How do I enable root for 10.8.5?

Should be the same as it has been: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11331

However, I would never trust my system with something that needs you to enable the root user to install. Sounds like the very crappiest of crapware. Are you sure you need to enable the root user?

To temporarily elevate your privileges, put sudo in front of the command you are trying to run.

I am not sure why you said the anwser resolve your issue, I have the same issue with you, my system is 10.8.5, I tried to enable the root user as what they are saying in the document, but I am failed, I can not find "enable root user" button.

It's not a button. It is a menu item as the article states.

Why do you need to enable the root user?

Hi Barrney,

I captured the screen, but I am not able to fix the way to enable the root user, I have clicked the "password" item to set a password for the root user and clicked "save", and then tried to switch to the root user by using "sudo su -root", I got an "illegal option" error.:(

The reason I want to enable the root user is I want to install all of the software under /Liberay folder, I am a softerware engineer.

Thanks,

Jack

Log out. When you get to the log in screen, you should see 'Other' if the root user is enabled.

su takes the user you want to be as an argument not an option. If you want to change your logon to root, just use "su root" (no dash).

virgoboy2004 wrote:

I am not sure why you said the anwser resolve your issue, I have the same issue with you, my system is 10.8.5, I tried to enable the root user as what they are saying in the document, but I am failed, I can not find "enable root user" button.

In general if you have to ask how to enable root you should not be doing it. It indicates that you are have little to no knowledge of the Unix system at the core of OS X. Enabling root and not knowing what you are doing is a very dangerous combination in OS X.

Enable the root user

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, and then click Users & Groups.
2. Click the lock icon to unlock it, and then type an administrator name and password.
3. In the Network Account Server section, click Join or Edit.
4. Click Open Directory Utility.
5. Click the lock icon to unlock it, and then enter your administrator name and password.
6. Choose Edit > Enable Root User, and then enter a root user password in the Password and Verify fields. Be sure to specify a secure password.

The terminology "Edit > Enable Root User" means Select "Enable Root User" from the Edit Menu.

You don't need to enable the root user to install software in /Library.

Sure you can. You just have to follow the instructions. It is grayed out because you didn't authenticate in step 5.