Trying to reinstall macOS from a thumb drive. I can't get macMini to even recognize passwords. Running Monterey 12.7.6 with Intel chip. Key combinations like command+ option+ shift+R have no effect. Using a hardwired keyboard is necessary.
Mac mini, macOS 12.7
Make sure that you prepared the thumb drive correctly. Also resetting SMC and PRAM might help when booting to an external volume (to reset PRAM: shutdown, power ON and keep pressing Command-Option-P-R when the startup chime is heard up to 4 times -- might be just 1 time in later T2 Macs). T2 Macs might need a detour to Command-R Recovery to enable external booting but AFAIR the Mac should inform you about that detail.
Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support
If you're having trouble getting key combination to be recognized on Recovery volume or Safe Mode boot try the following: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.
Otherwise use a wired keyboard.
You do have an Intel Mac Mini, right?
Are you holding down the Shift key till you get the Apple logo and progress bar?
If you have a Silicon Mac Mini you'll have to hold down the Power key till you get the boot option screen. Then hold down the Shift key and click on your Mini.
I am using a wired keyboard. I am going to reload macOS from thumb drive using Terminal
Mac mini running Monterey won't start in safe mode
