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kwcto/mac-file-transfer-via-command-line.md

Created October 22, 2015 18:51
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    # Mac File Transfer via Single User Mode / Command Line

    - Start in **Single User Mode** by holding down **Command-S** when starting the Mac.
    - Commands can also be typed via *Terminal* app when OS X is running.
    > See also: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201573
    > More tips: http://www.tekrevue.com/tip/mac-startup-options/
    ## Terminal Command Workflow

    1. Type `diskutil list` to view available drives
    2. Type `diskutil mount /dev/disk1s2` (Disk 1, Partition Scheme 2 - **may be different on your Mac**) to gain read/write access on that disk.
    3. Type `cd /Volumes` to switch current folder to *Volumes* where Mac OS lists all mounted drives.
    4. Type `ls` to list contents of *Volumes* folder.
    5. Type `mkdir` to create a new folder (on the USB drive)
    6. The `cp -a` command copies files/folders from one path to another.


    ## Walkthrough
    **Start in Single-User Mode by holding Command-S as mentioned above**
    **You type ->** `diskutil list`

    **`/dev/disk0`** *(Physical Disk #1: Macintosh HD)*

    TYPE NAME SIZE IDENTIFIER
    0: GUID_partition_scheme *121.3 GB disk0
    1: EFI 209.7 MB disk0s1
    2: Apple_HFS Macintosh HD 120.5 GB disk0s2
    3: Apple_Boot Recovery HD 650.0 MB disk0s3

    **`/dev/disk1`** *(Physical Disk #2: PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB)*

    #: TYPE NAME SIZE IDENTIFIER
    0: GUID_partition_scheme *256.0 GB disk1
    1: EFI 209.7 MB disk1s1
    2: Apple_HFS PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB 255.7 GB disk1s

    **You type ->** `diskutil mount /dev/disk1s2`

    Volume PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB on disk1 mounted

    **You type ->** `cd /Volumes`

    /Volumes 13:05:47

    **You type ->** `ls`

    Macintosh HD PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB Recovery Disk Assistant

    **You type ->** `cd /Volumes/PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB`
    **You type ->** `mkdir RecoveredFiles`
    **You type ->** `cd RecoveredFiles`
    **You type ->** `cp -a ~/Photos Photos`

    /Volumes/PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB/RecoveredFiles 13:07:20

    > Which *should* copy the entire Mac Photos folder to */Volumes/PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB/RecoveredFiles/Photos*
    1. An **empty line** after running the `cp` command indicates **success**
    1. Copy **folder and contained files together** using `cp -a /Source/FolderName /Destination/FolderName`
    1. Copy **single files** without the **-a** using `cp /Source/file.jpg /Destination/file.jpg`
    1. ***~/Photos** is the same as **/Users/alex/Photos***

    ## More copying examples

    **You type ->** `cp ~/Photos/myphoto.jpg Photos/myphoto.jpg`
    **You type ->** `cp -a ~/Documents /Volumes/PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB/RecoveredFiles/Documents`
    **You type ->** `cp -a ~/Desktop /Volumes/PIZZA_PIZZA_256GB/RecoveredFiles/Desktop`

    ## Exit Single User Mode
    **You type ->** `reboot`
    > Mac will reboot normally