Symptom Charts

The symptom charts included in this lesson will help you diagnose specific symptoms by following the guidelines set forth in the Apple General Troubleshooting Flowchart. Because cures are listed on the charts in the order of most likely solution to least likely, try the cures in the order presented. Verify whether or not the product continues to exhibit the symptom. If the symptom persists, try the next cure.

No Power

The Mac mini Will Not Turn On, There Is No Startup Chime, There Is No Drive or Fan Sound, or the Power LED Is Off

1.	Make sure that the power cord is plugged into a working wall outlet, and that it's properly connected to the power adapter. (To check if the wall socket is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical device.)
2.	Make sure that the power adapter is properly connected to the power port on the back of the computer.
3.	Disconnect all accessories that are plugged into the computer, such as a printer, hub, or iPod.
4.	Reset the PMU.
5.	Try plugging a different power cord into the computer (if you have a working one available). If the computer starts up, replace the old power cord.
6.	Try connecting a different power adapter to the computer (if you have a working one available). If the computer starts up, replace the old power adapter.
7.	Replace the logic board.

No Video: Scenario 1

Computer starts up, but there is no video on display, there is a startup chime, fans and drive spins up, and the power LED is on.

1.	Make sure that the display is turned on and has power. Make sure that the display's power cord is plugged into a working wall outlet, and that it's properly connected to the power adapter. (To check if the wall socket is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical device.)
2.	Check that all video cable connections to the computer video port and to the display are properly connected.
3.	Examine the pins on the video cable connector to make sure they are not bent or damaged in any way.
4.	Connect a known-good display. If it does not appear to work, go to the next symptom, “No Video: Scenario 2.” If you see video on the known-good display, go to the next step.
5.	Reset PRAM. (See “Resetting PRAM and NVRAM,” earlier in this lesson.)
6.	Reset the PMU. (See “Resetting the PMU,” earlier in this lesson.)
7.	Reseat the memory module. Make sure the memory module is a PC2700 (333) or PC3200 (400) DIMM.
8.	Replace the memory with a known-good module.
9.	Reset the PMU. (See “Resetting the PMU With the Top Housing Off,” earlier in this lesson.)
10.	Replace the logic board.

No Video: Scenario 2

Other displays work with the Mac mini, but the display shows a black screen or “Out of Range” message.

1.	Verify that the display works and is supported by this computer. Refer to Knowledge Base documents 300652, “Mac mini: Compatible Apple Displays,” and 300985: “Mac mini Compatibility with Third-Party Displays.”
2.	If the display is not listed in either of the above documents, refer to Knowledge Base document 301345, “Mac mini: Troubleshooting 'Out of Range' Alert Message.”
3.	If you still have no video on the display when connected to a Mac mini, try another display of the same type (either same model or same connector and native resolution). If you have the same result with the same type of display, then you are experiencing an incompatibility with the particular display.
4.	Contact Tech Assist through AppleCare Service Source if you require further assistance.

Display Shows Ghosting (Signal Refiection)

1.	Verify that this computer supports the display.
2.	Connect a known-good display (if you have an extra one available). If it solves the issue, replace the display.
3.	Verify that cables are correctly installed and seated firmly.
4.	Try a known-good DVI to VGA adapter.
5.	Replace the adapter cable.
6.	Replace the logic board.

AirPort Extreme Card Not Recognized

If the Mac mini does not recognize an AirPort Extreme Card, the card may be seated incorrectly or may be inoperable.

1.	Reseat the AirPort Extreme Card, making sure it is connected securely into the AirPort slot on the mezzanine board.
2.	Make sure the kapton tape is applied properly to hold the AirPort Extreme Card in place.
3.	Make sure that the mezzanine board is seated properly on the logic board.
4.	Reassemble and test the computer. If the AirPort Extreme Card is still not recognized, test with a known-good AirPort Extreme Card. If the known-good card is recognized, replace the AirPort Extreme Card.
5.	If a known-good AirPort Extreme Card is still not recognized, replace the mezzanine board and retest the computer.
6.	If a known-good AirPort Extreme Card and replacement mezzanine board do not resolve the issue, replace the logic board.

Poor AirPort Reception

Mac mini is able to connect to the network, but the signal strength is poor.

1.	Don't put anything on top of your Mac mini or stack Mac minis on top of each other either. If the Mac mini is configured with AirPort or Bluetooth, it could hamper the signal strength, because the antennas are located in the top of the computer.
2.	If the Mac mini is still experiencing poor AirPort reception, refer to Knowledge Base document 58543, “AirPort: Potential sources of interference.”
3.	Remove the top housing and test the reception. If the reception is good with the top housing removed, check to make sure that the antenna cable and receptors are not damaged or hindered when installing the top housing.
4.	Reseat the AirPort antenna and cable.
5.	Try a known-good AirPort Extreme Card.
6.	Reseat the mezzanine board.
7.	Replace the AirPort antenna.
8.	Replace the AirPort Extreme Card.
9.	Replace the mezzanine board.
10.	Replace the logic board.

Can't Connect to the Internet Over AirPort

In this situation, the Mac mini recognizes that an AirPort Extreme Card is installed, but it cannot connect to the Internet over AirPort.

1.	Refer to Knowledge Base document 106858, “AirPort Troubleshooting Guide.”
2.	If the Knowledge Base document does not resolve the issue, reseat and replace the AirPort antenna.
3.	Make sure that the AirPort antenna is seated correctly to the AirPort Extreme Card. Refer to Knowledge Base document 108039, “Properly attaching the antenna on an AirPort Extreme Card.”
4.	Make sure that the AirPort antenna is not damaged or warped on the receiver end of the cable. Make sure that this end is properly seated to the internal frame.
5.	Replace the AirPort antenna and test the connection.
6.	If the issue persists, replace the AirPort Extreme Card.

The Mac mini Does Not Recognize the Bluetooth Board

If the Mac mini does not recognize Bluetooth, the board may not be seated correctly or is inoperable.

1.	Reseat the Bluetooth board, making sure the board is connected securely to the mezzanine board.
2.	Check that the Bluetooth antenna is connected securely to the Bluetooth board.
3.	Make sure that the mezzanine board is seated properly on the logic board.
4.	Reassemble the computer and test. If the Bluetooth board is still not recognized, test with a known-good Bluetooth board. If the known-good board is recognized, replace the Bluetooth board.
5.	Replace the mezzanine board and test the computer again.
6.	Replace the logic board.

The Mac mini Recognizes the Bluetooth Board But Cannot Pair With Wireless Devices

If the Mac mini recognizes the Bluetooth board but you are unable to pair the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse, refer to Knowledge Base document 86496, “Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: Troubleshooting Connection Issues.”

1.	Make sure that the Bluetooth antenna is connected firmly to the Bluetooth board.
2.	With the top housing removed, make sure that the Bluetooth antenna is not damaged or warped on the receiver end of the cable. Make sure that this end is seated properly to the internal frame of the Mac mini.
3.	Check to make sure that the antenna cable and receptors are not damaged or hindered when installing the top housing.
4.	Replace the Bluetooth antenna and test the computer.
5.	If the issue persists, replace the Bluetooth board.
6.	Replace the mezzanine board.
7.	Replace the logic board.

Battery

If the computer won't keep date and time, or if the date and time reset when the computer is powered off or unplugged, the problem may be the battery.

1.	Make sure the electrical outlet works by plugging in a different device, or plug the computer into a different outlet.
2.	Try a known-good power cord.
3.	Check the connection of the power cord on both ends. Make sure that the plug is securely plugged into both the electrical outlet and the back of the computer.
4.	Disconnect the keyboard, mouse, and all other peripherals such as speakers.
5.	Remove the top housing and, if necessary, remove the internal frame.
6.	Measure the voltage of the battery in the battery holder. The battery should measure +2.6 V to +3.0 V. If the battery voltage is good, go on to the next step. If the battery does not have minimum voltage, replace the battery, wait 10 seconds, then go on to the next step.
7.	Using a nylon probe tool, press the PMU switch on the logic board once. Do not press the PMU reset button a second time—it could crash the PMU chip.
8.	If the issue continues after resetting the PMU, replace the logic board.

Error Beeps

The computer automatically performs a power-on self test (POST) when it is turned on after being fully shut down (not a restart). This section describes what to do if you hear beeps during startup.

Computer Beeps at Startup

If the Mac mini beeps during startup, it usually indicates an issue with its memory. Generally this issue will occur only after you've installed new memory into the computer or replaced existing memory.

The Mac mini has a 256 MB base memory configuration, which can be expanded up to a maximum of 1 GB. The Mac mini computers have a single memory slot. The slot accepts a standard PC2700 or PC3200 184-pin DIMM with the following specifications:

• PC2700 or PC3200 Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)

• 2.5 volt

• 8-byte

• Nonparity

• 64-bit wide

• 184-pin module

• Maximum number of memory devices on the DIMM: 16

• Unbuffered (do not use registered or buffered SDRAM)

• Maximum height: 50 mm

Following is a list of what the error beeps at startup time signify and how to troubleshoot them:

• One beep: The Mac mini doesn't detect any memory. First, make sure that the memory module is seated properly. If you replaced the computer's memory, shut down the Mac, swap out the current memory module with the original RAM card, and restart the computer. If the Mac mini doesn't beep on startup, replace the new memory module. If it does beep, you may need to replace the logic board.

• More than one beep: The memory may be damaged or incompatible with the Mac mini. First, make sure that the memory module is seated properly and verify that it is compatible with the Mac. If it is, shut down the Mac, remove all third-party memory (reinstall the original module if you removed it), then restart the computer to make sure that it starts up normally. If you don't hear any beeps, shut down the Mac and reinstall the memory one module at a time. If you hear beeping, the last module you installed is the culprit. Contact the memory vendor.

It is possible that the Mac mini may need service if you're absolutely sure that the memory is both compatible with the computer and in good, working order. If you've tried the troubleshooting steps above and know that the memory module is good, you may need to replace the logic board.

Optical Drive

Optical Drive Does Not Accept Discs (Mechanical Failure)

1.	Verify the disc is not warped.
2.	Try another known-good disc.
3.	Reseat the optical drive to the interconnect board.
4.	Replace the optical drive.
5.	Replace the interconnect board
6.	Replace the logic board.

Disc Icon Does Not Show Up on the Desktop, or a Dialog Appears to Initialize the Disc

1.	Verify that you are using the correct type of disc for the type of drive (a CD-ROM or CD-RW drive reads CD discs only; a DVD-ROM or Combo drive reads CD or DVD discs).
2.	Try cleaning the disc. If it is dirty or scratched, it may not mount.
3.	Try a known-good disc.
4.	Reseat the optical drive to the interconnect board.
5.	Replace the optical drive.
6.	Replace the interconnect board.
7.	Replace the logic board.

Optical Drive Does Not Eject the Disc

1.	Check the disc. Nonstandard discs should not be used with the Mac mini. Refer to Knowledge Base document 58641, “Using nonstandard discs in CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives.”
2.	Verify the disc is not in use by quitting any applications that may be using it.
3.	Press and hold the Media Eject key at the top-right corner of Apple keyboard. If that does not work, hold down the Function (fn) key and the Media Eject key.
4.	Drag the disc icon to the Trash or select it and press Command-E.
5.	Choose Restart from Apple menu, then immediately hold down the mouse button to eject the disc.
6.	Refer to Knowledge Base document 106752, “Macintosh: How to Eject a Disc When Other Options Do Not Work.”

Hard Drive

Hard Drive Fails to Boot to the Desktop

1.	Boot from the Mac mini Mac OS X Install DVD and see if the hard drive mounts on the desktop.
2.	Run Apple Hardware Test (AHT), located on the install DVD.
3.	Run Disk Utility, and repair any directory and permissions issues.
4.	Verify that the hard drive is connected firmly to the interconnect board.
5.	Try a known-good hard drive.
6.	Back up the original hard drive, erase it, then restore from backup or reinstall Mac OS and applications from original discs.
7.	Try a known-good interconnect board.
8.	Replace the hard drive.
9.	Replace the interconnect board.
10.	Replace the logic board.

Internal Hard Drive Does Not Spin

1.	Disconnect any connected peripherals.
2.	Try a known-good power outlet.
3.	Try a known-good power cord.
4.	Boot from the Mac mini Mac OS X Install DVD and see if the hard drive mounts on the desktop.
5.	Run AHT, located on the install DVD.
6.	Run Disk Utility, and repair any directory and permissions issues.
7.	Verify that the hard drive is connected to the interconnect board.
8.	Try a known-good hard drive.
9.	Back up the original hard drive, erase it, then restore from backup or reinstall Mac OS and applications from original discs.
10.	Try a known-good interconnect board.
11.	Replace the hard drive.
12.	Replace the interconnect board.
13.	Replace the logic board.

System Hangs During Normal Startup Process

1.	Boot from the Mac mini Mac OS X Install DVD and see if the hard drive mounts on the desktop.
2.	Run Apple Hardware Test (AHT), located on the install DVD.
3.	Run Disk Utility, and repair any directory and permissions issues.
4.	Verify that the hard drive is connected to the interconnect board.
5.	Try a known-good hard drive.
6.	Back up the original hard drive, erase it, then restore from backup or reinstall Mac OS and applications from original discs.
7.	Try a known-good interconnect board.
8.	Replace the hard drive.
9.	Replace the interconnect board.
10.	Replace the logic board.

Flashing Question Mark Appears on the Screen

1.	Boot from the Mac mini Mac OS X Install DVD and see if the hard drive mounts on the desktop.
2.	Run AHT, located on the install DVD.
3.	Run Disk Utility, and repair any directory and permissions issues.
4.	Verify that the hard drive is connected to the interconnect board.
5.	Try a known-good hard drive.
6.	Try a known-good interconnect board.
7.	Replace the hard drive.
8.	Replace the interconnect board.
9.	Replace the logic board.

Keyboard

No Response From Any Key on the USB Keyboard

1.	Check that the mouse and keyboard are compliant with the USB specification. The Mac mini has two USB 2.0 ports, which can be used with any USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 keyboard and mouse.
2.	Remove any connected peripherals.
3.	Boot from the Mac mini Mac OS X Install DVD to verify that it is not a software problem.
4.	Disconnect the keyboard connector and inspect connectors.
5.	Replace the keyboard.
6.	Replace the logic board.

No Response From the Wireless Keyboard

1.	Run System Profiler to determine if Bluetooth is present.
2.	Try a known-good wireless keyboard.
3.	Replace the batteries in the wireless keyboard.
4.	Replace the keyboard.
5.	Remove the top housing.
6.	Check for kinks in the Bluetooth antenna cable. Test the reception before replacing the top housing.
7.	If the reception goes away when the top housing is replaced, remove the top housing and reseat the Bluetooth antenna on the internal frame. Test the reception again.
8.	Make sure that the Bluetooth antenna is connected firmly to the Bluetooth board.
9.	Make sure that the Bluetooth antenna is not damaged or warped on the receiver end of the cable. Make sure that the antenna is seated properly to the internal frame of the Mac mini.
10.	Replace the Bluetooth antenna and test the computer.
11.	If the issue persists, replace the Bluetooth board.
12.	Replace the mezzanine board.
13.	Replace the logic board.

Modem

No Modem Dial Tone

1.	Check that the internal modem is enabled in Network preferences.
2.	Verify the connection using a known-good analog (not digital) telephone line.
3.	Verify the connection using a known-good RJ-11 telephone cable.
4.	Confirm that the RJ-11 cable is not plugged into the Ethernet port.
5.	Inspect the RJ-11 connector and modem port for pin damage.
6.	Verify that the RJ-11 telephone cable is installed firmly in the modem port.
7.	Verify that the RJ-11 connector is plugged into the modem board on the logic board.
8.	Replace the RJ-11 connector/cable.
9.	Replace the modem.
10.	Replace the logic board.

Cannot Send Fax

1.	Check that the internal modem is enabled in Network preferences.
2.	Refer to Knowledge Base document 25746, “Mac OS X 10.3: Fax doesn't send.”

Cannot Receive Fax

1.	Check that the “Receive faxes on this computer” checkbox is selected in the Faxing pane of Print & Fax preferences.
2.	Refer to Knowledge Base documents 25731, “Mac OS X 10.3: Receiving faxes and connecting to the Internet,” and 25596, “Mac OS X 10.3: About Receiving Faxes.”

Modem Drops Connection

1.	Try a known-good phone line.
2.	Refer to Knowledge Base document 106748, “Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a dial-up/PPP Internet connection.”

Ports

FireWire or USB Port Is Not Recognizing Devices

1.	Choose Shut Down from the Apple menu, then press the power button to restart the computer.
2.	Choose Software Update from the Apple menu to verify that the latest software is installed.
3.	Run System Profiler to verify that the computer recognizes the bus.
4.	For USB, test the port with a compliant keyboard or mouse.
5.	For FireWire, test the port by connecting another computer in FireWire Target Disk Mode. MORE INFO Refer to Knowledge Base document 58583, “How to Use FireWire Target Disk Mode.”
6.	Verify that drivers are installed properly for third-party hardware, if needed.
7.	Try a different cable.
8.	Try a known-good device.
9.	If the device is self-powered, make sure that the power supply is connected and the device's LED indicates that it is getting power.
10.	Replace the logic board.

Sound

Distorted Sound From Speakers

1.	Check the balance setting in the Output pane of Sound preferences.
2.	Check to see if the sound is the same from the internal speaker versus external speakers.
3.	Check that speakers are inserted correctly, and check cables for damage.
4.	Compare same sound with two different computers to make sure that sound is actually distorted.
5.	Remove the top housing and internal frame.
6.	Check that the speaker is seated correctly and screwed to the internal frame.
7.	Check for speaker cable damage and that the cable is connected securely to the interconnect board.
8.	Replace the speaker.
9.	Replace the interconnect board.
10.	Replace the logic board.

No Sound From Speakers

1.	Verify the sound is not muted on the computer.
2.	Check the balance setting in the Output pane of Sound preferences.
3.	Check to see if the sound is the same from the internal speaker versus external speakers.
4.	Verify that no external speakers or headphones are plugged in.
5.	Choose Restart from the Apple menu.
6.	Reset PRAM. Hold down Command-Option-P-R during startup until you hear the startup sound twice.
7.	Remove the top housing and internal frame.
8.	Check that the speaker is seated correctly and screwed to the internal frame.
9.	Check for speaker cable damage and that the cable is securely connected to the interconnect board.
10.	Replace the speaker.
11.	Replace the interconnect board.
12.	Replace the logic board.

Display

Display Is Dim But Computer Appears to Operate Correctly

1.	Check that the display is compatible with the Mac mini. Refer to Knowledge Base document 300652, “Mac mini: compatible Apple displays.”
2.	Check the brightness level in Display preferences.
3.	Make sure that the display is turned on and has power. Make sure that the display's power cord is plugged into a working wall outlet, and that it's properly connected to the power adapter. (To check if the wall socket is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical device.)
4.	Check that all video cable connections to the computer video port and to the display are connected properly.
5.	Examine the pins on the video cable connector to make sure they are not bent or damaged in any way.
6.	Connect a known-good display (if you have an extra one available). If you see video after doing so, replace the old display.
7.	If the known-good display shows the same issue, replace the logic board.

Scrambled or Distorted Video

1.	Check that the display is compatible with the Mac mini. Refer to Knowledge Base document 300652, “Mac mini: compatible Apple displays.”
2.	Check connections on the back of the Mac mini.
3.	Check that you are using the correct adapter (if necessary).
4.	Try a known-good display. If the known-good display solves the issue, replace the old display.
5.	If the known-good display shows the same issue, replace the logic board.

Fans

Fan Failure

1.	Remove the top housing and the internal frame.
2.	Check the fan cable connection to the interconnect board, and check the cable for damage.
3.	Replace the fan.
4.	Replace the interconnect board.
5.	Replace the logic board.