White Screen of Death on BRAND NEW mac mini

[macinney]

Hi

I have read lots of posts regarding the WSOD and know the fixes etc. But I have just bought a brand new mac mini (intel 2.4 GHZ dual core, 160 GB hd) with Snow Leopard and ilife etc all preinstalled. When switching this on for the very first time I got the white screen of death and had to hold the power button to restart it... then it booted fine and I was able to set it up.

(Since then it has happened again when installing new software when restarting (as part of the install process)).

My main question is is it likely to be a hardware issue since it's been happening to a brand new mac? Or could it be a error relating to the accessories i'm using::

Using a wireless Microsoft mouse
Apple mini DVI to VGA adapter

Any advise appreciated

Oh and the reason I need advise is I can't send this back to the retailer as I will get charged if it's not a manufacturing issue and I need it asap so Id rather get a fix if poss
Thanks

 

[Jackintosh]

Wait, I'm confused about 2.4 ghz. The only new Mac Minis I know of are 2.26, 2.53, or 2.66 Ghz. You must mean the 2.26 that comes with 160gb HD.

Regarding the white screen, when new software is installed for the first time, or the Mini is self-configuring, the white screen will often appear for a fair amount of time until the twirling circle appears. If you haven't already, suggest you give it some time to finish internal processing when getting that white screen.

 

[Hellhammer]

Check out my guide here! Run those steps and see if it helps. If it doesn't, then it's very likely a hardware issue

 

[macinney]

Thanks for the info but has not helped. I am geeting the WSOD after installing any application (including the OSX) that needs to restart in order to complete the installation.

I tried SMC reset and PRAM reset too and also have run the Hardware Test which showed up fine. I have also done an erase HD and reinstall OSX SL but as soon as the installation is done, it restarts to complete installation and WSOD appears - left it for 15 mins and it stayed white.

So I'm wondering could it be my Wireless Microsoft mouse thats the problem?

Does anyone know if a auto restart after application installation fails (restarts to complete installation) will the application/OS still be installed ok?

Thanks again.

 

[Hellhammer]

Thanks for the info but has not helped. I am geeting the WSOD after installing any application (including the OSX) that needs to restart in order to complete the installation.

I tried SMC reset and PRAM reset too and also have run the Hardware Test which showed up fine. I have also done an erase HD and reinstall OSX SL but as soon as the installation is done, it restarts to complete installation and WSOD appears - left it for 15 mins and it stayed white.

So I'm wondering could it be my Wireless Microsoft mouse thats the problem?

Does anyone know if a auto restart after application installation fails (restarts to complete installation) will the application/OS still be installed ok?

Thanks again.

Call AppleCare and get it fixed. You are under warranty so you shouldn't be dealing with problems, just call and they will come and pick it up or visit the nearest Apple Store or reseller that offers AppleCare repairs

 

[macinney]

Ok, fixed! I had a gut feeling that as I plugged in my wireless mouse from the first switch on of this mac and had issues from then on, that that could be the problem. I was doing an erase and install back to the original software on my Mac so I could send this back to the shop but thought I'd try plugging a wired USB mouse in instead and see if it made a difference as I was reinstalling anyway.

And the whole thing worked as it should have in the first place.... Now I'm presuming that the mouse was the issue... may be wrong but all is working fine. I did repair permissions on the HD too but as this fault was happening from the first time I switched on the mac (software was preinstalled by Apple) it wouldn't be permission problems.

 

[California]

It's always a good thing to re install software off the original disks when you get a new mac.

Had to do it with a new aluminum macbook, too.