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I have a Mac Mini 2018 and a new monitor with a DVI cable.

Currently, my Mac Mini is completely reset, so I need to reinstall macOS.

I have two problems:

  1. Screen is flickering and can't see anything on the screen
  2. Seeing -1008f error while doing recovery.

The first issue can be resolved by resetting NVRAM using Cmd+Opt+P+R on boot.

I am trying to resolve the second issue as well by booting with a USB or doing the latest Internet Recovery, however, I can't boot with any other keys than Cmd+Opt+P+R because otherwise, I can not see the screen at all.

Does anyone have any idea how to reset NVRAM and boot with USB at the same time?

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  • Sounds like there's a hardware problem. However: the NVRAM contains the information about which volume is the startup. So if you reset it, the Mac won't go to the USB first. 2018 Macs also have a SecureBoot Options, which you need to configure to allow external boot drives. You shouldn't normally need to erase the entire internal device.
    – benwiggy
    Commented Dec 12, 2022 at 13:31
  • Resetting NVRAM itself causes a second boot - you could try holding Opt at that point. Error -1008f is 'couldn't connect' so try wiring up to Ethernet to get to Internet Recpovery - that way you won't need a boot USB. support.apple.com/en-gb/HT206989
    – Tetsujin
    Commented Dec 12, 2022 at 13:34
  • @benwiggy I can not see screen when I boot with other than cmd+option+p+r ...
    – emil
    Commented Dec 12, 2022 at 13:37
  • What is the display and how is it connected?
    – benwiggy
    Commented Dec 12, 2022 at 13:38
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    You may need to use Apple Configurator (on a 2nd Mac, connected to the Mini) in order to restore the firmware and/or OS. Would be useful to know the back story of what happened to the Mac, and how/why it was wiped.
    – benwiggy
    Commented Dec 12, 2022 at 13:40

2 Answers 2

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I am posting an answer for everyone else experiencing a -1008F error. It was happening because the primary volume was wiped in Disk Utility.

Once you manage to get into Disk Utility and set up the primary volume, you will be able to install the system.

I used DFU restore to get into Disk Utility because any other USB boot or startup disks did not work out.

For more information about DFU restore, see Apple's Support article "Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator".

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If after one NVRAM reset, the video is not clear you almost certainly have a hardware issue that's not likely to be resolved by the reinstallation. It's unlikely but possible the issue is with the display and not the Mac, can you try another cable / display?

Ideally, you would take this Mac to another to do the erase / make a bootable drive and bring that already working drive to the Mac to validate that it's not software and you need service.

I agree with the comments, the error indicates a network error getting to internet recovery so if you can't get a repair estimate easily, perhaps taking the Mac to another network to try one restore again would be worth the time.

You also may wish to check your AppleID online to be sure it's not activation lock causing the registration issue. If this wasn't managed by your AppleID - official service will be the only way you'll know what's the issue as they can try restore from a known good OS or a known good internet connection that works for recovery.

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