How to enable the root user on Mac OS X Lion
With this guide, I will explain how to enable the root user in Mac OS X Lion. The root user is a special account that has privileges to read and write all files on the system that a normal account, even as administrator, did not.
We must pay particular attention to the use of this account, as it may cause damage to the system if not used properly and by experienced hands.
1.) Enable the root user is a simple task, but use this account requires experienced hands, because allows you the privilege of going to touch that file system with a normal administrator account, you could not touch. Since the modification, and deletion of these files could destabilize the system, you should use the root user with caution. Now I’ll show you how to activate your account. You have to enter the directory of the utility through System Preferences in the Dock.
This will bring up the following screen. Leaving on users and groups will open the following window. In order to move forward you need to enable changes through the lock at the bottom left. At this point, it only remains to authenticate as an administrator, enter the password for the default administrator account and move forward with the process of activation of the root user. The lock will be unlocked, indicating that the authentication was successful.
2.) After obtaining administrator privileges unlocking the screen, go to Options Login : Click on Log In, next to Server network account, and you will open the following window above. Finally, you see the word Open Directory Utility. Clicking on the button will open another window where there are some settings, but does not keep it in mind. Now I just have to head on the top bar of your Mac (having the window of the selected directory) and go to the Edit menu > Skill root.
3.) You will need to enter a password that you will not have absolutely forgotten, because once you restart the Mac to log in with the root user, you must enter the password, and there is no way to go back, unless you format the operating system Mac OS X Lion. The game is done. Restart the computer and log in with the root user to perform system changes that you feel necessary.
4.) Of course, after you’ve done the operations with the privileges of the root user, you must disable and re-enter with your account from the default administrator. To do this you just have to redo the same process that the activation of the root user, only this time instead of ” enable root user ” find ” disable root user. ” Restart your Mac and you’ll automatically with the default administrator account. I remind you that if you’re not an expert in the relevant operating system, use the root account only in case of need where you need to create special privileges in order to avoid damage to the system can only be resolved with the formatting of Mac OS X Lion. For more information, visit also apple support.
