Startup Keystrokes

Startup Keystrokes

Keys to Hold Down

Effect

C

Starts up from a bootable CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive

N

Starts up from a network server

R

Resets the laptop screen

⌘-R

Starts Recovery Mode

T

Puts the Mac into FireWire or Thunderbolt Target Disk mode

Option

Shows icons of all startup disks and partitions, so you can choose one for starting up

Option-⌘-P-R

Zaps the parameter RAM (PRAM) (hold down until you hear the second chime)

⌘-V

Shows Unix console messages during startup, logout, and shutdown

⌘-S

Starts up in single-user (Unix command-line) mode

Mouse down or F12

Ejects a stuck CD or DVD

Shift

Just after logging in: Prevents Finder windows and startup items from opening (they’ll return the next time you start up)

In the Finder

⌘-space

Opens Spotlight box

Option-⌘-space

Opens Spotlight window

,

Expands or collapses a selected folder in list view

Option-

Expands a folder in a list view and all folders inside it

Option-

Collapses a folder and all folders inside it

⌘-

Opens parent folder

⌘- (or ⌘-O)

Opens the selected ...

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