It has begun!! Operation Mini Resurrection - I have it open!

[Jerry®]

So it’s installing El Captain on the new SSD. My last Time Machine backup was using High Sierra I think - or whichever os late 2012 minis could run? So, when I get the os installed on the new SSD do I need to update the OS before attempting a restore/migration from my TIme Machine backup?

[Fritz]

speaking strictly as a tech, not from any experience inside that pertic'lur mini, I'd remove it.
But if that seems too daunting to go again, you're prolly OK.

[Fritz]

says in MacTracker you can go to 10.15.7 - Catalina.
As far as the update before TM, I would try without first and see if it flies.
If not, you know your way back and can update.

I suspect some apps won't work, but hopefully, with an update after the TM, all will be back to normal in 2012.

[gadje]

2012 can run Catalina without hacks.

[Jerry®]

Fritz wrote:
speaking strictly as a tech, not from any experience inside that pertic'lur mini, I'd remove it.
But if that seems too daunting to go again, you're prolly OK.

OK good to know. IT would have been awesome if the old spinner drive in there was actually recoverable…..and now that I think about it - when I put the mini back together the spinner SATA connection was a little loose…so I may open it back up and check to see if the SATA cable to the spinner is still connected or not. But, I dont think I want to remove it either way because I'd have to remove the whole logic board to do so.

QUESTION: It's installing El Capitan on the new SSD but right before my mini died it was using the latest version of High Sierra. So, do I need to update the OS before attempting to restore from my TIme Machine backup?

[Jerry®]

Fritz wrote:
says in MacTracker you can go to 10.15.7 - Catalina.
As far as the update before TM, I would try without first and see if it flies.
If not, you know your way back and can update.

Ok cool. Thanks for all your help though this ordeal. Much appreciated!

[gadje]

"Somehow, I am afraid that you will screw this up... Good Luck and Godspeed"

[Jerry®]

gadje wrote:
2012 can run Catalina without hacks.

Ok cool - thanks for your help through all this!! I appreciate it !

[Fritz]

gadje wrote:
" ..... Good Luck and Godspeed"

still miley-laughing001:

[Jerry®]

gadje wrote:
"Somehow, I am afraid that you will screw this up... Good Luck and Godspeed"

So far I haven't screwed anything up! The hardest part (opening the mini and swapping out the drive) is over. Now I just have to see if I can restore my Time Machine backup!