Mac Mini won't go back to login screen

[jh89th]

I put my 2010 Mac Mini in storage a couple of years ago when I bought a new laptop. I've recently got it out of storage with the intention of selling it however I've run into some issues.

I turned it on and got to the logon screen however was unable to login after numerous attempts, I can't remember if I reset it all when I first put it into storage. Then I looked online and tried going into OS X Utilities. However I have no Time Machine backup and I can't seem to install any OS, either the one on the disc (10.6.3 - Sierra?) or El Capitan.

Now when I turn the Mac Mini back on it goes to OS X Utilities and not the logon screen. I've found some solutions which may work on the logon screen as the Software info says User Name: System Admin (root).

Can anyone help me get back to the logon screen please?

 

[Fishrrman]

Forget the login screen. If you're prepping it to sell, you don't need it.

I don't know if the 2010 supports internet recovery, but TRY this:

a. Power down all the way off
b. Press the power on button and IMMEDIATELY hold down "command-OPTION-R". Do you get the "spinning globe"? If so, that's internet recovery. You -might- need your wifi password (if you're connecting via wifi, ethernet is better in this case).

IF you can get to internet recovery:
a. Open Disk Utility
b. In the "view" menu, see if there is a choice "show all devices". If it's there, choose it. If it's NOT there, don't worry about it.
c. Select the "topmost" item in DU's list. This represents the physical drive inside the Mini
d. ERASE the internal drive. Choose Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format
e. When done, quit DU and open the OS installer
f. Start "clicking through" to install a fresh copy of the OS. This will take some time and the Mini may restart once or twice.
g. IF the install succeeds, you will see the initial setup screen (select your language).
h. At this point, reach back to the power button and HOLD IT IN CONTINUOUSLY until the power goes off. You don't want to begin setup, that's for the next owner.

 

[jh89th]

Thank you for the thorough response.

I tried your suggestion and it tried to download El Capitan. It turned itself back on to install however says 'OS X could not be installed on your computer. No packages were eligible for install'.

I have attached a photo of my hardware and software info if that helps.

 

[CoastalOR]

Is your new laptop a Mac also? If yes, then what model, year, and installed OS?

If you have another Mac with a working bootable macOS then maybe you can download a macOS from the Apple App Store and make a bootable USB installer.

 

[jh89th]

I don't unfortunately - it's a Lenovo laptop.

 

[CoastalOR]

I don't unfortunately - it's a Lenovo laptop.

There are bootable USB installers available on Amazon or eBay.

 

[RC12]

Thank you for the thorough response.

I tried your suggestion and it tried to download El Capitan. It turned itself back on to install however says 'OS X could not be installed on your computer. No packages were eligible for install'.

I have attached a photo of my hardware and software info if that helps.

That’s a bug related to the installers certificate. If you go to Terminal before attempting to update and change the date/time of your system, you’ll be able to install.

For example 18th April 2016 5:15PM would use the following command: date 0418171516

 

[jh89th]

That’s a bug related to the installers certificate. If you go to Terminal before attempting to update and change the date/time of your system, you’ll be able to install.

For example 18th April 2016 5:15PM would use the following command: date 0418171516

Thank you, out of interest what date would I change it to?

 

[RC12]

Thank you, out of interest what date would I change it to?

The one above should work no problem! You can always change the date afterwards

 

[jh89th]

The one above should work no problem! You can always change the date afterwards

Worked perfectly - thank you!