How to transfer files to external hard drive in a Apple iMac in Single User Mode?

Question

okay my iMac hard drive is in the point of collapse, Mac OSX wont load after an update and its stuck in an endless loop when it tries to load X, nevertheless, i have to transfer a ton of files to my external hard drive in order to back up these very very important documents. mac osx works good only in single user mode and i need to copy and paste a directory into my external hard drive... can someone please tell me step by step the commands to transfer the files...i also need to know extactly how to mount the external hard drive...i believe im suppose to sudo cp /User/<myname> then something please help im lost

Answer 1

If you have a Firewire cable and external hard drive, you should be able to boot the iMac from the factory DVD and transfer directly from the iMac to the drive.

If have a friend with a Mac OSX and a Firewire cable, start up the friend&#039;s Mac.  Once finished starting up connect the Macs with the Firewire cable and start up your iMac, holding down the &#039;T&#039; key.  The friends iMac should show a new Firewire drive, your iMac.  You should be able to transfer files without mucking about with the Terminal.

If neither of these is an option, do you have an Apple Store nearby?

Answer 2

First off, you might have more luck posting this question over at apple forums (apple support, then discussions) there are some super-smart people over there.

I don&#039;t know the key commands, but if you are willing to try it, get a program called Disk Warrior and try booting directly from the CD.

I&#039;ve seen this save many a mac.