How to bypass login window and login manually?

Hi

I posted a question re unable to login after disabling auto login. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4076077

No responses yet.


Can someone tell me how to bypass the graphic login window to login manually from a prompt?


I booted in safe mode and still get the login window with user and guest, but there is no box to type my password. The trackpad and keyboard work. I suspect a startup app or process is interfering.


I know my user name and pw.


I've been searching online but can't find the answers. I'm using iPhone with limited wifi access. I've come to a cafe with better access to type this.


Thanks for any direction. Blessings.

MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.53 GHz), Mac OS X (10.7.4), disable automatic login can't login

Posted on Jul 4, 2012 1:56 PM

Reply
15 replies

Jul 4, 2012 4:59 PM in response to NagsMac

Please read this whole message before doing anything.


This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.


The purpose of this exercise is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode* and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:


  1. Be sure your Mac is shut down.
  2. Press the power button.
  3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
  4. Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).


*Note: If FileVault is enabled under Mac OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, you can’t boot in safe mode.


Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.


The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.


Test while in safe mode. Same problem(s)?


After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Jul 5, 2012 6:13 AM in response to NagsMac

Boot from your installation disc (if running Mac OS 10.6.8 or earlier) or into Recovery (if running Mac OS 10.7 or later; command-R at startup), and reinstall the Mac OS. After rebooting, run Software Update. Test. If the problem is gone, you're done.


Note: You need an always-on Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to the Internet to use Recovery. It won’t work with USB or PPPoE modems, or with networks that require any kind of authentication other than a WPA or WPA2 Personal password.


If the problem persists, boot into Recovery again, launch Disk Utility, and erase the startup volume with the default options. This operation will destroy all data on the volume, so you had be better be sure of your backups. Install the Mac OS again. When you reboot, you'll be prompted to go through the initial setup process. That’s when you import the data from one of your backups. For details of how this works, see here:


Setting-up a new Mac from an old one or its Backups Using Setup Assistant on Snow Leopard or Leopard


Setting-up a new Mac from an old one, its backups, or a PC Using Setup Assistant on Lion


Don't import the Guest account, if it was enabled on the old system. After that, run Software Update again. Test. If the problem is still there, you have a hardware fault. Take the machine to an Apple Store for diagnosis.

Jul 5, 2012 9:44 AM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks. My issue appears to be known with Lion. I don't think the reinstall cure-all will be effective in allowing me to disable automatic login.


To clarify my question: How do I bypass the graphical window login screen with the gray linen background and User and Guest icons, to get a text login prompt. This prompt might also be called a terminal or a command prompt. I'm optimistic this is an easy thing to do—one only needs to know what keys to hold or type and when.


Thanks!

Jul 5, 2012 9:51 AM in response to NagsMac

If you mean single-user mode, hold down the key combination command-S at the startup chime. If you’re using an external USB keyboard, it must be plugged directly into a built-in port on the Mac, not into a hub. Release the keys when you see a black screen with scrolling white text.


I don't have any suggestions as to what you should do once you're in single-user mode.

Jul 5, 2012 3:30 PM in response to Linc Davis

"single user mode" exactly. When I search for that I'm finding many support articles and discussions how to use that mode to isolate startup issues. Apple advises reinstalling only as a last resort.


It looks like booting in single user verbose will show me what's loading.


Thanks for providing the correct terminology. I'll post the resolution when I get there.

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How to bypass login window and login manually?

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