Arch Linux

clh

Member

Registered: 2014-10-17

Posts: 8

Unable to boot on Mac Mini from DVD burned from .iso image

I'm following the Beginner's Guide to try and install Arch on a Mac Mini "Late 2009".

I have downloaded archlinux-2014.10.01-dual.iso and associated .sig, and have verified it using the gpg2 command described in the guide (including the link to http://sparewotw.wordpress.com/2012/10/ … -sig-file/ which gave some assurance that the ambiguous answer produced by gpg2 was in fact legitimate).

I then used OSX's Disk Utility to burn the .iso file to a blank DVD. After verifying the burn, it ejected the disk.

When I re-inserted it, I received a message that the disk was unmountable, giving me the option to Ignore or Eject. I chose Ignore. Then I went to the System Preferences > Startup Disk, to see if it would at least appear there as an option, but it didn't.

(I should mention that I also burned the same file to another disk using a Windows machine, and when I inserted it into the Mac I got the same message, so I don't think it's corrupted media. (Bad reader, perhaps? eek.) )

That's where I stand. There are so many variables at play here (many of them Apple-induced, I think) that I've been unable to find a solution that fits my situation. Could someone please provide suggestions / pointers / answer?

Thanks,
Chap

Scimmia

Fellow

Registered: 2012-09-01

Posts: 12,412

Re: Unable to boot on Mac Mini from DVD burned from .iso image

The Arch installer disk has a bit of an odd structure. Ignore what OSX tells you, just try booting from it: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1533

jasonwryan

Anarchist

From: .nz

Registered: 2009-05-09

Posts: 30,426

Website

Re: Unable to boot on Mac Mini from DVD burned from .iso image

Not a solution, more a recomendation: if you have the ability to `dd` the image to a USB and boot from that, opt for that approach. Burning utilities (especially those on other platforms) tend to invariably result in posts like yours.

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clh

Member

Registered: 2014-10-17

Posts: 8

Re: Unable to boot on Mac Mini from DVD burned from .iso image

Ignore what OSX tells you, just try booting from it: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1533

Exactly right. Holding the Option key caused a display of various bootable OSes, including the one I had just burned from the Mac using hdiutil (weirdly entitled "windows"). I selected it, and it booted. I now have a console. Problem solved. Thanks.

UPDATE: note that this boot disk *cannot* be seen or selected via the OSX System Preference > Startup Disk panel. Holding the Option key during startup seems to be the only way to select it.

Last edited by clh (2014-10-17 21:01:14)