Make OSX SD/USB bootable lock, i.e., make Mac unable to boot without SD card.

Hello!
I'm trying to find a way to make my Macbook unable to boot without an external media to initialize the computer. Or at least a way to remove the harddrives from the listed boot options by hitting the option/alt key on bootup. I want to remove those options and force the computer to boot off the removable media. Is this possible, or has it been attempted?

The boot disk is specified in System Preferences>Startup Disk
What do you see when you boot to recovery and look at the startup disk and look at the disk(s) in disk utility?
OS X: About OS X Recovery
Try reinstalling via Recovery as stated in the above.
Do you have access to another Mac? If so can connect via FireWire bd access the Mini's disk via FW target disk mode
How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode

Similar Messages

Windows 8.1 Pro won't boot without USB Stick

Please HELP! I bought a Thinkpad e555 without OS, created installation media for Windows 8.1 in a 64Gb USB stick. When the installation was finalized, I followed the instruction of removing the stick after restarting. After powered on, black screen for hours. Put the usb stick back and Windows booted, finalized the installations and configurations, and started normally. So I started with all of the drivers downloads and installation. So I removed the usb thinking that everthing was ok. But when a restarted it, it wouldn't boot until I restarted it with the usb plugged. Complained with the retailer and sent me a new one. Now I'm trying the installation all over again using a 16Gb USB stick. The same, the OS won't boot without having plugged the USB that I used for installation. What am I doing wrong? Note:NTB LENOVO TP E555 20DH000WGEAMD A8-7100, 4GBx1, 15.6" HD, Black, AMD R5 HD Grafik, 720p CAM, 500GB7200, DVD±RW, RTL bgn+BT, Numpad, No Fingerprint, Akku 6Zellen (48wh), None Preload OS

I have this problem on E455. Both in 8.1 Pro.It was after a driver update, but not sure which one.It doesn't what USB device is attached, just so long as there is one.

Why do you need a usb bootable drive to do a clean install of Mavericks (or any other OSX)?

I have had a few minor bugs with Mavericks, and I finally got an external hard drive, so I decided to do a clean install of Mavericks.
Every single tutorial I've found online has suggested making a usb-bootable drive to reinstall the os with. However, I simply backed up the things I wanted to save on my external hard drive, restarted holding Cmd+R and went to disk utility, erased my Macintosh HD in the correct format, then went over to the install Mavericks tab on the recovery mode screen. Now, I understand it takes a little longer to do it this way, but it's only got about an hour left, and I started the reinstallation about 20 min's ago.
Besides the much longer time to wait for the OS to reinstall using my method, without a USB drive, what is the disadvantage of simply doing it all through the recovery mode boot screen via wifi? I know I could have done the bootable drive on my external hd, but I'd rather not mess with partitions on this drive...it's just got my documents, music, movies...etc, and I'd like to keep it that way.
Any info would be appreciated.

Besides the time difference and the data used on your network connection they are the same.
Actually there is one difference depending on when the USB installer was made the software you load might be out-of-date. When you download from a Apple you know you are getting the latest versions. So if you do use a USB stick to install make sure you run a software update before doing anything.

I am trying make a flash drive bootable so i can install OSX Mountain lion it BUT it has MBR partition on it how can i remove this partition

I am trying make a flash drive bootable so i can install OSX Mountain lion it BUT it has MBR partition on it how can i remove this partition
Regards
Warren

Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.

How to make a USB bootable disk to boot up my macbook pro.

Macbook Pro has just fallen and HDD will not boot up.
Start up screen keep bringing up a folder with a question mark in it, and the hard drive keeps making a noise that doesnt sound good.
Need to know how to make a USB bootable disk in order to boot up my macbook and install my new SSD.
Or any other information that could help me.
I was running OS X Yosemite, so would prefer to have this reinstalled onto the boot up disk.
PLEASE HELP !!!!

Install or Reinstall Lion from Scratch
If possible backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive.
Boot to the Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Erase the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your startup volume (usually Macintosh HD) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion: Select Reinstall Lion and click on the Install button.

Grey Screen, won't boot from usb. Only have a PC to create a boot USB. How can I reinstall OSX with a .dmg file?

I recently recieved a macbook that I was told was broken. She didn't know what was wrong with it, but she told me I could keep it if I wanted to get it working again. Its http://support.apple.com/kb/sp579 this model. I got the laptop to power on, but the apple logo and the spinning wheel under it kept spinning forever. So with me and my "Amazing" knowledge of Macs, I thought it would be best to reformat the drive on my PC via sata cable to FAT32 (which I was told is a format that mac devices can read/write on) and install OSX from usb. So I have a .dmg file and used TransMac to format the usb and make the usb drive bootable with the .dmg.
I formatted the drive to FAT32 and plugged it into my macbook and I get a folder and a question mark blinking on the screen. After looking at some forums online, I found that the error occurs when you don't have the correct filesystem to boot or something along those lines. So I try rebooting the computer while holding C, to boot from an external device (such as USB). Nothing. Again the folder and question mark blink on the screen. I look at some other boot option keys and try all of them. Shift for recovery mode, D for apple hardware test, Control, option, P, and R for resetting NVRAM and PRAM. Everything! The only things that differ slightly are when I press Option for startup manager, N for NetBoot and Option+N for internet default boot image. When I press N and Option+N, I get a blinking globe for about 5-10 seconds and then the folder and ? blink again. When I hold Option for the startup manager, I get a white screen and my curser, which I can move around the screen, but there is nothing to click on, its just white.
Currently I have a USB flash drive plugged into the macbook with a .dmg OSX installer on it via TransMac and for some reason, my macbook doesn't want to try to load it. Either I have the wrong file format for the installer, or my macbook is having problems. I read that the hard drive may be the problem, except I can use it on my PC so I know that it works fine.
If anyone has any information about how to fix this, or any ideas. Please let me know! I would very much like to get this macbook going again.

The correct format for Mac OS X is not FAT-32.
As the computer shipped with an install-restore disc DVD set that could be used to start the computer as an emergency disc and use the Utilities on the Installer, without running the Installer itself, to format, attempt repair, and perform a few different system installs or reinstalls, this is where the correct format would come from.
Was there documentation to confirm the build year and model information, such as to refer you to the product page link you posted above?
If accurate, that MacBook shipped with this custom grey
install-restore DVD version of Snow Leopard:
Original OS
Mac OS X 10.6.1 (10A2047)
Maximum OS
Latest release of OS X
AirDrop
Supported
Hardware Test
AHT 3A181
And to be able to restore the basic OS X to that level, official replacement discs for that computer should be ordered from AppleCare; to facilitiate obtaining correct ones, you should find the product serial number. There likely would be a fee involved. The replacement disc set may have a different number than the one in the information box above, but would match the hardware series by Apple standards. And a replacement disc may not have the original extra applications that shipped with the computer when new. Those original discs are part of the retail computer, an essential part number, like the power adapter, and should be included with the computer even after an OS X upgrade, since they allow basic access without using the internet.
The remainder of the Snow Leopard 10.6(.8) would be a download Software Update Combo v 10.6.8, either direct from Apple servers or through the computer's running Software Update. Once the computer is up to date in Snow Leopard, 10.6.8, then one could visit the Mac App Store, App Store, and iTunes Store; from the Mac App Store, and you could check/get the latest upgrade to Mac OS X, 10.9.2. An Apple ID is required to access.
The computer may not support Mavericks 10.9.2, or may be able to, but could use an upgrade of RAM capacity.
If your model and build year series info is correct:
Maximum Memory
8.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots
2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
For more information see the database download http://mactracker.ca
and also compare specs with macbook models at everymac.com.
The newer OS X systems that can use a Recovery HD partition on the hard disk drive, can start from there to repair their hard disk drive, and reformat the section where the Mac OS X runs, and reinstall that. Since there is no likelihood of that still being on the drive once it was FAT-32 reformatted, it will not be present to assist in attempts to reformat the drive; if the computer had been upgraded past Snow Leopard 10.6, to a later system that would have used the recovery partition, or the later internet recovery system. That goes to Apple Servers to use OS X Utilities and reinstall the system, helpful for computers without optical drives or system media. Your MacBook with 10.6.8 installed, then had to access the Mac App Store, to get 10.7.5, 10.8.5, or 10.9.x
Identify your Mac lookup by model number or serial number:
https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php
Anyway, the hardware in the computer may need some inspection, troubleshooting, and maybe repair; but the original DVD install-restore disc has an Apple Hardware Test on it, for that series build model macbook. That could help in troubleshooting some aspects of the computer. Could be the hard disk drive failed; or if someone tried to upgrade the RAM, the system may not have worked correctly. Hard to say how it was messed up, at this stage. There are several possible causes.
Hopefully you can get the correct disc set from AppleCare.
You can call Support number, or use Contact Support page.
Good luck & happy computing!

USB interface locked for windows-based application via VMWare fusion 3

recently I found some applications based on windows XP (I used Vmware fusion 3 on mac OS X 10.6.3, macbook pro) can't find the h/w connected to USB interface..e.g.
I have a 3G wireless modem card, the console in windows (of course based on virtual machine VMWARE) says no any modem card founded when I connected to my mac pro with USB interface..
another case is I use ebank client s/w with U-key.. of course doesn't find any U-KEY when i insert it too..
It seems that the USB interface is locked when I use windows-base application via virtual machine, right?

yes, your suggestions are very useful.. I tried again..it asked me to select if connecting to "windows" or "mac".. I made the mistakes before.. Now I selected "windows" and it was okay..
btw, one more question about the bridge connection.. when I dial through my 3G modem card (based on windows XP), I just only use IE as the web browser.. Safari is not ok. I assumed that I should make a bridge connection between 3G modem card and LAN connection, right? If yes, how to do it? I can't select two connections once a time in control panel..
Thanks for your answer!

By mistake i ereased my mackbook pro's disk. and when is restared it recovery page opened. and i did not purchase the osx mountain lion. do i have any other way to recory it without purchasing the copy of osx. can i do it using a usb having image file of

by mistake i ereased my mackbook pro's disk. and when is restared it recovery page opened. and i did not purchase the osx mountain lion. do i have any other way to recory it without purchasing the copy of osx. ?can i do it using a usb having image file of mountain lion?

Did you buy your machine second-hand? That's really the only way you would have to purchase OS X 10.8.x from the App Store... but, yes, if you have a USB thumb drive with a bootable installer (such as made with Lion DiskMaker) you can boot from that and reinstall OS X.
Clinton

Installing from OSX on USB-Reformatting MacBook pro

Hi
I am experiencing so many issues with email , itues and other apps. I think its time to reformat and install fresh.
Is there OSX on USB that i can boot from ? my CD is stopped reading ( one of the issues).
Thanks

They are specific to the hardware, so no. You can always try but i think it will not work.
Have a look at this link on how to create your bootable USB http://macs.about.com/od/diyguidesprojects/ss/usbflash.htm
Message was edited by: Toocool4

MacMini and OSX and USB

I have a OSX Leopard Server on a MacMini with 2 USB drives. I share both of them but when I enter the share names (AFP and SMB) in the share Points menu, the previous drive takes the name of the second name I enter so they end up having both the same share name. I don't know if that's is clear, english is not first language.
Is there a limitation of the shared drives via USB ?

I tried AEBS, but the performance is just way too slow.
any clients connecting via wifi will experience slower file access. Make sure the wireless clients are using 802.11n then you can achieve acceptable speeds.
If I were to setup a macMini with attached FW and USB drives, how would I make those drives available to my users on my home network?
Set Up File Sharing With Other Mac Users on Your Local Network
Also, do I need to leave the system logged in as a user or can I just share out drives and partitions and leave them?
When using a computer as a server it needs to on 24/7. It is best to have a user logged in even if no one uses that mac as a deskop as it make it easier to remotely administrate it over vnc for example

Does the new 2011 iMac come with a osx lion preinstalled or a osx lion USB drive

Does the new 2011 iMac come with a osx lion preinstalled or a osx lion USB drive

I just bought the 17" MacBookPro the other day with Lion preinstalled and wanted to install Lion on my iMac. It makes sense that I should be able to upgrade for free you spend all this money on Apple products, give us apple supporters a break. Maybe this is something that Apple overlooked and in the future there will be a fix.
I read up on forums and I finally called AppleCare they said that I should be able to install Lion on 5 other computers but only if purchased in the store, this doesn't make any sense. I feel like I already purchased a copy and that copy should be able to be installed on another computer. It should be as simple as logging in app store with the same apple ID and it be there to install on my iMac. If apple is trying to make everything user friendly, device syncying and convenient well it's not; this is just something they think of. I refuse to pay $30 for another copy. Fix this issue APPPLE!!!
Because if those who bought computers in July that didn't have Lion preinstalled can obtain a free copy to install in 5 computers. I should be able to do the same with the Lion that I bought preinstalled it's just make sense to me.

USB 6009 lock-ups?

Hello,
I'm having a strange problem with my newly aquired USB 6009. I've written an app to read the temperature from a temperature controller using the 6009 and that all works fine. However, the problem comes when I port this code into another application. The code is intended to run in a parallel loop to the main execution loop, to continuously read the temperature whilst other data is captured and process (all done in the main loop). Both applications run quite happily when separate. When I bring them together the applications sometimes, but not all the time, refuse to quit and just lock up. I have no idea what is happening as it is not a case of one loop remaining running (I've tried separate stop buttons) and they will run together quite happily. The problem only comes when I hit the button that terminates the main loop (this also triggers the other loop to stop - I'm sure this bit works as I've used the same method in another vi).
The main loop should, in theory, just close. The loop with the USB reads (using DAQmx Base) will stop and then clear the task (DAQmx Base Clear I think). Sometimes the DAQmx Base Clear runs and the program stops fine, other times it runs and the program locks, other times it locks as soon as I hit the quit button.
Any thoughts as I'm completely stumped on this one? Like I say, apart from the one button triggering both loops to terminate there is no link between the two loops.
My only thought is it could be a USB issue as the PC also has a USB keyboard and mouse. I know from my home experience, when for instance plugging in my camera, it can cause the USB to lock if, say, my USB modem is running.

See the thread
http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=250&message.id=13722
John Weeks
WaveMetrics, Inc.
Phone (503) 620-3001
Fax (503) 620-6754
www.wavemetrics.com

Can I purchase Mountain Lion and make a flash drive bootable? I do not want to install it on my Macbook Pro. I have Snow Leopard on my Macbook Pro now, and due to my hard drive needing repair I need to boot off of another source, like my flash drive.

Can I purchase Mountain Lion and make a flash drive bootable? I do not want to install it on my Macbook Pro. I have Snow Leopard on my Macbook Pro now, and due to my hard drive needing repair, I need to boot off of another source, like my flash drive. I am in Paris and my Snow Leopard DVD is in Texas.

Mac OS X has a built-in disk diagnostic and repair program called fsck or file system consistency check. Here’s how to verify and repair your startup disk with fsck. As soon as you hear the startup tone, press and hold Command-S on the keyboard. Keep holding down those keys until you see a black screen with white lettering. This is called “booting into Single User Mode.” As the Mac boots in this mode, the screen reports each step of the process. The line should end in root#. Right after the root# prompt, enter the following: /sbin/fsck -fy
If repairing the disk in single user mode fails, it means one of two things. Either your hard drive itself is failing (a hardware failure), or the directory damage on your hard drive is beyond the capability of the built-in repair procedures in OS X.

How can I make OSX index a network share for spotlight?

How can I make OSX index a network share for spotlight?
I am using a QNAP NAS with SMB network shares, which I mount with OS X Mavericks. They are not searchable, as far as I know because of the indexing of network share is by default not activated.
To force the OS to index them I activated this via mdutils. But this is no solutions. This makes spotlight to index the share once. But I want spotlight to index it always and keep it up to date. I have a huge amount of documents & fotographs, which is very difficult to manage without being searchable.
Unfortunately the only solution I found in the www was the mdutils-way, which seems not to work, maybe only works not for me.
I would appreciate any assistance,
Thank you,
Stefan

My thanks to everyone who has contributed to solving this problem here.
It appears that there still is NOT a good, reliable solution. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I did find this on http://jonathansblog.co.uk/how-to-enable-spotlight-indexing-on-a-network-drive:
===================================
To enable spotlight indexing on a network drive:
# mdutil /Volumes/name -i on
To disable the indexing of a connected network drive:
# mdutil /Volumes/name -i off
To check the status of indexing on a connected network drive:
# mdutil /Volumes/name -s
===================================
And, I found this on the Synology NAS forums:
cd /Volumes
mdutil shareName -i on
mdimport -Vp ./shareName
where shareName = name of your share
I have used the mdutil /Volumes/name -i on, and it seems to work.
But, if I understand it correctly, it is a one-time indexing -- the index is NOT keep up-to-date with changes.
So, how can we keep the index up-to-date?
My thought was to schedule a Terminal file to execute each night with the mdutil code.
Would this work? If so, how would you setup a scheduled run?
Would it have to be done on each Mac that accesses the Share?

How do i transfer some files and applications to and make my ssd a bootable drive

I have a mbp 2009. i'm using the owc data doubler - installing 250gb ssd and keeping my 250 HDD. I want to transfer some apps and files from the HDD to the SSD and make the SSD the bootable drive. I'm not too familiar with teh inner-workings, so i'd appreciate a step-by-step instruction

First - if you want to have the SSD as your boot drive, put it in your hard drive bay and put your hard drive in the optical bay. MacBook Pros 'expect' the boot drive to be in the main bay - not the secondary bay.
After you've made the swap, hold down the option key whilst booting and select your hard drive to start up. Once you've booted, use Disk Utility to format the SSD ("Mac OS Extended (Journaled)") with a single GUID partition. Now you'll be ready to start moving things around.
The best thing you can do - since the HD and the SSD are the same size - is simply to use Carbon Copy Cloner to clone your 'old' drive to the SSD. Then you can boot from the SSD, erase (reformat) your hard drive and then move any files on the SSD that you want on your HD. If I were you, I would try to keep most of your music, photos & other docs on the HD and your applications, etc., on the SSD. DO NOT just move your entire user directory to the HD as there are likely some files that are expected to be found in your user folder (the user Library, etc.).
Easy enough?
Clinton

Make OSX SD/USB bootable lock, i.e., make Mac unable to boot without SD card.

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for