How to run memtest in single user mode on Mac Mini with Lion

Question

How to run memtest in single user mode on Mac Mini with Lion

So I just installed some new memory in my 2011 Mac Mini and I want to run memtest on it. The memtest instructions recommend running it in single user mode. You're supposed to be able to get into single user mode by holding Command+S during boot up. However when I do this the Mini just boots normally. I've tried multiple times and have not been able to get it to work.

Is single user mode somehow disabled in Lion and/or with this new hardware?

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Apr 12, 2012 5:09 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Apr 12, 2012 12:51 PM in response to Bob Bracalente

Not as far as I know. Zap the PRAM and Reset the SMC, then try again.

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Answer 2

X423424X

Level 6

14,265 points

Apr 12, 2012 4:58 PM in response to Bob Bracalente

The timing of all the various boot key combinations is that you should push the keys immediately after the boot chime.

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Answer 3

bheiser1

Level 1

82 points

Apr 12, 2012 6:03 PM in response to Bob Bracalente

I've seen this symptom when using a Bluetooth keyboard. If possible you may want to try using a wired USB keyboard. At least in my case I've found this method to be more reliable in this situation.

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Answer 4

ds store

Level 7

30,725 points

Apr 12, 2012 6:19 PM in response to Bob Bracalente

Download RemBer instead it's safer

http://kelleycomputing.net/rember/

just reboot to no other startup items to address as much memory as possible.

https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro?view=documents

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Answer 5

Apr 12, 2012 8:16 PM in response to Bob Bracalente

Thanks for the replies! I've been trying to hit the keys right after the chime, I guess I'll keep trying.

I'm already using a wired keyboard.

Not sure how Rember is "safer", though, it's just a GUI front end around an older version of memtest. Even with no other programs running, the Desktop environment itself takes up significant memory, which is why I want to run memtest from single user mode. I'm comfortable working in command prompt/single user mode.

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Answer 6

X423424X

Level 6

14,265 points

Apr 12, 2012 8:22 PM in response to Bob Bracalente

While it's not the exact same universe of tests have you considered running Apple Hardware Test instead with it's extended memory tests?

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Answer 7

Apr 12, 2012 8:32 PM in response to Bob Bracalente

That's a possibility, maybe I'll have better luck with ~that~ key sequence. :) The new platforms with the base OS & install tools in ROM/NVRAM are a bit of a different animal.

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