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Mac Mini OSX, etc. help
- Thread starter Lynne326
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That puts drive replacement on the radar.
You have a few avenues to try before that point. Although you could not install Sierra, you can try reinstalling Catalina via internet recovery (option-command-R rather than shift-etc) without erase, and see if first aid passes everything afterward. In other words, see if reinstall magically fixes it.
You can try booting to your external drive by holding option during startup, and using disk utility to attempt the erase of your internal HD again (whereas when you are in Recovery Mode, erasing should work without any errors, but you are technically still booted on the drive in a hidden volume while you are working), just to make fully certain the drive is not saveable.
Catalina Disk Utility requires you to go to View>Show All Devices to see the drive itself. If you are trying the reinstall in order to hopefully repair the volumes, there’s no benefit to erasing anything first. Rather, just run the Install Catalina app.
Yes, just hold option during startup to select the external drive. You can try setting it as the default startup disk in System Preferences after you are booted up, but it might not want to let you do that.
If you have given up on the internal drive, replacing it is a bit of a project, but actually quite fun. It doesn't have any physically tricky steps. You can also look into adding an SSD drive to the top of the logic board, which is both easier and will be a faster drive. Or your local repair shop might offer good prices for either of these upgrades.
If you have given up on the internal drive, replacing it is a bit of a project, but actually quite fun. It doesn't have any physically tricky steps. You can also look into adding an SSD drive to the top of the logic board, which is both easier and will be a faster drive. Or your local repair shop might offer good prices for either of these upgrades.
I did watch a video on replacing the drive in the mini and I've done a lot of tearing apart laptops so I think I could do it, just would rather not. I will probably go this route unless either of you have another suggestion. Thanks!
That was from this screen?
You can still go the bootable installer route, same apple link as earlier, which will allow you to boot into a USB thumb drive (in this same screen) open Disk Utility, and try formatting your internal drive one final time. The upshot is you'll have a USB installer for OS X for future use.
Your Mac Mini has a connector for an SSD drive and an open space where the drive will fit. So you don't have to remove the board like with HD replacement. It's an easy install, but takes a bit of research in what to buy. For more advice on that whole option, you can read and post in this thread.
Update: I got the mini to boot off of my external drive, the old one from my MBP which is in an enclosure. It's rather slow.
Is it possible to clone an external SSD with a backup and then use it to boot from on the mini? Or is that just wishful thinking?
Is it possible to clone an external SSD with a backup and then use it to boot from on the mini? Or is that just wishful thinking?
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100% Yes.Update: I got the mini to boot off of my external drive, the old one from my MBP which is in an enclosure. It's rather slow.
Is it possible to clone an external SSD with a backup and then use it to boot from on the mini? Or is that just wishful thinking?
Thanks, IowaLynn. Would this work? https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Port...ard+drive+for+mac+apple&qid=1604088843&sr=8-3
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
That was hdd, would be N-O.
This would serve well -
This would serve well -
SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC500H/AM, Blue
The Samsung Portable SSD T7 is the next standard in external storage. With transfer rates up to 9.5x faster than traditional external hard drives and read/ write speeds up to 1050 MB/s, you can move massive files around with unparalleled ease and fluidity. Its sleek, shock-resistant design is unc...
smile.amazon.com
Oh right, thanks, I missed seeing that the one I chose wasn't SSD. Thank you for the link!That was hdd, would be N-O.
This would serve well -
SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC500H/AM, Blue
The Samsung Portable SSD T7 is the next standard in external storage. With transfer rates up to 9.5x faster than traditional external hard drives and read/ write speeds up to 1050 MB/s, you can move massive files around with unparalleled ease and fluidity. Its sleek, shock-resistant design is unc...smile.amazon.com
OP:
For a 2014 Mini, you don't need the Samsung t7, a t5 will do.
But the t7 will work.
Actually, I suggest you get one of these for $9:
Then, get a 2.5" SATA SSD, 1tb in size.
You DON'T have to spend a lot and buy top-of-the-line.
Here are a few:
Then...
Just drop the SSD into the enclosure and snap the cover on (no tools needed)
Boot the Mini from the external drive that worked before
Connect the SSD in the enclosure
Use disk utility to erase it.
You didn't tell us which version of the OS is on it
If it's High Sierra or older, use "Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format
If it's Mojave, use APFS, GUID partition format.
Erasing will take only seconds.
Now, quit disk utility.
Next, you need CarbonCopyCloner. Get it here:
www.bombich.com
Open CCC
You will see three "boxes" in the middle
On the left, put your source drive (the external drive you're booted from)
In the middle, put the SSD
Ignore the box on the right -- not necessary.
Then click clone.
If CCC asks if you wish to clone the recovery partition, YES, you want to do this.
Cloning will take a little while.
When done, you can quit CCC.
Now, you want to test the new SSD to see if it will boot.
Restart and IMMEDIATELY hold down the option key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN to invoke the startup manager
Select the SSD with the pointer and hit return
MOMENT OF TRUTH:
Do you get a good, fast boot?
If so, open the startup disk preference pane
Click the lock and enter your password, then click the icon for the SSD
Close startup disk pref pane
Now...
POWER DOWN, ALL THE WAY OFF
Disconnect the original boot drive, so that only the SSD is connected
Now, press the power on button
If everything is working, you should boot from the SSD and be taken to your login screen
For a 2014 Mini, you don't need the Samsung t7, a t5 will do.
But the t7 will work.
Actually, I suggest you get one of these for $9:
SABRENT 2.5 Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool Free External Hard Drive Enclosure [Optimized for SSD, Support UASP SATA III] Black (EC-UASP)
SABRENT 2.5 Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool Free External Hard Drive Enclosure [Optimized for SSD, Support UASP SATA III] Black (EC-UASP)
tinyurl.com
Then, get a 2.5" SATA SSD, 1tb in size.
You DON'T have to spend a lot and buy top-of-the-line.
Here are a few:
Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s - CT1000BX500SSD1, Solid State Drive
Ever wonder why your phone responds faster than your computer? It's because your phone runs on flash memory. Add flash to your laptop or desktop computer with the Crucial BX500 SSD, the easiest way to get all the speed of a new computer without the price. Accelerate everything.
www.amazon.com
ADATA SU760 1TB 3D NAND 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (ASU760SS-1TT-C)
Specification Capacity: 256GB/ 512GB/ 1TB form factor: 2.5 inch interface: SATA 6GB/sec performance: Up to read 550MB/s, write 520MB/s * Performance may vary based on SSD capacity, host hardware and software, operating system, and other system variables. Mtbf: 2, 00, 000 hours TBW: 256GB: 200TB/ ...
www.amazon.com
TEAMGROUP AX2 1TB 3D NAND TLC 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive SSD (Read Speed up to 540 MB/s) Compatible with Laptop & PC Desktop T253A3001T0C101
Inherited from GX2, the TEAMGROUP AX2 2.5” SSD has features of low power consumption, high-speed transfer, etc. The SLC Caching technology makes the read/write speed of AX2 4 times faster than traditional hard drives. In addition, the Wear-Leveling and ECC can enhance reliability and prolong serv...
www.amazon.com
INLAND Professional 1TB SSD 3D NAND SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5" 7mm Internal Solid State Drive (1T)
NO WAIT BOOT-UP, BETTER PERFORMANCE, RENEW YOUR PC WITH INLAND PROFESSIONAL SDD Fast start-up, loading and file transfers Get up to 500MB/s sequential read speeds for no-wait boot-up, shorter applications load times and quicker data transfer. Incredibly load and run games, videos and photos in an...
www.amazon.com
Mushkin Source-II - 1TB Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - 2.5 Inch - SATA III - 6Gb/s - 3D Vertical TLC - 7mm (MKNSSDS21TB)
Wake up your PC's true performance potential! Engineered in the USA, the leverages the latest advances in 3D TLC NAND Flash technology to provide an ultra-fast, robust and reliable storage solution. - MEDS (Mushkin Enhanced Data-protection Suite) ensures valuable data is protected - L...
www.amazon.com
Then...
Just drop the SSD into the enclosure and snap the cover on (no tools needed)
Boot the Mini from the external drive that worked before
Connect the SSD in the enclosure
Use disk utility to erase it.
You didn't tell us which version of the OS is on it
If it's High Sierra or older, use "Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format
If it's Mojave, use APFS, GUID partition format.
Erasing will take only seconds.
Now, quit disk utility.
Next, you need CarbonCopyCloner. Get it here:
Download CCC - Bombich Software
You will see three "boxes" in the middle
On the left, put your source drive (the external drive you're booted from)
In the middle, put the SSD
Ignore the box on the right -- not necessary.
Then click clone.
If CCC asks if you wish to clone the recovery partition, YES, you want to do this.
Cloning will take a little while.
When done, you can quit CCC.
Now, you want to test the new SSD to see if it will boot.
Restart and IMMEDIATELY hold down the option key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN to invoke the startup manager
Select the SSD with the pointer and hit return
MOMENT OF TRUTH:
Do you get a good, fast boot?
If so, open the startup disk preference pane
Click the lock and enter your password, then click the icon for the SSD
Close startup disk pref pane
Now...
POWER DOWN, ALL THE WAY OFF
Disconnect the original boot drive, so that only the SSD is connected
Now, press the power on button
If everything is working, you should boot from the SSD and be taken to your login screen
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I give a thumbs up to Crucial MX500. I have a 1tb version in the enclosure using as Time Machine and extra storage.
I have the Samsung T5 as well 500GB I use 400GB for CCC and 100GB for copying external storage. They both run the same speeds and are very fast indeed. I prefer Crucial on the desk but if I did travel with it the t5 looks easier to transport.
500mb second read and write on Crucial MX500 and T5. I have the newest Crucial external X8 that runs in the 700’s mb sec via USB-C. I think it would be 500’s in USB. Picture is Crucial X8
I have the Samsung T5 as well 500GB I use 400GB for CCC and 100GB for copying external storage. They both run the same speeds and are very fast indeed. I prefer Crucial on the desk but if I did travel with it the t5 looks easier to transport.
500mb second read and write on Crucial MX500 and T5. I have the newest Crucial external X8 that runs in the 700’s mb sec via USB-C. I think it would be 500’s in USB. Picture is Crucial X8
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