Well, you guys were able to salvage data I thought...

Well, you guys were able to salvage data I thought was lost and gone forever! I usually backed up my Mac Mini regularly using Time Machine, but while I was OS, the "family" must have turned it off. I don't know if I will be able to salvage the Mac Mini ... it's making a burning smell and you seem to have had a tough time getting the case open ... but hardware can always be replaced. Thanks for your service and great result.