08-24-2005, 03:39 AM

How can I get a clean install and make my own password/username? Kiind of frustrating.

Thanks!

Jim

08-24-2005, 08:34 AM

Pop in the os x install disks and during the installation screen, select erase and install.
It should wipe the old system and put a fresh one on and then you can pick a new password and user name.

08-24-2005, 10:28 AM

Which one, panther or Tiger? I tried both discs, but the last guy had all his stuff password protected, so I can't even do that.

Any way to get around that completely?

08-24-2005, 11:32 AM

You will need to boot from the installation media. Install the CD, reboot the system. Press and hold the C key while the system boots.

08-24-2005, 11:54 AM

Whew, Glad it's that simple! Let me try that!

So just pop in the Tiger Disc, and hold C?

08-24-2005, 11:58 AM

Ok, i tried as advised, and nothing happened...what am I doing wrong?

08-24-2005, 12:21 PM

Put the CD in.
Reboot the Mini
When you hear the Ding, hold down C.

Should then boot off the CD instead of the Hard Disk.

08-24-2005, 12:51 PM

Sorry I forgot to say 'boot off the disks'...

Yeah make sure you hold down a while and it should start the setup process.

08-24-2005, 02:30 PM

Grr..Still nothing. Did as said. It goes straight into the login screen still!

I verified my keyboard is working, because when i click on the username, and press the C key, it works...

Is it possible that even booting from CD is protected? Is there anything else I can try?

08-24-2005, 02:38 PM

Make sure you are not just tapping the C key real fast. Right after the post chime HOLD C DOWN and keep it down till it starts to boot off the CD. If it does not boot still, is the Tiger disc a Copy or a real Tiger disc? Tiger comes on a DVD. If it's some copy it might not boot. The Panther disc if it's the one that came with the MINI is a DVD also.

08-24-2005, 02:43 PM

Both the Tiger disc, and the Mini disc are DVD's. I keep on holding C, but it goes straight to logon screen...why is it ignoring me holding down the key?

08-24-2005, 02:55 PM

Well, I was luckily able to get a hold of the previous owner who gave me the password.

He says he bets that the reason holding C won't work, is because the BT keyboard/mouse don't work or get initialized until the OS loads, which by then is too late.

Anywho, off I go to put a fresh copy of Tiger on!

08-24-2005, 03:01 PM

Oh, it's a BT keyboard. That it I bet. At a friends once when we ran into that problem his BT keyboard would not work. Had to plug in a usb one. Glad you got the password.

08-24-2005, 03:03 PM

yeah you can not send start up keys like that with a bluetooth keyboard because it does not load... It will be a good idea to keep a usb keyboard in your closet or where ever to that incase you need to erase pram start up from a disc or start up into target disk mode with out restarting... not to mention if your batteries die in the keyboard.

08-25-2005, 12:26 PM

Glad you got things working

- But - a valuable lesson

Computer debugging 101 ..... ALWAYS use the most basic setup when trying to boot a problematic PC ...... wired mouse / keybd ... standard monitor rather than a LCD - etc - etc

Why - these standard type devices are ALWAYS supported by the basic BIOS code during early boot sequences :p