Can't get into Single User Mode (Cmd-S)

[Bill P.]

Some weeks ago I entered Single User mode and then entered a string of characters suggested by MacFixit as a routine maintenance item. I can't recall what it was and should have made a note of it.

Now, for some reason, I'm unable to enter Single User mode. Holding down cmd-S isn't working (I get the usual start-up instead). My thoughts are that the MacFixit entry that I made must have scrambled something, or I simply screwed up. I want to be able to enter Single User mode and cannot. Is there a way I can do this, perhaps using Terminal App? Can I somehow reset everything back to the default settings?

Thanks for the help,

Bill

 

[mad jew]

What sort of Mac do you have? Can you boot from an OSX disc?

 

[thegrifman]

If you have a boot password setup you can't enter single-user mode, you'll need to disable that before you try it. If you're unsure whether or not you have a boot password, just hold down the Option key when booting to go into Target Disk Mode and if you have a password set, it'll ask you for it.

 

[mad jew]

Technically booting whist holding OPTION gives you a list of bootable devices, whereas booting holding T gets you into Target Disk Mode.

 

[boogiequeen]

if you have a boot password setup you can't enter single-user mode, you'll need to disable that before you try it. If you're unsure whether or not you have a boot password, just hold down the option key when booting to go into target disk mode and if you have a password set, it'll ask you for it.

is there any way to enter single user mode with a boot password already in place and not knowing it??? Is there any way i can change the boot password????