Mini won’t startup...

[DeltaMac]

Hmm... OP has a 2011 mini Server.
Has 2 internal drives, and USB 2.0 (much slower, kind of negates the advantage of an external SSD.

And, it's a 2011 mini, so limit is High Sierra - which DOES have the View icon to select Show All Devices in Disk Utility.
High Sierra, when installed, will change the format to APFS, so, as with any newer system, does NOT require pre-formatting to APFS prior to the system install, the installer will change that automatically.
The installer will ALSO set the new drive to be the default boot drive, so no real need to set that either, assuming that no other changes are made.
If "pleased" means that the OP will now see it booting successfully, then OP will be pleased. Booting to USB 2.0 is not particularly wonderful, definitely worth an internal install of a Crucial MX100 on that mini.

 

[b2387692]

1) Sure, why not? I was guessing, by the name, that you might have used that for file storage/archives.
What's on that drive now? If nothing important, you could easily back up the "crippled" hard drive to the other internal drive. What operating system is on that Server HD now? Is it still the original Lion Server system? Boot to that, then migrate your files from the crippled drive to the Server HD.
There's a Migration Assistant in the Utilities folder.
If there's no system on that drive, then install whatever system you like. You would need to have a bootable installer for the system you want. Easy to make that after downloading the system that you want to use. I can give you some hints on how to go about doing that...

Thanks!

Actually, I only recall using one drive, because my need for a server drive never came to be, but TBH, I’m not really sure which drive was the one that I used and booted. I’m thinking it had to be the crippled “Macintosh HD,” but I’m only questioning this because when I look at the screenshots that I took of Disk Utility, it says I used only 17.63 GB on “Macintosh HD” vs 19.59 GB on “Server HD”.

That said, I have no idea what’s on that “Server HD” drive now, what OS is on it, whether it’s the original Lion Server system or how to boot to it.

"new old stock"? Do you mean still in the package/not used yet? That Crucial MX100 would be a very good choice to replace the old drive, and you will enjoy a noticeable speed increase in your mini after an upgrade to that SSD.

Yes, the Crucial MX 100 is still in the package/not used yet aka “new old stock” or “new in box”.

And now that I think of it, I still have my late 2011 MBP, which basically was rendered useless in 2018, after experiencing “video issues” no longer covered by the Repair Extension Program for Video Issues. I’m assuming the hard drive in that is still good and maybe useful.

That said, would you just switch to the “Server HD” to boot and use or go ahead and replace ONLY the crippled “Macintosh HD2” drive with the MX 100, and/or see if you could utilize the MBP hard drive in some way?

 

[DeltaMac]

You could try to boot to the mini, while holding the Option key. If your Server HD has a bootable system installed, it should appear in the boot select screen. (Maybe that second drive does not have any operating system, and only some files of some kind.)
Yes, if your old MBPro has a working drive, that could be used, too...
Could that drive from the MBPro also be an SSD? That would be great. If you are going inside the mini, I would swap both hard drives out for SSDs. If you really want to do this "right", then you would change the battery on the logic board, and make sure there is 16GB of RAM installed. All that makes a marginal Mac into one that will be useful again, at least for a while.
But, it's more than 10 years old. You should decide if an older Mac, that can still be upgraded in several ways, and for not a lot of money, will be worthwhile continuing to use.

 

[b2387692]

You could try to boot to the mini, while holding the Option key. If your Server HD has a bootable system installed, it should appear in the boot select screen. (Maybe that second drive does not have any operating system, and only some files of some kind.)
Yes, if your old MBPro has a working drive, that could be used, too...
Could that drive from the MBPro also be an SSD? That would be great. If you are going inside the mini, I would swap both hard drives out for SSDs. If you really want to do this "right", then you would change the battery on the logic board, and make sure there is 16GB of RAM installed. All that makes a marginal Mac into one that will be useful again, at least for a while.
But, it's more than 10 years old. You should decide if an older Mac, that can still be upgraded in several ways, and for not a lot of money, will be worthwhile continuing to use.

Thanks!

Well, I guess this confirms that “Macintosh HD2” is the bootable drive that I’ve been using, and “Server HD” does not have a bootable system on it.

I’m not sure if the MBP’s hard drive is a SSD, but I do know it’s the original hard drive that it came with. I’d have to open her up to confirm.

Ok, so this leaves with more questions:

If trying to switch to the “Server HD” to boot and use...

1) Since there doesn’t appear to be a system on “Server HD” drive, then what system would you recommend installing, how do I install it, and get a bootable installer for the system?

If replacing the crippled “Macintosh HD2” with the MX 100 SSD...

1) Doing this “right” would mean buying a battery for the logic board, and I’m assuming 2 x 8GB (16GB) sticks of RAM. Approximately, how much would this cost?

2) If the MBP drive is not a SSD, would doing it “right” mean buying another SSD or would using just the MX 100 to replace the “Macintosh HD2” suffice?

3) When you say “this makes a marginal Mac into one that will be useful again, at least for a while,” what’s your opinion on how long “a while” might be?

4) What’s the downside of using an older Mac, that can still be upgraded in several ways, and for not a lot of money?

 

[Fishrrman]

OP -

You have a 2011 MBP, is this correct?
If it's the original drive, it's almost certainly a platter-based HDD.
You can find this out with "system information" (in the utilities folder).

"What’s the downside of using an older Mac, that can still be upgraded in several ways, and for not a lot of money?"

The "downside" is that it's an older Mac, running an older version of the OS, older apps, etc.
And although "upgrading" it can boost its performance a little, it won't be anywhere near what one could obtain from "modern" equipment.

That doesn't mean it wouldn't be useful to you.
But it will have... "limitations".

 

[DeltaMac]

1) You appear to have the bootable installer that you would need (The "mac OS Installer" boot on your boot picker screen)
1) - battery is easy. It's a BR2032. Sometimes hard to find locally, but easy to find on the 'net: https://www.digikey.com/en/products...2bI2V11unBtJF2aF3EJLohAA4YVl8BuRoCOD0QAvD_BwE
less than $5 for the BR2032. Memory, to upgrade to 16GB, maybe about $50: https://smile.amazon.com/Timetec-PC3-10600-Unbuffered-Notebook-Computer/dp/B014E29G0E
I have used these several times on Macs without problems.
2)If you have just been using one drive out of the two available, then one will be OK, too... (I would change both, but that's me...)
3)Your mini is more than 10 years old, so it depends on how long you want to continue using your old mini. Maybe you will discover some use that requires newer hardware, or a Mac that needs a native install of the system with current software. How long will that be? That's something only you can decide.
4) Using an older Mac, and trying to stay close to current with software, can turn in to a hobby that you might enjoy --- or, can be a chore, a struggle that turns out to be not as much fun as you might hope.
Maybe there's two choices: Fix it, as much as you care to upgrade, etc. -- or Fly -- to something newer, with faster USB ports, perhaps faster network/internet connection, and the capability to stay a bit further ahead of the technology curve, at least for now.

 

[b2387692]

OP -

You have a 2011 MBP, is this correct?
If it's the original drive, it's almost certainly a platter-based HDD.
You can find this out with "system information" (in the utilities folder).

"What’s the downside of using an older Mac, that can still be upgraded in several ways, and for not a lot of money?"

The "downside" is that it's an older Mac, running an older version of the OS, older apps, etc.
And although "upgrading" it can boost its performance a little, it won't be anywhere near what one could obtain from "modern" equipment.

That doesn't mean it wouldn't be useful to you.
But it will have... "limitations".

Thanks!

Yes, late 2011 MBP, but I can’t get to "system information" (in the utilities folder) due to previously mentioned issue rendering it useless.

I’m thinking even with “limitations”, starting with either trying to switch the boot drive to “Server HD” and/or replacing the crippled “Macintosh HD2” with my never used MX 100 SSD would be worth a shot, at least in the short term.

 

[b2387692]

1) You appear to have the bootable installer that you would need (The "mac OS Installer" boot on your boot picker screen)
1) - battery is easy. It's a BR2032. Sometimes hard to find locally, but easy to find on the 'net: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/panasonic---bsg/BR-2032/BN/31924?utm_adgroup=Battery Products&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping_Supplier_Panasonic - BSG_0011_Co-op&utm_term=&utm_content=Battery Products&gclid=CjwKCAjwloCSBhAeEiwA3hVo_VdF6QPoRcoIAiVU0bPQcm2bI2V11unBtJF2aF3EJLohAA4YVl8BuRoCOD0QAvD_BwE
less than $5 for the BR2032. Memory, to upgrade to 16GB, maybe about $50: https://smile.amazon.com/Timetec-PC3-10600-Unbuffered-Notebook-Computer/dp/B014E29G0E
I have used these several times on Macs without problems.
2)If you have just been using one drive out of the two available, then one will be OK, too... (I would change both, but that's me...)
3)Your mini is more than 10 years old, so it depends on how long you want to continue using your old mini. Maybe you will discover some use that requires newer hardware, or a Mac that needs a native install of the system with current software. How long will that be? That's something only you can decide.
4) Using an older Mac, and trying to stay close to current with software, can turn in to a hobby that you might enjoy --- or, can be a chore, a struggle that turns out to be not as much fun as you might hope.
Maybe there's two choices: Fix it, as much as you care to upgrade, etc. -- or Fly -- to something newer, with faster USB ports, perhaps faster network/internet connection, and the capability to stay a bit further ahead of the technology curve, at least for now.

Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to post all of that.

At this point, I’m going to try to keep it simple by replacing ONLY the crippled “Macintosh HD2” with the MX 100 SSD and take it from there.

Correct me if wrong, but I’m assuming the first step is to try to back up “Macintosh HD2”. I recall that you said “If nothing important (is on “Server HD”), you could easily back up the "crippled" hard drive to the other internal drive.”

However, not being certain what’s on “Server HD,” could I easily back up the “crippled” drive to my USB external drive? If yes, how do I go about doing so? If no, even though I’m not certain what’s on “Server HD”, it appears to have 479.66 GB of free space, so if I backup to it, would I lose what’s on the 19.59 GB used space?

I also recall you saying “If you replace ONLY the Macintosh HD2, you will want to discover which bay that drive is located (Upper or Lower), so you don't replace the wrong drive...

You can discover which bay that drive is located in the system, by opening the System Information app, then the SATA tab. You will see "Bay" listed with the other listings for the internal drive...”

How do I open the System Information app, if I cannot boot up, currently?

All that being said, I’d appreciate any other guidance/steps needed to take to replace ONLY the “Macintosh HD2” with the Mx 100 SSD, making it my bootable drive, installing OS and getting this Mini up and running again.

 

[tibas92013]

To run first aid on the hard drive...
Boot while holding Command-r
You will boot to a menu screen. One of the choices will be Disk Utility. Launch Disk Utility.
Choose your hard drive, and click the First Aid icon.
There's a good chance this won't work, because the recovery system partition is on the same hard drive as your boot system, so if the hard drive is failing, the Recovery system may not be available - so...
Try booting to Internet Recovery, same method. Reboot, while holding Option-Command-r.
This time, you should see a spinning globe (not an Apple icon). This can take several minutes, so be patient. Your Mac is booting to Apple's remote server, so you also have to be connected to your internet connection.
When finished booting, you should get a similar menu screen. Choose Disk Utility, and look for your hard drive - select your hard drive, then click the First Aid icon, and continue with that First Aid.
Any luck yet?
SMC reset on your mini is just unplugging the power cord for a few seconds, then plug back in.
PRAM (NVRAM) reset: Restart or boot while holding Option-Command-p-r.
You will hear the boot chime sound.
Continue to hold the same 4 keys until you hear the boot chime 2 more times, then release the keys to allow a normal boot. The NVRAM reset clears the default boot setting, so when you are able to get to the System Preferences, you want to make sure your boot drive is selected as the default.

The order that you do the resets doesn't matter too much. The Disk Utility will probably be the most important, as you may discover that the drive is failing (or not visible at all because it has already failed...)

 

[tibas92013]

A few years back I had the same problem on My Mac mini 2012. I took it to an Authorized Apple Dealership here in Costa Rica in which they reinstalled Mac OS and cost me around $100. Ouch!

 

[Fishrrman]

The OP has been flopping around like a fish out of water since this thread began.

OP:
If you want help, I'll tell you what to do, but you have to try what I'm offering.

First, if you're going to buy an SSD, GET IT.
Along with it, buy a USB3 enclosure like this:

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)

www.amazon.com

Put the SSD into the enclosure. DO NOT put it into the Mini (not yet).
Connect the enclosure to the Mini.

Now, boot to INTERNET recovery using this key combo:
Command-OPTION-R
at boot.

(you said you have a wireless keyboard, right? Does it also have a USB connecting cable? If so, USE THAT. If you can't get booted to internet recovery using the wireless keyboard, connect a WIRED keyboard and try again)

I suggest you connect via ethernet, if you have it available.
If you have only wifi, to boot to internet recovery you'll need your wifi password.

The internet utilities take a while to load, be patient "as the globe spins".

When loaded, you should see the internet utilities.

Open DISK UTILITY.
Check to see if there's a "view" menu.
If there IS a view menu, you MUST go to it and choose "show all devices".
(If you don't see a view menu, just move on to the next step).

Now, look at the list on the left.
You should see the SSD there (even though it's not formatted yet).
Click on the SSD, then click "erase".
Choose "Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format".
When the erase is done, quit disk utility.

Now open the OS installer.
Start clicking through.
BE CAREFUL -- when the installer asks WHERE you want to install, "aim it" at the SSD in the enclosure.
The Mac will reboot one or more times during the install, and the screen will go dark for intervals with no other indication of activity.
BE PATIENT.

When done, you should see the login screen.
At this point, I'd just "set it up fresh and clean" with a new user name and password.

ALTERNATIVE:
As you work your way through setup assistant, it will offer you the opportunity to migrate from another drive.
You can TRY this if you wish.
IF setup assistant finds the account you wish to keep, you can try migrating from that.
But the SSD must be large enough to hold everything!

PRINT OUT this post, and check it off step by step as you go along.
Good luck.

 

[DeltaMac]

OP still needs to discover which of the two hard drives to remove.

There is a method to find out which "bay" your Macintosh HD2 is located...
Boot to your High Sierra external installer.
Open Disk Utility. Click on the View icon, and choose "Show All Devices"
Select the device which has your Macinstosh HD 2 listed underneath.
Again, the device is the line showing the device model or part number. On your mini, that begins ST9500 ...

Click the Info button (top right corner of that Disk Utility window.
Scroll near the bottom of that Info window, and you will see "Bay", or "Location", then either "Upper" or "Lower"
"Lower" bay is nearest the opening on the bottom of your mini (the location when the mini is in the normal upright position. The "Upper" location needs much more disassembly, compared to the "Lower" bay.

 

[b2387692]

Boot to your High Sierra external installer...

Thanks!

Do I do that by booting to the mini, while holding the Option (alt) key and then selecting “Mac OS installer”?

 

[DeltaMac]

Yes, that will work (assuming your bootable installer is correctly created).
You will find out soon enough. It will either boot up, or will fail (such as displaying a "prohibited" circle with a slash across.)

 

[b2387692]

Yes, that will work (assuming your bootable installer is correctly created).
You will find out soon enough. It will either boot up, or will fail (such as displaying a "prohibited" circle with a slash across.)

Ok, it worked. I booted to the mini, while holding the Option (alt) key and then selected “Mac OS installer”. Then, following your directions, I unfortunately found that “Location” for “Macintosh HD2” says “Upper”.

I found this video, How to Upgrade/Replace the Drives in a Mac mini Server 2010 (Updated).

However, I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same disassembly as my 2011, but I certainly see what you mean by “‘Upper’ location needs much more disassembly, compared to the "Lower" bay”. It’s basically 100% disassembly. ?

 

[DeltaMac]

The 2010 mini Server is very similar to the 2011/2012 mini, although it looks like the drive bracket inside might be slightly different. I would suggest that you compare that video to the iFixit steps for replacing drives in an actual 2011.

Installing Mac mini Mid 2011 Dual Hard Drive Kit

Use this guide to install iFixit's Dual Hard Drive Kit in your Mid 2011 Mac mini.

www.ifixit.com

If you use that guide, it takes some time to show how to prepare new SATA cables for installation. You probably won't need to do those steps, unless you replace the SATA cables, too.

 

[b2387692]

The OP has been flopping around like a fish out of water since this thread began.

Yeah, that’s because when it comes to the diagnosis, repair and/or replacement of computers and their parts, I AM a fish out of water; that’s why I’m here seeking guidance from those who are more knowledgeable and technically inclined. If you have a problem with that then don’t post in my threads, let alone call me out.

 

[b2387692]

The 2010 mini Server is very similar to the 2011/2012 mini, although it looks like the drive bracket inside might be slightly different. I would suggest that you compare that video to the iFixit steps for replacing drives in an actual 2011.

Installing Mac mini Mid 2011 Dual Hard Drive Kit

Use this guide to install iFixit's Dual Hard Drive Kit in your Mid 2011 Mac mini.

www.ifixit.com

If you use that guide, it takes some time to show how to prepare new SATA cables for installation. You probably won't need to do those steps, unless you replace the SATA cables, too.

Thanks!

That’s very helpful!

I actually also found the How to Upgrade/Replace the Drives in a Mac mini Server 2011 / 2012 (Updated) video.

Before I attempt to replace “Macintosh HD2”, I’m assuming, if possible, the first step is to back it up. If possible, how do I back up “Macintosh HD2”?

I’m thinking, I potentially have two options of where to back it up to, either to the “Server HD” or to my external WD My Passport Ultra (2TB), but I’d appreciate your input.

 

[DeltaMac]

If you are replacing the "Macintosh HD2", then the original is already your backup.
If you still want to back up that drive to some other storage, then you might use Carbon Copy Cloner for that.
It really doesn't matter what device you choose for a backup, assuming that backup drive is working, and has enough space for the backup. (AND, of course, you do want to know that the backup will be successful. Trying to do that backup will tell you if that is a good bet )
I have a couple of 500GB external SSDs that I reserve for temporary backups, and a 1TB SSD if I need more space.
(You can make your own 500GB SSD external USB drive for around $60. I have about 10 that I have accumulated over the last 3 or 4 years -- big variety of brands for both SSDs and enclosures...)
I only mention that, to let you know that your options for backups are more than just two!

 

[b2387692]

If you are replacing the "Macintosh HD2", then the original is already your backup.
If you still want to back up that drive to some other storage, then you might use Carbon Copy Cloner for that.
It really doesn't matter what device you choose for a backup, assuming that backup drive is working, and has enough space for the backup. (AND, of course, you do want to know that the backup will be successful. Trying to do that backup will tell you if that is a good bet )
I have a couple of 500GB external SSDs that I reserve for temporary backups, and a 1TB SSD if I need more space.
(You can make your own 500GB SSD external USB drive for around $60. I have about 10 that I have accumulated over the last 3 or 4 years -- big variety of brands for both SSDs and enclosures...)
I only mention that, to let you know that your options for backups are more than just two!

Thanks!

And excuse my ignorance or “flopping around like a fish out of water,” ? but if I’m replacing “Macintosh HD2,” because it isn’t working, and “It really doesn't matter what device you choose for a backup, assuming that backup drive is working,” then how is the original already my backup, if it isn’t working? ?

 

[DeltaMac]

Because that's where the files are now -- that you would like to back up. Even if the files are not accessible, they are still on the drive. You might not be able to backup to another drive, but the files are still there on the original, and (in theory) can be moved to another drive.
If the drive is not working (which you don't know for sure while the drive is still installed in your iMac), then the options for backup get pretty limited, if it is even possible. Important files, such as financial docs or unique pictures, on a drive that "isn't working" may still have an option of sending to a data recovery service, if you think that is worth the cost.

 

[b2387692]

Because that's where the files are now -- that you would like to back up. Even if the files are not accessible, they are still on the drive. You might not be able to backup to another drive, but the files are still there on the original, and (in theory) can be moved to another drive.
If the drive is not working (which you don't know for sure while the drive is still installed in your iMac), then the options for backup get pretty limited, if it is even possible. Important files, such as financial docs or unique pictures, on a drive that "isn't working" may still have an option of sending to a data recovery service, if you think that is worth the cost.

Thanks!

Other than personal “Important files, such as financial docs or unique pictures,” what, if any important system files might be on crippled “Macintosh HD2”?

Aside from considering back up and/or recovery of files, what other steps would you take before moving forward with attempting disassembly and replacing of “Macintosh HD2” with MX 100?

 

[DeltaMac]

Important system files? You can reinstall your system, which will put any missing or out of place system files back in the proper place, if needed. Not sure what you might mean by "important system files", as you can reinstall the system on a wiped drive, then setup your system, and reinstall your apps, including your own network settings, whatever you might use.
Very little of that is "important", as it can always be reinstalled. The important files are those that belong to you, or are something special that you would not want to lose --- and just a reminder - this would be the time that you should decide on a backup plan, which would help you decide, among those files that you have stored and backed up, which of those are not replaceable, and are important to you. The system is not one of those (because you can always reinstall the system files), and you would now be confident that you are doing all you can to protect any files/pictures/personal emails/family documents, etc., etc.
Other steps before moving forward? Check that you have the tools that you need. The iFixit repair steps lists the various tools that you will be needing for the repair. (It's always "fun" when you get things partly done, and suddenly realize that you are missing that T-6 screwdriver, etc. )

 

[b2387692]

Important system files? You can reinstall your system, which will put any missing or out of place system files back in the proper place, if needed. Not sure what you might mean by "important system files", as you can reinstall the system on a wiped drive, then setup your system, and reinstall your apps, including your own network settings, whatever you might use.
Very little of that is "important", as it can always be reinstalled. The important files are those that belong to you, or are something special that you would not want to lose --- and just a reminder - this would be the time that you should decide on a backup plan, which would help you decide, among those files that you have stored and backed up, which of those are not replaceable, and are important to you. The system is not one of those (because you can always reinstall the system files), and you would now be confident that you are doing all you can to protect any files/pictures/personal emails/family documents, etc., etc.
Other steps before moving forward? Check that you have the tools that you need. The iFixit repair steps lists the various tools that you will be needing for the repair. (It's always "fun" when you get things partly done, and suddenly realize that you are missing that T-6 screwdriver, etc. )

Thanks!

I wasn’t sure if there were any “important system files,” but just needed to make sure. ?

I’ve watched the video that I found a few times and have been reading through the iFixit repair steps & comments, which are actually for a single HD mini NOT a dual drive mini server, but I do appear to have most if not all the tools listed and/or suggested alternatives. That said, it sounds like once I’m confident enough to get in there, it’s time to just do it.

 

[DeltaMac]

You should be able to find the Apple service manual for your mini, which would give you a bit different idea about how to do this.
Search for "mac_mini_mid_2011.pdf"