then the keyboard got recognized.
Now I have enabled the OS X virtual "keyboard viewer" button in the menu bar so I can pop up a virtual keyboard in this type of dead-battery situation.
but I had a similar problem when my Apple wireless keyboard batteries were weak and died when the Mini was asleep. When I clicked the mouse to activate the Mini and discovered the keyboard was dead, I put in new batteries but the keyboard wasn't recognized and I needed to input my password so I was stuck. Eventually I forced a power-off with the power button and rebooted and then the keyboard got recognized.
Now I have enabled the OS X virtual "keyboard viewer" button in the menu bar so I can pop up a virtual keyboard in this type of dead-battery situation.
SOLVED!!! Mac Mini Setup Keyboard Fix
I just purchased a Mac Mini Server 2009 from Gumtree.
Plugged it in to my screen and usb wireless mouse, only to get to the Administrator Account page where I had to type info.
I couldn't connect my wireless keyboard, but eventually did this.
1. Right click in the 'Name' section
2. Select Substitutions -> 'Show Substitutions'
3. Click 'Text Preferences'
4. Up the top left click 'Show All'
5. This opens up the main System Preferences screen where you can then go to 'Keyboard'
6. Connect your bluetooth keyboard!
I hope this helps save some time for someone who struggled like me!
Good luck!
I just purchased a Mac Mini Server 2009 from Gumtree.
Plugged it in to my screen and usb wireless mouse, only to get to the Administrator Account page where I had to type info.
I couldn't connect my wireless keyboard, but eventually did this.
1. Right click in the 'Name' section
2. Select Substitutions -> 'Show Substitutions'
3. Click 'Text Preferences'
4. Up the top left click 'Show All'
5. This opens up the main System Preferences screen where you can then go to 'Keyboard'
6. Connect your bluetooth keyboard!
I hope this helps save some time for someone who struggled like me!
Good luck!
The year is 2020 and I just used this trick to reinstall the OS on a Mac Mini w/ a generic bluetooth keyboard. Thank you!!