Mac OS X 10.6: Enabling the root user
The root user, or superuser, is a special user account in Mac OS X that has read and write privileges throughout the file system. By default the root account is not active.
Important:The root user can edit and delete important system files not available to normal users. To prevent damaging the system by moving or deleting important files, use extreme caution while working in the root account.
If you enable the root user account, be sure to use a secure password. For more information on secure passwords, see:
To enable the root user:
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Choose Apple menu > System Preferences and click Accounts.
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Click Login Options.
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Click either Edit or Join in the Network Account Server section.
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Click Open Directory Utility.
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Click the lock icon to unlock it, and then enter your administrator name and password.
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Choose Edit > Enable Root User, and then enter a root password in the Password and Verify fields.
The root user should be used only for specific administration or monitoring tasks. After completing a task as the root user, log out of Mac OS X, and then log back in using a normal user account.
To ensure the security and stability of your computer, disable the root user when you are not using it.