Possible to install OSX using target disk mode?

[yalag]

I have a mac mini without a display that I'm trying to reinstall the OS with. Is it possible to install a new OS without a display using target disk mode?

 

[GGJstudios]

Users of Macs without optical drives can either buy an Apple USB SuperDrive or use DVD or CD sharing via Remote Disc when they need access to an optical drive.

Note: These types of discs are not supported by DVD or CD sharing:

• DVD movies.
• Audio CDs.
• Copy protected discs such as game discs.
• Install discs for an operating system.

To use the above mentioned discs with a computer without an optical drive, use the MacBook Air SuperDrive.

 

[yalag]

No my Mac mini have a cd drive it just doesn't have a display. How do I reinstall?

 

[GGJstudios]

No my Mac mini have a cd drive it just doesn't have a display. How do I reinstall?

Which Mac mini model do you have? What version of Mac OS X do you want to reinstall?

 

[yalag]

The model right before unibody(has cd drive)

Wants to install Lion

Thanks!!!!

 

[GGJstudios]

The model right before unibody(has cd drive)

Wants to install Lion

Thanks!!!!

You don't need an optical drive to install Lion, as it doesn't come on a DVD.

OS X Lion: About Lion Recovery
Apple - OS X Lion Recovery - Introducing Lion Recovery

 

[yalag]

I know how to recovery but you can't do that when there's no display!!!

 

[GGJstudios]

I know how to recovery but you can't do that when there's no display!!!

You can't install from an optical drive with no display, either. Just plug in a display. You could operate a headless mini by Screen Sharing or apps like TeamViewer, but not during a reinstall of Mac OS X.

 

[yalag]

You can't install from an optical drive with no display, either. Just plug in a display. You could operate a headless mini by Screen Sharing or apps like TeamViewer, but not during a reinstall of Mac OS X.

But theres gotta be a way. The mac mini came with instructions on the setup without a display.

 

[GGJstudios]

But theres gotta be a way. The mac mini came with instructions on the setup without a display.

So what happens when you follow those instructions?

 

[yalag]

Well I can't anymore. Those instructions are for when you first open the box. When you reinstall it's completely different. It uses your serial number as the vnc password so you don't need the screen.