OS X boot keys

in

Startup Keystroke Description

Command-S Boot into Single User Mode

Command-V Boot using "Verbose" mode (shows all kernel and startup console messages)

X Reset startup disk selection and boot into Mac OS X Server

Shift Boot into "Safe Boot" mode, which runs Disk First Aid. A reboot will be required afterward.

Option Boot into Open Firmware to select a boot device

Command-Option-Shift-Delete Bypass internal harddrive on boot

T Boot into Firewire target disk mode

C Boot from the internal optical drive

N Start from the Network (NetBoot)

Command-Option-P-R Reset Parameter RAM (PRAM) and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM)

(mouse button) Eject (internal) removable media

---

Press X during startup Force Mac OS X startup

Press Option-Command-Shift-Delete during startup Bypass primary startup volume and seek a different startup volume (such as a CD or external disk)

Press C during startup Start up from a CD that has a system folder

Press N during startup Attempt to start up from a compatible network server (NetBoot)

Press R during startup Force PowerBook screen reset

Press T during startup Start up in FireWire Target Disk mode

Press Shift during startup start up in Safe Boot mode and temporarily disable login items and non-essential kernel extension files

Press Command-V during startup Start up in Verbose mode.

Press Command-S during startup Start up in Single-User mode (command line)

---

If you use open firmware password

Startup Manager -accessed by pressing the Option key during startup

Enter commands after starting up in Open Firmware -press Command-Option-O-F key combination during startup.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106482

How to troubleshoot a computer with Open Firmware Password enabled

If you cannot access the Open Firmware Password application and need to troubleshoot your computer by:

  • Resetting the PRAM
  • Starting up in Single-user mode
  • Starting up in Verbose mode
  • Starting from CD-ROM

Then follow these steps:

  1. Start up into Open Firmware by pressing and holding the Command-Option-O-F key combination during startup.
  2. At the Open Firmware prompt, type: reset-nvram
  3. Press Return.
  4. When prompted for your password, enter it and press the Return key. It responds OK.
  5. At the Open Firmware prompt, type: reset-all
  6. Press Return.

The computer restarts and you are now be able to reset the PRAM and startup in Single-user mode, Verbose mode, or from CD-ROM.

  • Login to post comments
  • 2775 reads