I try to use cmd+s to access to command prompt to fix my unbootable mac book pro (mid-2011 model). While I was holding cmd+s, it just showed the black screen and white text for a while and immediatly turn to the normal login screen. I have to use cmd+s becathe the first aid in disk utility cannot solve my unbootable problem. Anyone can suggest me how to do cmd+s properly? Or any solutions in such situations to recover my Mac book Pro. Thank you.
Sounds like FileVault is on. If this is the case, it is impossible to boot Single User Mode without your password because the startup disk must first be unlocked.
To boot Single User Mode, restart your Mac while holding down Command-S. Release the keys when the login window appears. If there is no sleep button on the login window, FileVault is unquestionably enabled. Log into your user account to continue booting Single User Mode.
To access your startup disk in Recovery Mode (for First Aid, etc) restart (or turn on) your Mac while holding down Command-R. Release the keys when the Apple logo and a progress bar appear. When the Utilities menu appears, select Disk Utility. Select your startup disk (usually named Macintosh HD) and click Mount. Enter your login password when prompted.
Hope this helps!
Sounds like FileVault is on. If this is the case, it is impossible to boot Single User Mode without your password because the startup disk must first be unlocked.
To boot Single User Mode, restart your Mac while holding down Command-S. Release the keys when the login window appears. If there is no sleep button on the login window, FileVault is unquestionably enabled. Log into your user account to continue booting Single User Mode.
To access your startup disk in Recovery Mode (for First Aid, etc) restart (or turn on) your Mac while holding down Command-R. Release the keys when the Apple logo and a progress bar appear. When the Utilities menu appears, select Disk Utility. Select your startup disk (usually named Macintosh HD) and click Mount. Enter your login password when prompted.
Hope this helps!
Sounds like your drive is corrupted. Could be anything, including something missing in the OS that prevents properly entering into single-user mode.
I haven't tried it before until I saw this topic. I gave it a try on my mid-2012 MBP running High Sierra. It should have that white on black and then just stay there. I was getting certain things popping up occasionally, but it wouldn't try to boot until I typed "exit" and hit return.
command+s does not work
