Can running fsck lose my programs and files?

I have had an OS X Snow Leopard for a good three years now, and it seemed like the only reliable piece of equipment I have. Two days ago it was running excrutiatingly slow, as the spinning color wheel appeared and had been there for a good hour or two before I finally turned it off. Sometimes when I put it in sleep mode while it's like that and I turn it on, the whole screen appears as blue, and it looked like I can't do anything about it besides shut it down. Safe mode wouldn't work either; as it stopped loading when it went to 10%.
I was thinking of going to the Genius Bar to let them look at it and figure out the problem, but I was more thinking of using fsck as a last resort - but I'm too worried that I might lose all of my containing work files, and most importantly the expensive Photoshop CS5 and all of my iTunes library. Can people do this and still keep everything they have, and is it safe to do so? Right now I'm looking for a reliable answer that can help the situation. Thank you.

It is possible to loose data after a run of fsck. Depending on if and how the file system is damaged files and/or folders can be lost.
If your file system is formatted journaled the chances of this happening are lessened but never go away entirely.
As Linc wrote you need to have backups of your data before doing any system level work (of course you should have backups in any case).

Similar Messages

  • Restoring a new mac from a backup can i only install some programs and files? Dont think there is enough memorie on the mac air

    I might be buying a new macbook air to go traveling with.. i have a macbook pro already and want to restore from the backup onto the new macbook Air but am not sure if there is enough memorie on the air... Can i restore from the back up and only put on certain files and programs.. I only really want my photoshop and dont have the serial code anymore..

    When using Migration Assistant or Setup Assistant you can only choose all or none of the Applications. You have a little more flexibility about the files in your account(s).
    What I did when I had to migrate from my MBP to the MBA was to use SuperDuper! to create a clone backup of my MBP. Then I deleted the programs and files (mostly music and video) I didn't intend to put on the MBA. Then when the MBA arrived I used Setup Assistant to migrate everything.

  • My computer is shutting down before fully booting up.  I am running the disk utilities program and have this message: Error: Disk Utility can't repair this disk . . . disk, and restore your backed-up files.  Can anyone suggest what I should do next?

    My computer is shutting down before fully booting up.  I am running the disk utilities program and have this message: Error: Disk Utility can't repair this disk . . . disk, and restore your backed-up files.  Can anyone suggest what I should do next?

    So, you can't Install OSX to the external?
    Or you can't boot from it when you do?
    You're not the only one wondering... I'm reminded of the Goose that laid the Golden Egg story.

  • I have a new Apple TV which is working fine except that I cannot access .mov files which are in my iTunes Library. How can I get to these? I can run them on my computer and select Apple TV on the screen, but the Apple TV goes to a black screen

    I have a new Apple TV which is working fine except that I cannot access .mov files which are in my iTunes Library. How can I get to these? I can run them on my computer and select Apple TV on the screen, but the Apple TV goes to a black screen

    Mov is a container format, you'd need to look at the codec used by the movie file inside the container to know whether it will work with the Apple TV or not.

  • How do I set up two profiles on my computer but still utilize all programs and files?

    How do I set up two profiles on my computer but still utilize all programs and files?  I want to set up two profiles so my wife and I can utilize two iTunes accounts and different internet settings, but when I set up an administrator profile for her and log in. I don't see all of the stuff that is on the administrator profile (mine) that was created first

    A second user account is separate; with separate preferences and data,  but can share the same apps as long as they're in the top-level Applications folder, not an Applications folder inside another user's home folder.
    Sharing files is a bit different; you can put them in the special Shared user folder, or grant permission to specific files/folders in one account to a different user.

  • MacBook Pro i5 with retina will not recognize WD Passport even though I successfully used it to transfer programs and files from my older MacBook ten days ago. It receives power from the USB, but when using Time Machine I receive the message that there is

    MacBook Pro i5 with retina will not recognize WD Passport even though I successfully used it to transfer programs and files from my older MacBook ten days ago. It receives power from the USB, but when using Time Machine I receive the message that there is not an external device connected.

    If the modem is also a router, either use the modem in bridge and run pppoe client on the TC.. that is assuming ADSL or similar eg vdsl. If it is cable service.. and the modem is a router, then bridge the TC.. go to internet page and select connect by ethernet and below that set connection sharing to bridge.
    Please tell us more about the modem if the above gives you issues.

  • Adobe Reader takes control of all programs and files.

    Help. I have tried multiple times to download and install Reader and every time I do it associates every program and file on my computer with pdf and says the file cannot be opened. Even Google Earth! It just takes over my computer. Is there any fix please?

    You can try this:
    http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/application-file-icons-change-acroba t.html

  • How do I uninstall programs and files, so that the old computer is returned to its original settings?

    Hi, I'm giving my aunt my old computer, I have already backed everything up on my new one. What's the best way to remove/uninstall programs and files so that its returned to its orignial settings?

    Prepare Your Mac for Sale
    Boot from the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer.  After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button.  When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.  After DU loads select the startup volume from the left side list then click on the Erase tab.  Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) then click on the Options button.  Select the one pass Zero Data option and click on the OK button.  Then click on the Erase button.
    Note: You can skip the Zero Data option if you are not concerned about removing sensitive personal data from the hard drive.  If you choose to skip this part of the process then it is possible for others to recover data from the hard drive.  The Zero Data procedure will prevent others from getting access to your personal information.
    This process will take 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the size of the hard drive.  After formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer.  Now complete the OS X installation.  At the completion of the installation do not restart the computer.  Instead just shut it off.  The next user will be presented with the Setup Assistant when they turn on the computer just as it would if new out of the box.

  • EXCEL PROGRAM AND FILE FOR PALMONE ZIRE31

    HI GUYS. JUST WANT TO ASK U IF I CAN INSTALL AND HAVE AN EXCEL PROGRAM AND FILES ON MY ZIRE 31 PALMONE
    Post relates to: Zire 31

    Try either Documents To Go from www.dataviz.com or QuickOffice from www.quickoffice.com .
    smkranz
    I am a volunteer, and not an HP employee.
    Palm OS ∙ webOS ∙ Android

  • What is the max. cable length that the Differential TTL signals can run in both at high and low frequencies?

    Hello,
                I want to now the max. cable length that the Differential TTL signals can run in both at high and low frequencies.

    That is very dependant on the type of cable, its construction, and inherent impedance and capacitance. This may be of use:
    http://beiied.com/PDFs2/SSI_14-15-bit-encoder_addendum.pdf
    -AK2DM
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    "It’s the questions that drive us.”
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • Transfering old MacBook programs and files to new MacBook

    Is it possible to transfer my programs and files from my 2008 MacBook to a new MacBook?  If so is it difficult?

    I tried to use the migration assistant and had the old Macbook in Target mode but there was no reaction at all. It didn't recognise that there was anything attached. Tried time machine but it won't recognise that there is old backups at all - just starts it as a new time machine.

  • HT1414 I never synched my iPad to a computer, and I forgot my passcode and am now locked out.  I read that I need to do a restore, but will lose all my files.  Is there any way to get into my iPad but NOT lose my photos and files?

    I forget my passcode, and got locked out of my iPad.  I never synched, so my files aren't backed up.  I read that I need to restore, but will lose everything.  Is there any other way to not lose my photos and files on my computer?

    If you cannot remember the passcode, you will need to restore your device using the computer with which you last synced it. This allows you to reset your passcode and resync the data from the device (or restore from a backup).
    If you restore on a different computer that was never synced with the device, you will be able to unlock the device for use and remove the passcode, but your data will not be present.
    You may have to force iPad/iPod into Recovery Mode
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4097

  • I re installed my original software and now I don't know how or if I can retrieve all my old pics and files!!  please help i have a mac osx 10.5.4

    I re installed my original software and now I don't know how or if I can retrieve all my old pics and files!!  please help i have a mac osx 10.5.4!!!

    Not sure I understand how Migration Assistant is doing anything. I thought MA was for connecting your computer to another computer or volume and transferring files. I'm just not sure how you're using it. Like I said earlier, everything you do on your Mac overwrites more of what data may have been recoverable if there even was any. Not to kick you when you're down but this is exactly he kind of a situation where a time machine or other back up would have saved you a lot of heartache. I'm sorry but I don't think I can be of any help :-(

  • Can I install it without removing any programs and files?

    Is it possible to install Lion without removing programs, files, plugins?
    Or Is there only an option for a clean install?
    Thanks

    You can just upgrade without removing programs But if you have Photoshop, they advise you disable plugins. Programs that run under Power Macs (use Rosetta) won't work after upgrade e.g MS Office 2004, Photoshop 2 (not sure about PS 3),  Also Before you install lion Make A copy of your Lion App using Disc Utility (not Direct from Finder) on to a DVD or USB Flash. Here's the link to tell you how to do it
        http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20080989-263/how-to...
    If you install without doing this first you will lose the Lion App and won't be able to reinstall in the future

  • Can you play the guitar program and also run a keyboard at the same time using seperate outputs for both?

    I wanted to be able to play live on my electric guitar using mainstage and my keyboard player to use mainstage on the keyboard can this be done using the mainstage 2 on this computer?  Also if this can be done can you send the keyboard output and the guitar output seperatly to be able to be in different channels in the PA system?

    Hi
    Spatrick79 wrote:
    I wanted to be able to play live on my electric guitar using mainstage and my keyboard player to use mainstage on the keyboard can this be done using the mainstage 2 on this computer?
    Short answer: YES (but you will need to carefully consider how you organise your Patches with Guitar and Keys combinations, so that you both get the correct sounds at the same time)
    Spatrick79 wrote:
    Also if this can be done can you send the keyboard output and the guitar output seperatly to be able to be in different channels in the PA system?
    Yes, ideally using a multi-output audio interface. edit (with 2 outs for the guitar, and 2 for keys... you might also want another 2 pairs for monitoring)
    CCT

Maybe you are looking for