Ignore no keyboard or mouse how?

[Nethfel]

Hi all,

I tried to search, but either it's not been discussed, or more likely, I'm not using good search terms.

Basically - I have a mac mini w/ OSX 5.7. This system is acting as a HTMac - connected into my receiver and TV. My one real problem is that it will hold up on boot and/or complain if a keyboard and/or mouse is not connected.

I tried disabling bluetooth, but then the OS complains that if I do that there will be no input devices to control the computer.

So I'm sure there has to be a way to do this - I'd really prefer to use OSX w/ plex instead of bootcamp into windows, which is an option - but I'd prefer if I can to use OSX. Any tips/help would be appreciated!

 

[bobfresh]

its easy, just use an old mac keyboard (the white one). It will work with that.

 

[Nethfel]

I don't think you follow what I want:

I want NO keyboard or mouse hooked into my mini
I want NO warnings to pop up and/or try to force themselves to the front regarding no keyboard and/or mouse
I want bluetooth DISABLED.

With no keyboard and mouse connected, OSX forces bluetooth on - even if I turn it off with a keyboard and mouse connected, then disconnect the keyboard and mouse. I have no desire to have a keyboard and/or mouse sitting on my entertainment center - the purpose of having a HTPC is for it to blend into the background - I can do all of what I need through my remote - if I really need to hook a keyboard and mouse in, I can as I have access to the usb but for while it's in the home theater setting, running to play videos, dvds, etc. I do NOT want a keyboard or mouse connected, and I don't want nag screens - especially when I reboot when it seems to halt logon startup items until the keyboard/mouse is connected.

 

[goldy001us]

I fought with this as well and found the detail I was missing.
With a keyboard and mouse hooked up, oped the Bluetooth Preferences. In the bottom right hand corner click on the advanced button. Uncheck the "Open Bluetooth Setup Assistant at startup when no input device is present" box.
Now turn off Bluetooth and disconnect the keyboard and mouse. You should be in business.

 

[Slydude]

Also you might want to consider creating an account specifically to handle media playback then set that account so that the Mac automatically logs in to that account. That way you win't be asked to enter a username and password. I use a standard account for that.

I did this on a Mac Pro that most of the time has no keyboard/mouse attached. When I need to mange the machine at all I usually use screen sharing from another Mac.

I am currently trying the Amazon.com: Rf Remote Front Row Mac Only: Electronics to control Front Row as a means of controlling playback in conjunction with Front Row. I might wish I had tried Amazon.com: Keyspan URM-17A Express Remote Control: Electronics since it has some capability to record actions for other programs. Since I already have a programable remote I should be able to teach it the commands for either of those remotes and use one remote to control the entire system.

If you decide to go with a remote check them out carefully there are several on the market that should work. Some include a USB dongle for use with those computers that don't have IR receivers.