Search for specific file without logging into iMac

Question

Level 1

76 points

Search for specific file without logging into iMac

Long story short, I have several dozen iMacs I need to search for a specific file. Some of the computers have logins, and I don't have the login info (but will have it weeks from now). Is there a way to search an unencrypted hard drive for a specific file name (or file extension(s)) without logging into iOS? Would the startup utilities offer that ability? Could I create a utility on a thumb drive to do this?

My last resort idea is to use disk recovery to create a second partition, install iOS on that partition, login to that iOS, and use finder to search the first partition for the file in question. This is time consuming at best, and I'm not sure it will work.

So if somebody has an idea about how to search a hard drive for a specific file before bootup, I would be very grateful!

Posted on Sep 19, 2022 1:52 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

216,482 points

Sep 19, 2022 2:56 PM in response to AZsport115

You can always reset the login password according to this Apple document: If you forgot your Mac login password.

Another route you can take is to boot the problem Mac into Target Disk Mode connect it to another Mac and use the shareware app Find Any File to search for the file you need.

1 - Name contains XXXX

FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.

Be aware that Find Any File cannot search the contents of files like Spotlight can.

Reply

Answer 2

AZsport115 Author

Level 1

76 points

Sep 28, 2022 2:58 PM in response to Old Toad

Thank you--I went with the Target Disk Mode solution.

The USB-C cord I had did not allow for Target Disk Mode between the two computers (2019 iMac and 2019 MacBook Pro). I had to purchase a USB-C Thunderbolt 3.0 cable.

It should be noted that Thunderbolt cables come with several different plug types. The apple store in my area had a Thunderbolt 3.0 cable, but the plug type don't fit into any Apple computers built in the last 8 years! Therefore I would recommend anybody facing this problem purchase a Thunderbolt 3.0 cable with USB-C plugs.

The apple store in my area had a USB-C Thunderbolt 4.0 cable but it was $130! I purchased an Anker $19 USB-C Thunderbolt 3.0 cable from Amazon and have been able to search the computers in question for various files as needed. Thank you Old Toad!

Reply

Search for specific file without logging into iMac

Similar questions