Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
How can I tell if a root user has been set up on my Mac?
Mac OS X (10.7)
I clicked on SystemPreferences but I don't see Library. How do I get there? Sorry, this is my first Mac and have only had it for a couple of months.
Thanks for your help.
B.
Open /System/Library/CoreServices/Directory Utility. Look in the Edit menu - if you see "Enable Root User", it's not set up. If you see "Disable", it is, and you can use that menu item to disable it.
Matt
Your machine always has a root user. It is either enabled (you can log in as it), or disabled (you cannot log in as it). That has nothing to do with whether you can USE it or not.
Personally, I think every one of these people who've written howto's telling people to enable root should be shot. It is NEVER necessary.
No, not System Preferences. Go to the Finder (the blue face, bottom left of your Dock) - go to your hard drive, then System, then Library, etc. You should be able to find the file I mentioned.
Having said that - is this a brand new Mac? If so, don't worry about the root user - it will be as it should be by default (there, but disabled).
Matt
following up on Matt's suggestion with Directory Utility -- sorry hit "reply" in the wrong place.
Great shortcut, Eric - I wasn't aware of it!
Many thanks
Matt
I got as far as Directory Utility and to the right there is the icon of Utility, But I don't see any Edit menu. ?
I think we need to know why you're concerned about the root user. What are you trying to accomplish or discover?
Just curious. This is my first Mac (brand new) and I am new to the OS. In fact, I am new to everything about Mac.
Read about the Root User and that it can be dangerous ? ? ? Just wanted to know where it is and whether it is enabled or not.
B.
Thanks.
I followed your link to Apple Support and found the info. on Root User for Mac OS 10.7.3
B.
How can I tell if a root user has been set up on my Mac?
