The VMware Knowledge Base provides support solutions, error messages and troubleshooting guides
Search the VMware Knowledge Base (KB)
View by Article ID
Switching Mac OS to Single User Mode
Symptoms
A Mac OS X operating system:
Has failed
Has stopped responding
Keeps rebooting for no apparent reason
Has performance problems
Is slow
Is experiencing network problems
Purpose
This article describes how to switch into Single User Mode on a Mac OS X operating system. Single User Mode is useful when troubleshooting problems where it is suspected that something may be causing unexpected operating system behavior. Additionally, it is used to troubleshoot Mac OS failing to boot normally.
Resolution
To switch into Single User Mode:
Note: Single User Mode significantly limits the functionality of the operating system. You do not have access to any portion of the normal Mac OS graphical interface. VMware recommends that you only use Single User Mode if you have experience with the operating system and already know how to use this Mac OS feature.
Shut down and then power on the computer.
Immediately press and hold Command + S.
Release Command + S when you are at a shell prompt.
Note: To leave Single User Mode type exit and press Enter.
Ifyou are trying to start up a Mac Server OS virtual machine in Single User Mode, Command + S attempts to take a snapshot of the virtual machine. Therefore, you need to remap Command + S to be sent a different key stroke.
You can remap a different key combination on the host Mac to send Command + S to the virtual Mac. Shift+Command+S is already taken, but Option+Command+S is a valid alternative.
To set up the remapping:
Open Fusion.
Go to VMware Fusion > Preferences > Keyboard & Mouse > Key Mappings.
Click the + button to add a shortcut.
Under From:, select Option, Command, and S (from the dropdown menu).
Under To:, select the Windows key and S (from the dropdown menu).
Click OK.
Close the Preferences window.
Shut down any open virtual machines.
Quit and reopen Fusion.
Update History
06/23/2010 - Added steps for a remapping for a Mac OS vitrual machine.
Request a Product Feature
To request a new product feature or to provide feedback on a VMware product, please visit the Request a Product Feature page.
