Common Mac Startup Key Combinations

C You start from a bootable CD such as your install DVD in the drive.

D Perform an Apple Hard ware test if you have your install DVD in the drive.

N Boot from a network compatible server. Only useful if you have the server.

T Start up in Target Disk mode. in other words if your connected to someone via Firewire your Mac will appear as a drive on their desktop

Option Key Here you can pick which drive you want to boot from.

Option+N Similar to the item above, except you get given the choice of booting from a network disk.

Command + S Single User Mode. This is where you can run a lot of high level tasks as a single user. Probably not for newbies.

Shift Start up in safe mode. Very useful if you have a problem and need an environment where you don’t want unnecessary things loaded. A good bet if you get Kernel panics during boot.

Option + Command + P + R Reset PRAM

Hold Eject or F12 or Mouse Button- This will eject anything that is in the disk drive.



MACNERD Team