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Mac Mini server 10.6 installation issues

It is running MacOS X 10.6 server. It gets past the main language screen and intro, but gets stuck on the “Welcome” screen, pictured below: I am not sure what is wrong. Could it be Ethernet? I’ve seen videos where it shows a region selection, but it doesn’t appear on mine?

I have a windows formatted keyboard if that helps

At the time of the installation, I had a usb mouse, hdmi, and power cord plugged in.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Oct 13, 2024 9:44 AM

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7 replies

Oct 14, 2024 3:36 AM in response to Ethan0001

It’s been a while but as I recall there needs to be an active network connection.


It does not need access to the internet initially although this would good for updates later on etc, just as long as there’s an active network locally it can connect to. It could be just the server by itself connected (obviously use an Ethernet cable if you have one) to a switch or hub. For 10.6 server to work well it needs correctly configured DNS either set up on itself (the setup wizard will help with this) or it picks it up from another server on the same network. It must also have a fixed IP address and an FQDN. Don’t use Wi-Fi to do this.


Good luck.

Nov 23, 2024 4:28 AM in response to Ethan0001

An active ethernet connection means not just connecting it to a switch/hub with an ethernet cable. There has to be a DHCP server on the same network otherwise it will just assign itself a self-assigned IP address. If you can connect the switch to your router it should be OK. Check the cables you're using maybe there's an issue there?


If you've done this and it's still not working then perhaps there's a problem elsewhere which you're not mentioning or are not aware of? What does your network consist of? Draw me a diagram if you can and post it on here. The forum posting tools should allow you to do that.


As an aside, which may help/not help, I'm still supporting a MacPro 10.6 server, serving happily away at a graphics design company. I had to reinstall it about 2 years ago - reformat/reinstall etc - and had zero issues with a network that consists of an ISP installed router, 4 Macs, 2 printers and a Gigabit 8-port switch.

Nov 24, 2024 3:49 AM in response to Ethan0001

It honestly could be a cable issue. The network I’m using is a home Ethernet and wifi network, with a router, and (maybe) 4 eero wifi extenders. I should have addressed this earlier, and I am sorry. I bought this device as a hobby thing, something to tinker with, and maybe get working as a server. Could I try connecting it to the router?

Mac Mini server 10.6 installation issues

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