three beeps installing osx to target mac mini

[sinktip]

I can't believe this is happening but here goes:
My 2010 Mac mini server 4,1 with 2x500gb HDD. I lost HD1for some reason, and it wouldn't boot. I firewire connected it to wife's 2012 MBP and booted into target mode. HD2 mounted but not HD1, no surprises. Could see HD1 greyed out in disk utility so ran verify and got nothing, then repair and nothing, so I erased it journaled and it came back up.
I read about running SL client on a 2010 mini server, so I booted from my retail 10.6.3 disc, and for some stupid reason decided to install it on HD1 on the mini.
It got about 15-20 minutes into the install and I walked back into the room to a black screen on the MBP and the sound of 3 beeps, then a pause, then 3 more beeps repeated endlessly.
The MBP is a rock solid machine purchased new and has never left the desk where it sits. I have no reason to think this is anything to do with RAM.
I believe the mini server HD1 died again in the middle of the install causing the 10.6.3 install disc to hang.
The disc is stuck in the MBP and the beeps continue each time I reboot. Tried safe mode etc and it's the same each time.
The Mac mini still does not boot; it is the same as before.
Please help. WIfe will freak if she finds the MBP screwed up. She's away at her moms until Tuesday. I would hate to have to format it but she's pretty diligent about time machine backups so I can restore.

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[Macman45]

I think you have answered your own question here...Two possibilities exist, HDD fail, or a bad RAM stick. You can check the RAM by downloading MEMTEST which is free...but I fear that the HDD was dying before you formatted it. That put's you back in the hands of TM restore and of course a new HDD.

 

[sinktip]

You think the Macbook Pro (MBP) HD has failed?
I know the mini HD1 failed already, that's why I was installing the new OS on it.
I was using it in target mode with the MBP enable the install back onto the mini's HD1, which must have failed again in the middle of the install.
I do not understand how this would kill the MBP HD. The MBP RAM has not been touched, and this machine ran perfectly until this event witht the OS install to the mini.
To be clear, the issue lies with the MacBook Pro, the Mac mini server is unchanged and does not boot either. It will still need to be addressed later.

 

[Macman45]

You think the Macbook Pro (MBP) HD has failed?
I know the mini HD1 failed already, that's why I was installing the new OS on it.
I was using it in target mode with the MBP enable the install back onto the mini's HD1, which must have failed again in the middle of the install.
I do not understand how this would kill the MBP HD. The MBP RAM has not been touched, and this machine ran perfectly until this event witht the OS install to the mini.
To be clear, the issue lies with the MacBook Pro, the Mac mini server is unchanged and does not boot either. It will still need to be addressed later.

I see. It is unlikely you have killed the HDD there, but RAM can go bad anytime...It's worth running MEMTEST as it won't cost you anything...if that's clear, then I guess a full restore from TM before your GF finds out!

 

[sinktip]

I cant run memtest; the MBP won't boot past the apple logo on the white background. I just beeps 3 times over and over.
The installation disc is stuck in the optical drive.
I've been married for almost 20 years. She will find out 'cause I'll tell her. I just want to make sure it's fixed before then!

 

[Macman45]

I cant run memtest; the MBP won't boot past the apple logo on the white background. I just beeps 3 times over and over.
The installation disc is stuck in the optical drive.
I've been married for almost 20 years. She will find out 'cause I'll tell her. I just want to make sure it's fixed before then!

I'm engaged! It should be possible to remove that disk:

http://macs.about.com/od/usingyourmac/qt/eject-stuck-media-boot-manager.htm

Once it's out, you may be able to continue.

 

[Elbert C]

If the MBP is not the Retina version you could remove, then reseat the RAM. Swapping chips around or even trying one at a time in each bank to rule out a defective chip might help. Three beeps usually means it's the RAM that's causing the error.
Choose your MBP version from here for instructions on removing/replacing RAM.

 

[ssmed]

I cant run memtest; the MBP won't boot past the apple logo on the white background. I just beeps 3 times over and over.
The installation disc is stuck in the optical drive.
I've been married for almost 20 years. She will find out 'cause I'll tell her. I just want to make sure it's fixed before then!

Try restarting with the mouse / trackpad depressed to force the disk to be ejected.


HTH

 

[sinktip]

Booting holding the option key did it. I selected the HD and it booted as normal and ejected the disc.
Whew! Thanks for all the helpful replies, now I will see about that Mac Mini Server.
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