Apple Mac mini (Early 2006) - Manual (Page 59)

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 59
If your computer freezes during startup or you see a flashing question mark
 Wait a few seconds. If your computer doesn’t start up after a delay, shut down your
computer by pressing and holding the power (®) button for about 5 seconds, until
your computer shuts down. Then hold down the Option key and press the power (®)
button again to start up your computer. Keep holding down the Option key until
your computer starts up, then click the arrow under the hard disk icon you want to
use as your startup disk.
 After your computer starts up, open System Preferences and click Startup Disk. Select
a local Mac OS X System folder.
 If the problem occurs frequently, you may need to reinstall your system software
(see “Reinstalling the Software That Came with Your Computer” on page 60).
If your computer won’t turn on or start up
 Make sure the power cord is plugged into your computer and into a functioning
power outlet.
 If your computer still doesn’t start up, press the power (®) button and immediately
hold down the Command (x), Option, P, and R keys on an Apple keyboard until you
hear the startup sound a second time. On other keyboards, press the power (®)
button and immediately hold down the Windows, Alt, P, and R keys.
 If that doesn’t work, unplug the power cord and wait at least 30 seconds. Plug the
power cord back in and press the power (®) button again to start up your computer.
 If you are still unable to start up your computer, see the service and support
information that came with your Mac mini about contacting Apple for service.