-9972

I've hunted like a bear
and I have not found anything
on what:
Error:
The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)
means.

Hello...your error code indicates a 'directory' problem...Try booting from your install disk 1 and running Disk FirstAid..
It is very possible that Disk FirstAid will not be able to repair the problem...
DiskWarrior or TechTool Pro has repair routines that should sort things out
I have had the '-9972 ' error twice and both times DiskWarrior fixed the problem
useing 'Search Disscussion' try entering...-9972 directory error..there are several pages of posts
good luck dave

Similar Messages

-9972 upon trying to verify harddrive (Kernal panic linked...)

Hey everyone, I having a major kernalpanic that I am having major trouble repairing. I tried running first aid (I do not own Disk warrior- and I'm on a student budget) and it was not able to successfully verify and repair my disk. I was returned the code -9972. Does anyone know what this code means? I am able to access my drive through another computer via firewire. When accessing the drive through firewire mode, everything appears to be fine (all files are in tact). Please help! Of coarse, your time is GREATLY appreciated.
Best,
John

When accessing the drive through firewire mode, everything appears to be fine (all files are in tact).
I'd copy or backup them asap.
What does DU say when run from the other computer?
code -9972. Does anyone know what this code means?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=613279
http://www.treachery.org/log/2005/08/24/diskwarrior-how-it-just-saved-my-bacon/
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302411

Lacie Big Disk BIG ERROR (-9972)

Below is the definition for the issue I'm having on my G4. I've used disk Utility, Drive Genius and Disk Warrior. None of them could fix the issue. The solution below states that I should "back Up" the disk and start fresh. Here's the problem: How I access files on a drive won't allow me to see what's on it?
Any help will do.
Much Thanks.
~MF
Symptoms
In rare circumstances, Disk Utility may display the following message when you try to verify or repair a disk:
"The underlying task reported failure"
The Disk Utility log will also display a -9972 error code. This indicates that your disk volume has issues that Disk Utility cannot fix.
Products Affected
Disk Utility, Adobe Photoshop CS2, Adobe Illustrator CS2
Resolution
What can I do?
If you experience this rare occurrence, you should attempt to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Try using fsck in single user mode, or start up your computer from a different volume before verifying or repairing.
Back up as much of your important data and files as you can, then try using a third-party disk utility to repair the drive. Be sure that you use one that works with your version of Mac OS X.
Back up as much of your important data and files as you can, then perform an Erase and Install installation of Mac OS X on the affected volume.
Important: This option completely erases the destination volume and then installs a new copy of Mac OS X. You should always backup important files on the target volume before performing an Erase and Install installation. You can then restore your backed up files afterwards.

Hi, ~MF -
It is good practice to cite the source of quoted material; if possible, give the link to the aarticle. In this case, it would appear that you quoted a portion of this Apple KBase article -
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1901
If you have tried to do what you can using Disk Utility (while booted to a CD) and Disk Warrior, try using a data retrieval program to capture your data from the drive before re-initializing it, such as -
Data Rescue
Virtual Lab
Both of those have trial versions available for download; either may have restrictions re what versions of OSX they support.

The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)

my lacie has worked in the past
now it will not show up on my osx desktop
i can get to it in os9
and it shows up in the disk utility as grey
when i try to repair remissions it says
"The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)"
does anyone else know how i can get it back?

Hello nooneever,
You might find the following useful in dealing with your -9972 error (depending on the text which accompanies the error):
The following was contributed by Fumiaki Kawashima. Edited by Kappy.
The error message, "Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)" is a serious filesystem error in the Mac OS X Core Foundation. The problem can also lead to other critical errors such as "Keys Out of Order," "Invalid node structure" and/or "Invalid sibling link." The causes and scenarios vary. Troubleshooting a solution may depend upon computer configuration and whether the -9972 error is accompanied by other critical errors. This issue can also lead up to a kernel panic. If the error occurs when an external FireWire device is connected, disconnect it until you verify the device's compatibility.
Symptoms:
In most cases, you are unable to restart from Mac OS X.
* A volume is grayed out or not mounted with or without a kernel panic.
* A folder with a flashing question mark may appear.
* A bad partition map may be reported.
* A target disk mode solution may not work.
* Most likely, Disk Utility, TechTool and DiskWarrior cannot fix the issues.
* The high level disk format (Standard format) may unable to perform.
* You may unable to re-initialize the hard drive.
* A disk physically malfunctions in the worst case.
Example of an accompanied error message:
DiskWarrior normally fixes 1 to 6, but cannot fix errors 7 to 10 if the symptoms are very bad. There is no definite case.
01. Volume check failed
02. Invalid B-tree Header
03. Invalid map node
04. Invalid extents entry
05. Invalid clump size
06. Incorrect block count file
07. Invalid node structure
08. Overlapped extent allocation
09. Keys Out of Order
10. Invalid sibling link
Possible causes:
* Third-party FireWire device or enclosure, or other peripheral devices.
* Third-party mass storage drives or PCI card issues.
* Incompatible third-party kernel extensions.
* Mac OS X installer disc is improperly treated.
HTH
Jeff
Mini 1.25, 512 AP/BT; 12 Al PB 1.5, 512 AP/BT Mac OS X (10.3.8) Wireless KB/Mouse, AEBS, 80 GB OWC FW HD

Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)

After much debackle that I posted a few days ago I finally was able to run scans with disk utility. I got this:
Verifying volume ROVER
** /dev/disk3s2
** Phase 1 - Read FAT
Unable to read FAT (Input/output error)
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)
1 volume checked
     0 HFS volumes verified
     1 volume failed verification
Repairing disk for ROVER
** /dev/disk3s2
** Phase 1 - Read FAT
Unable to read FAT (Input/output error)
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)
Repair attempted on 1 volume
     0 HFS volumes repaired
     1 volume could not be repaired
Of course I have no idea what it means so I'm turning to here.
FYI: The disk is named ROVER and it was formated for PC (FAT). I was unable to upload all my music onto the disk and eventually unable to mount it to the desktop ir iTunes.

Hi Charles,
This indicates that your disk volume has issues that Disk Utility cannot fix, you have two options:
# Back up as much of your important data and files as you can, then try using a third-party disk utility to repair the drive. Be sure that you use one that works with your version of Mac OS X.
# Back up as much of your important data and files as you can, then perform an Erase and Install installation of Mac OS X on the affected volume.
Important: This option completely erases the destination volume. You should always back up important files on the target volume before performing an Erase and Install installation. You can then restore your backed up files afterwards.

Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.

Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.
The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).

kauribill wrote:
" The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.
The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).
This is a directory issue that Disk Utility cannot fix. Although it manifests itself as a software issue sometimes it may be hardware based. See DiskUtility reports "Underlying task reported failure" when repairing avolume http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1901?viewlocale=en_US". You can try using a utility like TechTool Pro, Drive Genius or Disk Warrior to repair and replace the directory. Another option would be to use the Archive and Install feature to reinstall. If the problem returns after correction you may have a failing or failed HDD.
cornelius

My Powerbook boots up every few times and the hardware test still gives me -9972 error

René O'Deay wrote:
My Powerbook G4 15" aluminum 1.67Ghz 10.3.9 Panther won't start up.
(I did a backup on an external drive not long before it failed)
have gotten lost in my research on apple forums and knowledge base.
From the original install discs:
The Hardware test gives the error.
"2STF/8/3 ATA-100 ata-6-Master (-9972)"
The Disc utility does see my harddrive but fails to repair with the messge:
1 volume cannot be repaired,
'Invalid node Structure'
Disk 'no valid packets (-9997)'
I do have a useless partition from TechTool 4 and had successfully run the programs just before Powerbook failed.
aid everything was ok, with no warnings.
found somewhere a link to a hardware test code list, that said 9972 could be the cable (ribbon?) to the drive needed to be reset, replaced, or the harddrive replaced.
our local New Orleans 'official' Apple Tech guy calimed it was the harddrive and not worth replacing. he whined that it would take hours, tho the guys on ifixit claimed only half an hour.
i have since got a refurb MacBook (even older it turns out) with Tiger, but I miss my 15 incher Powerbook. (on very tight budget)
the battery got zapped by lightning last year and have struggled with it ever since. it won't fully recharge.
Right now have got it on the AC without the battery to try to charge the backup battery.
I have managed to restore it several times after crashing, inspite of my tech guy claiming otherwise. but have never really opened it up besides just looking at the memory slots. just one filled with 512 card.
so any advice, or suggestions.
I've been messing with my Power book for like 10 hours and finally finished replacing the hard drive. (just installing the software and all the updates took almost 2 hours by itself) Now it boots up every few times and the hardware test still gives me -9972 error.
<Re-Titled By Host>

My friend. Do not despair.
Firstly, you have a backup. Kudos.
Secondly, i suspect the hard drive in the machine is more than just a few years old. Hard drives die. I suspect the hard drive is the issue, not the cable.
Thirdly, it is worth changing the hard drive and take the ifixit advice. Simple to change. If it will be your first time changing the hard drive, just be organized and follow the steps carefully.
Now, before we decided it is the hard drive we need to confirm this.
I would check if SMART reports favorable conditions for the drive. Disk utility can tell you.
If good then I would zero out the drive. This allows the drive to excercise every sector and will build confidence of a well prepared drive going forward.
You can then restore from backup.
The other option is to replace the internal HD with a new one, perhaps with more storage.
As an FYI, I replaced the drive on my powerbook G3 and it's faster, quite , has more storage and gives me some peace of mind. Worth the money. The little guy runs beautifully.
Sent from my iPhone

Disk Utility unable to verify disk (Error -9972)

Please help! I downloaded the Security Update 2007-004 and my comp crashed! When I turn my computer on I get a folder icon in the middle of the screen and it won't start.
I tried using Disk 1 to get to my harddrive. I got to Disk Utility and tried to verify disk. But I got the following message.
Invalid B-tree node size.
Volume check failed.
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit. (-9972)
So I can't verify and therefore can't repair my disk. I need my computer for my school assignment. Please please help.

Welcome To Discussions jo*!
Do you know what size the Hard Drive is, and how much space is available?
Although that error is not exactly good news, it is not necessarily a death knell.
DiskWarrior, does indeed, have a high success rate at rebuilding when Disk Utility reports "Underlying task reported failure" when repairing a volume (Error -9972).
In the above link it states;
*Back up as much of your important data and files as you can, then try using a third-party disk utility to repair the drive. Be sure that you use one that works with your version of Mac OS X."
DiskWarrior, also linked above, is just such a third-party utility.
But just in case it is unsuccessful, and you need to perform an Erase & Install, I suggest that if possible, you back up the system, or at least any data that you cannot afford to lose.
If you have access to another Mac that is Firewire enabled, you might be able to backup, or retrieve data, using Firewire Target Disk Mode.
Good Luck!
ali b

ERROR (-9972) ??? what is this??

I ran Disk Utilities from my start-up panther disk and I get this:
Invalid extent entry
volume check failed
ERROR: the underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)
0 HFX volumes repaired
1 volume could not be repaired
•Anyone know what this is?..I've had the new drive for a month now and everything seems to work fine...thanks
ibook g4 800mhz Mac OS X (10.3.9) 60 gig hitachi 7200 rpm/1.12 gig ram

The following may be helpful:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302411.
In addition to the above you may find some possible solutions in the following:
The following was contributed by Fumiaki Kawashima.
The error message, "Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)" is a serious filesystem error in the Mac OS X Core Foundation. The problem can also lead to other critical errors such as "Keys Out of Order," "Invalid node structure" and/or "Invalid sibling link." The causes and scenarios vary. Troubleshooting a solution may depend upon computer configuration and whether the -9972 error is accompanied by other critical errors. This issue can also lead up to a kernel panic. If the error occurs when an external FireWire device is connected, disconnect it until you verify the device's compatibility.
Symptoms:
In most cases, you are unable to restart from Mac OS X.
* A volume is grayed out or not mounted with or without a kernel panic.
* A folder with a flashing question mark may appear.
* A bad partition map may be reported.
* A target disk mode solution may not work.
* Most likely, Disk Utility, Norton Utilities, TechTool and DiskWarrior cannot fix the issues.
* The high level disk format (Standard format) may unable to perform.
* You may unable to re-initialize the hard drive.
* A disk physically malfunctions in the worst case.
Example of an accompanied error message:
DiskWarrior normally fixes 1 to 6, but cannot fix errors 7 to 10 if the symptoms are very bad. There is no definite case.
01. Volume check failed
02. Invalid B-tree Header
03. Invalid map node
04. Invalid extents entry
05. Invalid clump size
06. Incorrect block count file
07. Invalid node structure
08. Overlapped extent allocation
09. Keys Out of Order
10. Invalid sibling link
Related documents:
What to Do When It Finds an Error
Technical overview of disk volume structures
Possible causes:
* Third-party FireWire device or enclosure, or other peripheral devices.
* Third-party mass storage drives or PCI card issues.
* Incompatible third-party kernel extensions.
* Mac OS X installer disc is improperly treated.
Solutions:
If possible and needed, back up data before troubleshooting. Methods (4) and (5) are for Power Mac desktop computers other than G5 models. The best bet is method (4) if you encounter multiple bad errors.
1. Unplug the power cord. Disconnect all third-party hardware except Apple keyboard and mouse before you start.
2. Do NOT re-install any third-party software/hardware until you completely solve the issue(s) and carefully investigate the compatibility with Mac OS X 10.3.x you install.
3. If another critical error "Invalid sibling link" is detected at any phases, disconnect and reconnect all internal power cords and data cables for hard drives and any ATAPI device. To do so, you may need to read the computer's CIP Instructions in advance. Normally, you do not need to remove third-party RAMs.
Method 1:
(1) Start up from Mac OS X 10.3.x Panther Full Install CD or DVD.
(2) Re-initialize and re-partition the hard drive. RECOMMENDATION: Select "Zero all data" option if "Invalid node structure" or "Keys Out of Order" error is detected.
If this method is of avail, go to Method 2 or greater.
Method 2:
(1) Start up in Mac OS 9.2.2 and shut down the computer.
(2) Start up from a copy of a Disk Warrior bootable CD for Mac OS 9.2.2.
(3) Run DW to fix the damage(s).
Method 3:
(1) Unplug the computer.
(2) Find a second ATA drive and jumper it as MASTER. Jumper the hard drive in question as SLAVE. Verify the jumper pin settings.
(3) Install Mac OS 9.2.x system on the MASTER drive, and update it to Mac OS 9.2.2.
(4) Start up from Mac OS 9.2.2. Re-initialize and re-partition the damaged hard drive with Drive Setup using the "Zero all data" option. Unplug the computer and reconfigure the jumper pin setting on the repaired drive for MASTER and the second drive for SLAVE.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition the repaired drive to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
You may want to try starting up from Mac OS 9.2.x Full Install CD instead of from (2) to (4).
Method 4:
(1) Find a desktop computer that has an ATA controller PCI card (SCSI environment) and has two hard drive bays. This will make your damaged drive appear as a quasi-SCSI hard drive. Mac OS 9.2.2 must be pre-installed on the computer. I recommend a host computer that installs an Ultra DMA/xxx or xxx (ATA-x) interface equal to or better than the damaged drive with backwards compatible.
(2) Set the host computer's primary drive as MASTER and your damaged hard drive as SLAVE and install the damaged drive in the second drive bay of the host computer. Verify properly configured jumper pin settings in advance.
(3) Start up the host computer from Mac OS 9.2.2. Launch the "Drive Setup" utility. Re-initialize the damaged disk on the second drive using the "Low level format" option. It may take hours but less than "Zero all data" option. Note: Normally, a low level format with a quasi-SCSI drive takes much less (30 - 40%) time than an ATA configuration drive. Note that "Low level format" fixes all difficult logical damage.
(4) Put the fixed disk back in your computer's drive bay. Re-configure the jumper pin setting to MASTER before you place it into the drive bay of your computer.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition it to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
Note that Panther's Disk Utility does not implement a "Low level format" option.
Method 5:
If Method 4 does not work or fix the damaged drive, let me know. You may need an advanced technique to fix it if the drive is physically not a problem.
OPTION:
Purchase a known good hard drive that conforms to your computer's ATA specification. Fix the damaged hard drive some other time. Nowadays, prices of hard drives are inexpensive.
QS 1.33 GHz & 867 MHz; TiPB 1Ghz & 1GB RAM; Orig. G3 PB; 20 GB & 5 G Mac OS X (10.4.7) 30 GB iPod Video (Black); MacBook Pro 2 Ghz

Mini Problem error (-9972)

Over the last few weeks my mini has been freezing and the only way to shut it down was to pull out the power cord. The power button wasn't working either. Two days ago my mini turned on but then before entering the desktop it went to message saynig reset the the computer by holding the power button. I did that but every time i turned it on the same thing happened. I then booted it up from the startup disk by holding the C key. Got in to the disk utility, to repair the hard drive but the hard drive was 'greyed out' on the list.
I tryed to verify the disk. After about ten mins it came up with an error saying:
Error: the underlying task reported failure on exit(-9972)
1 Volume Checked
0 HFS Volumes verified
1 Volume failed verification
Any Suggestions???

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
Follow the directions of this article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302411

Error -9972 in Disk Utility

I have a 250 GB external firewire hard drive. I was trying to copy a relatively large folder (4 or 5 GB) from my main drive to the external one when things began to freeze. First just finder, but then the whole computer. I let it sit for a while and then restarted the computer. The firewire drive didn't show up upon restarting, so I tried to repair it in disk utility, but I get the following message:
Repairing disk for “EZQ 250GB”
Checking HFS Plus volume.
Checking Extents Overflow file.
Checking Catalog file.
Volume check failed.
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)
Repair attempted on 1 volume
0 HFS volumes repaired
1 volume could not be repaired
Am I screwed? My iTunes library was stored on the drive along with some other files that aren't terribly vital. I have a fairly recent backup copy of most of the data on the drive on DVD, so I wouldn't lose too many files, but I'd like to avoid formatting the drive if at all possible.
Any advice on what to do would be greatly appriciated.
Thanks!
G4 iBook Mac OS X (10.3.9)

This is a nasty error. I suggest that if you can access the drive in any way you should try to move your files to another medium. You may not be able to recover the drive without reformatting. Following is a lengthy discussion of the problem with possible solutions written by another Mac user:
How to Deal with a -9972 Error
Contributed by Fumiaki Kawashima
The error message, "Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)" is a serious filesystem error in the Mac OS X Core Foundation. The problem can also lead to other critical errors such as "Keys Out of Order," "Invalid node structure" and/or "Invalid sibling link." The causes and scenarios vary. Troubleshooting a solution may depend upon computer configuration and whether the -9972 error is accompanied by other critical errors. This issue can also lead up to a kernel panic. If the error occurs when an external FireWire device is connected, disconnect it until you verify the device's compatibility.
Symptoms:
In most cases, you are unable to restart from Mac OS X.
* A volume is grayed out or not mounted with or without a kernel panic.
* A folder with a flashing question mark may appear.
* A bad partition map may be reported.
* A target disk mode solution may not work.
* Most likely, Disk Utility, Norton Utilities, TechTool and DiskWarrior cannot fix the issues.
* The high level disk format (Standard format) may unable to perform.
* You may unable to re-initialize the hard drive.
* A disk physically malfunctions in the worst case.
Example of an accompanied error message:
DiskWarrior normally fixes 1 to 6, but cannot fix errors 7 to 10 if the symptoms are very bad. There is no definite case.
01. Volume check failed
02. Invalid B-tree Header
03. Invalid map node
04. Invalid extents entry
05. Invalid clump size
06. Incorrect block count file
07. Invalid node structure
08. Overlapped extent allocation
09. Keys Out of Order
10. Invalid sibling link
Related documents:
What to Do When It Finds an Error
Technical overview of disk volume structures
Possible causes:
* Third-party FireWire device or enclosure, or other peripheral devices.
* Third-party mass storage drives or PCI card issues.
* Incompatible third-party kernel extensions.
* Mac OS X installer disc is improperly treated.
Solutions:
If possible and needed, back up data before troubleshooting. Methods (4) and (5) are for Power Mac desktop computers other than G5 models. The best bet is method (4) if you encounter multiple bad errors.
1. Unplug the power cord. Disconnect all third-party hardware except Apple keyboard and mouse before you start.
2. Do NOT re-install any third-party software/hardware until you completely solve the issue(s) and carefully investigate the compatibility with Mac OS X 10.3.x you install.
3. If another critical error "Invalid sibling link" is detected at any phases, disconnect and reconnect all internal power cords and data cables for hard drives and any ATAPI device. To do so, you may need to read the computer's CIP Instructions in advance. Normally, you do not need to remove third-party RAMs.
Method 1:
(1) Start up from Mac OS X 10.3.x Panther Full Install CD or DVD.
(2) Re-initialize and re-partition the hard drive. RECOMMENDATION: Select "Zero all data" option if "Invalid node structure" or "Keys Out of Order" error is detected.
If this method is of avail, go to Method 2 or greater.
Method 2:
(1) Start up in Mac OS 9.2.2 and shut down the computer.
(2) Start up from a copy of a Disk Warrior bootable CD for Mac OS 9.2.2.
(3) Run DW to fix the damage(s).
Method 3:
(1) Unplug the computer.
(2) Find a second ATA drive and jumper it as MASTER. Jumper the hard drive in question as SLAVE. Verify the jumper pin settings.
(3) Install Mac OS 9.2.x system on the MASTER drive, and update it to Mac OS 9.2.2.
(4) Start up from Mac OS 9.2.2. Re-initialize and re-partition the damaged hard drive with Drive Setup using the "Zero all data" option. Unplug the computer and reconfigure the jumper pin setting on the repaired drive for MASTER and the second drive for SLAVE.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition the repaired drive to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
You may want to try starting up from Mac OS 9.2.x Full Install CD instead of from (2) to (4).
Method 4:
(1) Find a desktop computer that has an ATA controller PCI card (SCSI environment) and has two hard drive bays. This will make your damaged drive appear as a quasi-SCSI hard drive. Mac OS 9.2.2 must be pre-installed on the computer. I recommend a host computer that installs an Ultra DMA/xxx or xxx (ATA-x) interface equal to or better than the damaged drive with backwards compatible.
(2) Set the host computer's primary drive as MASTER and your damaged hard drive as SLAVE and install the damaged drive in the second drive bay of the host computer. Verify properly configured jumper pin settings in advance.
(3) Start up the host computer from Mac OS 9.2.2. Launch the "Drive Setup" utility. Re-initialize the damaged disk on the second drive using the "Low level format" option. It may take hours but less than "Zero all data" option. Note: Normally, a low level format with a quasi-SCSI drive takes much less (30 - 40%) time than an ATA configuration drive. Note that "Low level format" fixes all difficult logical damage.
(4) Put the fixed disk back in your computer's drive bay. Re-configure the jumper pin setting to MASTER before you place it into the drive bay of your computer.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition it to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
Note that Panther's Disk Utility does not implement a "Low level format" option.
Method 5:
If Method 4 does not work or fix the damaged drive, let me know. You may need an advanced technique to fix it if the drive is physically not a problem.
OPTION:
Purchase a known good hard drive that conforms to your computer's ATA specification. Fix the damaged hard drive some other time. Nowadays, prices of hard drives are inexpensive.
Mac Pro 2.66 Ghz; MacBook Pro C2D 2.33 Ghz; MacBook Pro 2.16 Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8) Intel iMac C2D 17 "; iBook G3 800 Mhz; 30 GB iPod Video (Black); iPod Nano 2 GB

Repairing an error 9972 with Diskwarrior

I am running 10.4.11 on my imac G5. I am trying to repair an error 9972. I ran Diskwarrior (DW) 3.0.3. It took about 2 hours and the software made its repairs and it was replaced with the DW repaired. On restart I get a globe and then a flashing folder – it then went into a normal grey apple satrtup screen with a spinning gear. It's been over 7 hours of spinning. Is this right? Should I have used DW 4?
Cheers

Well after many many hours I got it to work. It took a combination of inserting disk utilities, disk warrior 4.0, restarting, reseting smu,pr, etc. the disks were not coming out without a firmware command on and on finally, the Tiger disk let me see that the disk was fine and it let me check the disk, DW 4.0 cleaned up 4 files that could not be fixed by DW 3.0.3 and finally after many more fits and starts tiger let me archive and reinstall. Almost all the setting perfectly the same. All the disk utilities say the drive is in great shape.
Tomorrow, I'm buying a time capsule and next week if it is going well – Leopard for back-ups.
Thanks for reading

Disk Utility error -9972 with new external hard disks

My Powerbook 15" (1.67MHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 100GB drive) is partitioned into two volumes:
- OS-X 10.3.9
- OS-X 10.4.3
Each volume has its own Disk Utility:
- Disk Utility 10.4.4 v.145.7 (part of OS-X 10.3.9)
- Disk Utility 10.5.3 v.198.5 (part of OS-X 10.4.3)
In order to make backups I use an external hard disk enclosure:
- Macally PHR-100AC, firewire + USB2
Recently I bought two new 250 GB hard disks and built one of them into the external enclosure (jumper setting to master) and connected it with firewire and formatted the drive as Extended Journaled. After that I made Verify Disk and got bad error messages and could not repair the disk.
Funny thing (reproduceable):
Using Disk Utility in OS-X 10.3.9 and formatting as Extended without Journaled: NO errors
Using Disk Utility in OS-X 10.3.9 and formatting as Extended Journaled: volume bitmap errors
Using Disk Utility in OS-X 10.4.3 and formatting as Extended without Journaled: bad errors
Using Disk Utility in OS-X 10.4.3 and formatting as Extended Journaled: bad errors
Using Disk Utility in OS-X 10.4.3 and formatting as Extended without Journaled and verifying using OS-X 10.3.9: bad errors
Bad error messages:
- incorrect key length
- the underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)
- stopped repairing ... volume could not be repaired
I tried:
- to build the second new hard disk into the enclosure: same errors
- to install new firmware 4.73 into enclosure (compatible to 10.3.9): same errors
- zeroing out all data: same errors
- to use Techtool Pro 4.0.6 (compatible to 10.4): same errors
- to restart the mac using both partitions: different errors as described above
- to disconnect, shut down, restart the external enclosure: same errors
- to use another firewire cable: same errors
- to format the external disk again and again: same errors
- to find any discussion or knowledge base or faq: nothing
Thanks for any suggestions.
ibond

Your post on -9972 was very helpful. Thank you.
In the meantime I bought another enclosure (Macally PHC-500BC) and installed the same firmware 4.73 and tried to use it.
Surprise, surprise! Everything is ok with no errors. All my hard disks are working perfectly.
I suppose my 100AC is a faulty enclosure and needs replacement.
Thanks for your help.
ibond

Disk Utility Failure on Exit (-9972) error?

Hello,
I get the following error when "Repair Disk" fails:
"The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)"
Does anyone know what this DU error means?
I went through several pages of technical articles and none mentioned this particular error message. I get this error by running DU from my Panther DVD and strangely enough, when the same thing is done using my Tiger DVD, I do not get the (-9972) part of the message. However, the bottom line was the same for both DVD's: the HD could not be repaired.
At the moment, I am experiencing no problems with my PB, however I could be enjoying the 'calm before the storm'. I just recently had a serious sys crash, so this could be a lingering symptom of those problems.
This may or may not be serious, but I would like to know what this means before I proceed with the installation of Tiger. I can Repair Permissions using either DVD, but the fact that I cannot successfully perform a 'Repair Disk' is troubling.
All comments or suggestions are most welcome.
Phillip
17 PowerBook, 1.33 Ghz Mac OS X (10.3.9) 2 GB Ram

I want to pass this on to you because you were very kind to help me out and I can add some good news to those who may have this same problem in the future.
My progress will serve as an update in regards the following Disk Utility error and Mr. Kawashima's very descriptive and informative post as provided above.
In his post of Oct 4, 2005, Mr. Kawashima stated that DISKWARRIOR could not repair problems such as
"Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)"
I received the identical error message using Disk Utility and could not make the repair using either TechTool Pro or DISKWARIOR. I had a two-year old version of DW but went to Alsoft's website and downloaded the latest update. I had emailed Alsoft about my problem a few days ago and was told to download the update and try to make the repair again.
Once the download was completed, I discovered that they provide a very simple way of creating a fresh DW CD which contains the latest updated code. Bottom line: I booted this updated DW CD and it repaired my HD. I no longer get the above stated error.

Start up issues error -9972

I sent an email with the Apple Mail app. When I clicked the send button, both the normal windows closed but the app still showed the open mark in the dock.I couldn't get the window to open, so I tried to quit. After a couple timed out messages, I got it closed only to have the same problem quiting Mozilla.I tried to shut down normally, but had to hold the power button in to turn it off. Now I'm having trouble starting up. I used the disk tools on the install disk which gave me a -9972 error. I tried Disk Warrior, but couldn't get it to boot. Is my hard drive done? I can't find an explanation for the code.

Read the following carefully. There are several suggested solutions that may or may not work:
How to Deal with a -9972 Error
Contributed by Fumiaki Kawashima
The error message, "Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)" is a serious filesystem error in the Mac OS X Core Foundation. The problem can also lead to other critical errors such as "Keys Out of Order," "Invalid node structure" and/or "Invalid sibling link." The causes and scenarios vary. Troubleshooting a solution may depend upon computer configuration and whether the -9972 error is accompanied by other critical errors. This issue can also lead up to a kernel panic. If the error occurs when an external FireWire device is connected, disconnect it until you verify the device's compatibility.
Symptoms:
In most cases, you are unable to restart from Mac OS X.
* A volume is grayed out or not mounted with or without a kernel panic.
* A folder with a flashing question mark may appear.
* A bad partition map may be reported.
* A target disk mode solution may not work.
* Most likely, Disk Utility, Norton Utilities, TechTool and DiskWarrior cannot fix the issues.
* The high level disk format (Standard format) may unable to perform.
* You may unable to re-initialize the hard drive.
* A disk physically malfunctions in the worst case.
Example of an accompanied error message:
DiskWarrior normally fixes 1 to 6, but cannot fix errors 7 to 10 if the symptoms are very bad. There is no definite case.
01. Volume check failed
02. Invalid B-tree Header
03. Invalid map node
04. Invalid extents entry
05. Invalid clump size
06. Incorrect block count file
07. Invalid node structure
08. Overlapped extent allocation
09. Keys Out of Order
10. Invalid sibling link
Related documents:
What to Do When It Finds an Error
Technical overview of disk volume structures
Possible causes:
* Third-party FireWire device or enclosure, or other peripheral devices.
* Third-party mass storage drives or PCI card issues.
* Incompatible third-party kernel extensions.
* Mac OS X installer disc is improperly treated.
Solutions:
If possible and needed, back up data before troubleshooting. Methods (4) and (5) are for Power Mac desktop computers other than G5 models. The best bet is method (4) if you encounter multiple bad errors.
1. Unplug the power cord. Disconnect all third-party hardware except Apple keyboard and mouse before you start.
2. Do NOT re-install any third-party software/hardware until you completely solve the issue(s) and carefully investigate the compatibility with Mac OS X 10.3.x you install.
3. If another critical error "Invalid sibling link" is detected at any phases, disconnect and reconnect all internal power cords and data cables for hard drives and any ATAPI device. To do so, you may need to read the computer's CIP Instructions in advance. Normally, you do not need to remove third-party RAMs.
Method 1:
(1) Start up from Mac OS X 10.3.x Panther Full Install CD or DVD.
(2) Re-initialize and re-partition the hard drive. RECOMMENDATION: Select "Zero all data" option if "Invalid node structure" or "Keys Out of Order" error is detected.
If this method is of avail, go to Method 2 or greater.
Method 2:
(1) Start up in Mac OS 9.2.2 and shut down the computer.
(2) Start up from a copy of a Disk Warrior bootable CD for Mac OS 9.2.2.
(3) Run DW to fix the damage(s).
Method 3:
(1) Unplug the computer.
(2) Find a second ATA drive and jumper it as MASTER. Jumper the hard drive in question as SLAVE. Verify the jumper pin settings.
(3) Install Mac OS 9.2.x system on the MASTER drive, and update it to Mac OS 9.2.2.
(4) Start up from Mac OS 9.2.2. Re-initialize and re-partition the damaged hard drive with Drive Setup using the "Zero all data" option. Unplug the computer and reconfigure the jumper pin setting on the repaired drive for MASTER and the second drive for SLAVE.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition the repaired drive to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
You may want to try starting up from Mac OS 9.2.x Full Install CD instead of from (2) to (4).
Method 4:
(1) Find a desktop computer that has an ATA controller PCI card (SCSI environment) and has two hard drive bays. This will make your damaged drive appear as a quasi-SCSI hard drive. Mac OS 9.2.2 must be pre-installed on the computer. I recommend a host computer that installs an Ultra DMA/xxx or xxx (ATA-x) interface equal to or better than the damaged drive with backwards compatible.
(2) Set the host computer's primary drive as MASTER and your damaged hard drive as SLAVE and install the damaged drive in the second drive bay of the host computer. Verify properly configured jumper pin settings in advance.
(3) Start up the host computer from Mac OS 9.2.2. Launch the "Drive Setup" utility. Re-initialize the damaged disk on the second drive using the "Low level format" option. It may take hours but less than "Zero all data" option. Note: Normally, a low level format with a quasi-SCSI drive takes much less (30 - 40%) time than an ATA configuration drive. Note that "Low level format" fixes all difficult logical damage.
(4) Put the fixed disk back in your computer's drive bay. Re-configure the jumper pin setting to MASTER before you place it into the drive bay of your computer.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition it to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
Note that Panther's Disk Utility does not implement a "Low level format" option.
Method 5:
If Method 4 does not work or fix the damaged drive, let me know. You may need an advanced technique to fix it if the drive is physically not a problem.
OPTION:
Purchase a known good hard drive that conforms to your computer's ATA specification. Fix the damaged hard drive some other time. Nowadays, prices of hard drives are inexpensive.
Mac Pro 2.66 Ghz; MacBook Pro C2D 2.33 Ghz; MacBook Pro 2.16 Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8) Intel iMac C2D 17 "; iBook G3 800 Mhz; 30 GB iPod Video (Black); iPod Nano 2 GB

-9972

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