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sudo rm -rf / in OS X

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Uploaded by on Sep 20, 2007

This is what happens when you invoke sudo rm -rf / in Terminal.app as Mac OS X is actively running. Some unusual behavior occurs as the OS swallows its own tail which can be seen toward the end of the video.

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  • w8, aren't you also wiping out your other partition?! It was mounted, you didn't dismount, and you're deleting everything.. :S

    PS: What's wrong with open source software? You say it as a dirty word :S

  • @alistairstuart2009 sudo= use command as super user= need password :p

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  • You have a sexy voice.

  • @ihateregistering2322 If you boot from a CD or USB device you can still reinstall everything.

  • You should do srm instead, to prolong the task :D

  • @jankarlitos - indubitably.

  • @SirBlain Actually it's ok, the order doesn't matter. -fr is not a single option. They are 2 different options. -f is the short version of --force and -r is the short version of --recursive. And also, the command did worked, and did exactly was it was supposed to do. i.e. Remove forceably and recursively from root folder

  • 7:14 Hmm, usually when you wipe out a computer, it can't start up. Here, it can't even shutdown! XD

  • 2:09 when the effects begin!

    Don't kill me for this :p

  • @ihateregistering2322 You basically delete all files in the file system. No chance you'll boot again unless you perform a new install. Besides, all mounted storage devices will be erased as well.

  • Mr-Spock:~

    HELL YEAH!

  • @Cab00v He did type the command in wrong, it's -rf. I don't see how it still (sort of) worked.

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