Mac Mini wont boot

I asked this question in our Answers beta, and I got these responses for you. Let us know if any of them fix your problem!

From jhecht:

First test is to boot from your recovery CD. Put the CD in, and then restart the computer, while holding down the 'C' key. If it boots off the CD, at least some of your hardware is working.

Problem is, the Mac restore CD has no file manipulation functions - even though it should... So your next hurdle is to get a qualified tech to boot the 'puter with a Linux CD - (s)he can then recover your data to an external hard drive.

Another option is to have a tech remove the hard drive from the Mini, and connect it to another Mac, using an adapter kit. Even if the hard drive won't boot, it may still be possible to read it. This has to be done with another Mac, as the Mac file system is not very compatible with Windows computers.

From natalia47:

Try re-seating your RAM and see if that helps. I had the same symptom (front light on and nothing else) when I first upgraded my RAM. The problem went away when I re-seated the RAM.

I actually had my logic board fail on my C2D Mini about 10 months after I purchased it and when that happened, nothing would come on. No lights...nothing! I was hoping it was just the power brick, but it ended up being the logic board.

From Wil:

If you have access to another mac and a firewire cable, try starting up the Mini in target disk mode, by holding the 'T' key down on the keyboard while starting up. If it comes up with the firewire symbol on a blue background, you're in target disk mode and you can use the firewire cable to attach to another mac. This will allow you to get your files copied off.

From Wavey:

It could also be the power supply. I have recently had my Mac Pro do a similar thing, where the light comes on, but nothing else.. turned out the power supply had failed

[quote|Kyle Wiens]I asked this question in our Answers beta, and I got these responses for you. Let us know if any of them fix your problem! '''From jhecht:''' First test is to boot from your recovery CD. Put the CD in, and then restart the computer, while holding down the 'C' key. If it boots off the CD, at least some of your hardware is working. Problem is, the Mac restore CD has no file manipulation functions - even though it should... So your next hurdle is to get a qualified tech to boot the 'puter with a Linux CD - (s)he can then recover your data to an external hard drive. Another option is to have a tech remove the hard drive from the Mini, and connect it to another Mac, using an adapter kit. Even if the hard drive won't boot, it may still be possible to read it. This has to be done with another Mac, as the Mac file system is not very compatible with Windows computers. '''From natalia47:''' Try re-seating your RAM and see if that helps. I had the same symptom (front light on and nothing else) when I first upgraded my RAM. The problem went away when I re-seated the RAM. I actually had my logic board fail on my C2D Mini about 10 months after I purchased it and when that happened, nothing would come on. No lights...nothing! I was hoping it was just the power brick, but it ended up being the logic board. '''From Wil:''' If you have access to another mac and a firewire cable, try starting up the Mini in target disk mode, by holding the 'T' key down on the keyboard while starting up. If it comes up with the firewire symbol on a blue background, you're in target disk mode and you can use the firewire cable to attach to another mac. This will allow you to get your files copied off. '''From Wavey:''' It could also be the power supply. I have recently had my Mac Pro do a similar thing, where the light comes on, but nothing else.. turned out the power supply had failed[/quote]