Stuck at the apple start up icon

Shepherd · Shepherd #1 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 10:37 PM

I have a friend that some how manged to forget her password. So she goes online and looks up a single user command she knew nothing about and now it stuck at start up. I know a lot about macs but this one I just can't fix. I had to hunt down the command she used.

mount -uw /
rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
shutdown -h now

I know this command I have used it myself once but I have never seen it with the "-rf" and I am guessing that is what did the damage. Does anyone have any ideas on what this did or how to fix it?

6string · 6string #2 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 10:48 PM

mount -uw /
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
shutdown -h now

I tested this in the past and it worked, but as you can see, without the -rf

End of the day, if she has the install discs (which she should), it's as simple as booting from her install disc, and resetting the password.

Insert disc.
Reboot.
As soon as you hear the chime hold the C key down.
Release it once you see the spinning gear.
Select language and click next/continue.
In the menu bar go to utilities and select reset password.

Shepherd · Shepherd #3 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 10:55 PM

rm: /var/db/.AppleSetupDone: no such file or directory

Shepherd · Shepherd #4 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 11:06 PM

it's the "-rf" command i am sure of it if she had read done a little more she would have seen the same thing happened to him when he put it in.

6string · 6string #5 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 11:08 PM

That's my thoughts on it

I don't understand command lines, and have only played with them for curiosity/testing purposes, but never without a time machine backup, a cloned backup, and my install discs at hand.

If I were you friend, I'd be reaching for those install discs now

Shepherd · Shepherd #6 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 11:09 PM

those i don't have

6string · 6string #7 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 11:11 PM

Cheap and easy solution assuming it's an intel Mac.... go to the nearest Apple store or Best Buy, and purchase a copy of Snow Leopard for $29.

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.)

Shepherd · Shepherd #8 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 11:12 PM

true i was just hoping to save a few bucks and undo what she did

6string · 6string #9 (**permalink**)

04-20-2011, 11:14 PM

Sometimes it's easier to bit the bullet.
How much time and frustration is $29 worth to you?

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Shepherd #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 20, 2011 Posts: 10	04-20-2011, 10:37 PM I have a friend that some how manged to forget her password. So she goes online and looks up a single user command she knew nothing about and now it stuck at start up. I know a lot about macs but this one I just can't fix. I had to hunt down the command she used. mount -uw / rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone shutdown -h now I know this command I have used it myself once but I have never seen it with the "-rf" and I am guessing that is what did the damage. Does anyone have any ideas on what this did or how to fix it?
	QUOTE Thanks

6string #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 09, 2009 Location: Down Under :D Posts: 5,484 Mac Specs: Back to my old 2.2GHz C2D MB after selling my MBP and wondering what my next Mac will be :)	04-20-2011, 10:48 PM mount -uw / rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone shutdown -h now I tested this in the past and it worked, but as you can see, without the -rf End of the day, if she has the install discs (which she should), it's as simple as booting from her install disc, and resetting the password. Insert disc. Reboot. As soon as you hear the chime hold the C key down. Release it once you see the spinning gear. Select language and click next/continue. In the menu bar go to utilities and select reset password.
	QUOTE Thanks

Shepherd #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 20, 2011 Posts: 10	04-20-2011, 11:06 PM it's the "-rf" command i am sure of it if she had read done a little more she would have seen the same thing happened to him when he put it in.
	QUOTE Thanks

6string #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 09, 2009 Location: Down Under :D Posts: 5,484 Mac Specs: Back to my old 2.2GHz C2D MB after selling my MBP and wondering what my next Mac will be :)	04-20-2011, 11:08 PM That's my thoughts on it I don't understand command lines, and have only played with them for curiosity/testing purposes, but never without a time machine backup, a cloned backup, and my install discs at hand. If I were you friend, I'd be reaching for those install discs now
	QUOTE Thanks

Shepherd #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 20, 2011 Posts: 10	04-20-2011, 11:09 PM those i don't have
	QUOTE Thanks

6string #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 09, 2009 Location: Down Under :D Posts: 5,484 Mac Specs: Back to my old 2.2GHz C2D MB after selling my MBP and wondering what my next Mac will be :)	04-20-2011, 11:11 PM Cheap and easy solution assuming it's an intel Mac.... go to the nearest Apple store or Best Buy, and purchase a copy of Snow Leopard for $29. Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.)
	QUOTE Thanks

Shepherd #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 20, 2011 Posts: 10	04-20-2011, 11:12 PM true i was just hoping to save a few bucks and undo what she did
	QUOTE Thanks

6string #9 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 09, 2009 Location: Down Under :D Posts: 5,484 Mac Specs: Back to my old 2.2GHz C2D MB after selling my MBP and wondering what my next Mac will be :)	04-20-2011, 11:14 PM Sometimes it's easier to bit the bullet. How much time and frustration is $29 worth to you?
	QUOTE Thanks

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