Permissions differ but don't seem to repair

Question

Hello,
When I run verify permissions a long list of things pop up saying the permissions differ. But when I run repair permissions the same things pop up as differing permissions. I thought maybe it was just the computer telling me it was fixing the problem, but, out of curiosity, I ran verify permissions again. The same things popped up in the window. I've also got a problem with Safari, Mail, and iTunes hanging and when I try to force quit the application it won't actually force quit and the blue on light in the dock stays lit. I also noticed that one of the messages in verify permissions said something about iTunes. Could these two things possibly be connected. I was just about to run an archive install because I read in a thread that this would fix the latter problem of applications not quitting. But I also keep reading about verifying permissions before doing that, and I don't think I've had a successful verify and repair yet. Any and every piece of help is appreciated
Edit-now it's saying that one thing is irreparable. Answers?
Message was edited by: MichaelJZilla

Answer 1

HI,
The permissions issues and Safari/Mail and iTunes issues are NOT related.
First. You can safely ignore the messages when you repair disk permissions. They are a result of recent software updates. As long as you see these words at the bottom of the window;
Permissions repair complete, you have nothing to worry about.
Now, applications that freeze or crash and you can't quit.. that's different. Might be an underlying problem. Boot from your install disk and check the hard disk for errors.
*"and I don't think I've had a successful verify and repair yet."*
Do you mean you've run Disk Utility and it's reported errors and they aren't repaired? Here's how to do that.
Insert the installer disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key until grey Apple appears.
Go to Installer menu (Panther and earlier) or Utilities menu (Tiger and later) and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in the left panel.
Select First Aid in the Main panel.
*(Check S.M.A.R.T Status of HDD at the bottom of right panel. It should say: Verified)*
Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
When you are finished with DU, from the Menu Bar, select Utilities/Startup Manager.
Select your start up disk and click Restart
Check to see how much free disk space there is. Right or control click the MacintoshHD icon. Click Get Info. In the Get Info window you will see Capacity and Available. Make sure you always have a minimum of 10% to 15% free disk space at all times.
Carolyn