Windows Installation Issues- Mac gone??Amateur

[tsubodai1162]

Hi, so i tried to download windows xp on my mac mini using boot camp...i did everything it told me to do, then all of a sudden it rebooted and now i just get a message saying “press any key to boot the disc..._”. So i restarted the computer and held down option (alt) and the only hardrive that comes up is the windows one with that message on it...HELP!!! its a brand new mac mini but i so i have no important files...i just want my mac back.

 

[chscag]

Welcome to the Mac Forums.

Which Mac Mini do you have? If it's a new one (not used and new to you), you will not be able to install XP using the Boot Camp assistant. A new Mac Mini will only be able to run Windows 7, 8, and 8.1.

We need to know specifics: Year and model of your Mac Mini and which version of OS X it's running? Also, when you restart the Mini do not hold down the Option key. Let it boot normally and tell us what happens. I suggest doing a NVRAM reset first before restarting.

 

[tsubodai1162]

ok thankyou very much for this...ah i believe its a model from 2012 (used)? when i dont hold option it come up with “press any key to boot disc”

 

[tsubodai1162]

i also tried resetting the NVRAM and nothing happened it just restarted, went grey for a while, and then went straight to “press any key to boot disc”. The windows xp installation disc is still inside the mac and i cant get it out

 

[tsubodai1162]

Welcome to the Mac Forums.

Which Mac Mini do you have? If it's a new one (not used and new to you), you will not be able to install XP using the Boot Camp assistant. A new Mac Mini will only be able to run Windows 7, 8, and 8.1.

We need to know specifics: Year and model of your Mac Mini and which version of OS X it's running? Also, when you restart the Mini do not hold down the Option key. Let it boot normally and tell us what happens. I suggest doing a NVRAM reset first before restarting.

ok so now when i start the computer, no key combonations work at all??

 

[dtravis7]

Since it's 2012 it should have a Restore Partition. Try booting up holding Command+R. Keep them down till it starts to boot then wait. Let us know if you can get to there.

Also does this Mini have a DVD drive or not?

 

[chscag]

Also does this Mini have a DVD drive or not?

His problem is that the Windows XP CD is stuck in the optical drive of the Mini and each time he tries to boot it goes to the CD. In any event, he can't install XP to a 2012 Mini using Boot Camp. Only 7, 8, or 8.1 is going to work.

@tsubodai1162:

Hold down your mouse button and reboot and keep holding it. That should eject the CD. Once the CD is ejected you can then try a restart normally. Let us know.