Mac Mini Install Disks

Tacitus · Apr 25, 2015, 15:59:34

Do any of the Mac users on here know if the 2013 Mac Mini comes with a set of install disks? I've got a problem with mine and I can't find the install disks, but have a vague feeling that it didn't come with a set.

I really don't want to upgrade to Yosemite and even if I did there's no guarantee that it would sort the problem out.

Mini: 2.6 Ghz Core i7 OSX 10.9.5

pctech · Apr 25, 2015, 16:55:08

I'm pretty sure it's a restore from Apple's servers job.

The last version of OS X to come on DVD was 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard)

Tacitus · Apr 25, 2015, 17:26:46

Quote from: pctech on Apr 25, 2015, 16:55:08
I'm pretty sure it's a restore from Apple's servers job.
The last version of OS X to come on DVD was 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard)

That's what I was afraid of

Not sure whether you can still get install disks for Mavericks - I'm betting they'll only let you have 'the latest and greatest'. It's times like this that I begin to look at Windows...... But then I remember all the grief I used to get when I used PCs

Steve · Apr 25, 2015, 17:44:13

Is it the OS your after or the related programs?

Tacitus · Apr 25, 2015, 20:53:37

Quote from: Steve on Apr 25, 2015, 17:44:13
Is it the OS your after or the related programs?

It's the OS. I've got some peculiar bug that's interfering with the colours on my writing software. Looking at the console log it says, " Invalid color System, labelColor (warning given only once)" What this refers to I've no idea, but I've tried the usual stuff including a directory rebuild using Drive Genius. I think it likely there's a conflict with some installed software, but the only way I think I can resolve it is by doing a system reinstall. The only other way is to install the Dev tools and do some serious debugging, but that's going to take ages especially since I don't really know what I'm looking for.

The machine is a Mac Mini 6.2 - it's the one with a 2.6 Ghz 4-core i7 prior to the current ones and is running 10.9.5 It also has a 1 Tb fusion drive.

I don't want to install Yosemite unless I have to as I find the 'flat' look and lack of contrast tiring after a while. They should have let Ive stick to hardware.

Steve · Apr 25, 2015, 21:04:43

So will the recovery partition only restore over the Internet to the latest OS? I assumed it will restore the current OS.

Bill · Apr 25, 2015, 22:09:00

According to this:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201314

QuoteWhich version of OS X is installed by OS X Recovery?

If you use the Recovery System stored on your startup drive to reinstall OS X, it installs the most recent version of OS X previously installed on this computer.

If you use Internet Recovery to reinstall OS X, it installs the version of OS X that originally came with your computer. After installation is finished, use the Mac App Store to install related updates or later versions of OS X that you have previously purchased.

Steve · Apr 25, 2015, 22:11:43

That's what I thought Bill , I note I can still download Mavericks from my App store account even though I'm now running Yosemite.

Tacitus · Apr 26, 2015, 08:12:18

Well I guess you learn something new....

I've always thought that in true Apple style they would only allow you to download the latest version, but looking on my list of purchases I see that Mavericks is there, even though I didn't 'purchase' it since it came with the machine.

Looks like I'm good to go, but I'd still love to know what caused the problem. I can only put it down to a conflict between some installed software as it seems to have also affected the laptop. For some reason it only seems to affect one word processor - Nisus Writer Pro which is the one I use most. I'm on their beta testing list so it could be something that's arisen from the beta versions although since I didn't put a beta on the laptop it doesn't explain why the same thing is happening there. I'll get in touch with the devs and see what they suggest; I'm guessing that it's going to involve installing the full set of developer tools and some serious debugging work.

Thanks for the help folks.

Steve · Apr 26, 2015, 09:30:15

The only rule I'm aware of is that you can't install an earlier OS version than which the device came with from Apple.

Tacitus · Apr 26, 2015, 10:04:57

Quote from: Steve on Apr 26, 2015, 09:30:15
The only rule I'm aware of is that you can't install an earlier OS version than which the device came with from Apple.

I did know that one Steve, one reason that if I'm in the market for new kit I try to buy it just before the latest OS comes out, that way you avoid doing the testing for them. I generally wait until the X.3 OS release, since by then the main bugs will have been squashed and the apps will have caught up.

Steve · Apr 26, 2015, 10:55:04

I've always assumed that was down to updated or new hardware , any drivers req'd for newer hardware may not be or indeed made available for an earlier OS.

pctech · Apr 26, 2015, 17:12:01

I get the feeling this is the way Windows will go from 10 onwards just as they've done with Office.

No install media, just install from MS.

Good for them, bloody time consuming if you are on an average ADSL connection.