Mac Mini m1 goes back to setup every few days

[Thunderclap82]

Hi Folks,
I've got a Mac mini m1 that I've been using with Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard.

Recently, the Mac goes to the initial Mac setup screen every few days if switched off for half a day or more.

Is this due to the peripherals I'm using or something else?

In the past to resolve this, I used wired mouse and keyboard to select a boot disk to get the Mac working again.

Thanks for any help

 

[Thunderclap82]

Is this really only happening to me? Unable to find anything on elsewhere either...

 

[Fishrrman]

My suggestion:
Just plug the keyboard in, and leave it that way...

 

[hobowankenobi]

There is (was...) a script that runs on new Macs that will be triggered if a preference file does NOT exist. Successfully running the setup triggers a preference file to be written. Pulling this preference file (changing it, or perhaps corrupting it) would cause the setup script to run on restart.

Never heard of a Mac losing this file without somebody manually deleting it...

I see the file on this M1 MBP, so it looks like it is still how triggering the setup guide is managed. Seems like something is deleting or corrupting this file.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Also...when the setup script runs, is your previous account intact? Or is everything gone?

Or...are you just talking about Bluetooth not connecting your KB and mouse?

 

[Thunderclap82]

Also...when the setup script runs, is your previous account intact? Or is everything gone?

Or...are you just talking about Bluetooth not connecting your KB and mouse?

My account remains intact, no data or app corruption. Only need to select the startup disk and usually settles the issue.

I do see a prompt once I get back in about kernel panic, and the system restarting because of a problem.

Could it be an app causing problems... Maybe need to investigate more in that direction too

 

[hobowankenobi]

KP could be software. And yes, the KP could be the underlying cause.

Never seen a KP trigger this.

Is your default drive selected in as the boot drive in Sys Prefs?

 

[hobowankenobi]

If you are lucky, there may be a clue in the KP log. Worth looking to see.