Can't format disk in a terminal session

Hi,
I'm trying to reinstall my mac os x server software on my headless xserve. It has a PCI raid card in and I have created a 500gb logical raid 5 volume (megaraid -create auto). However when I boot the xserve from the setup disk and then use server assist on another mac on the network to install the system it does not see any volumes available to intall the software. I know I need to format the drive but every diskutil command I try just seems to hang the terminal session and nothing happens. Please could someone give me an idea as to the terminal commands I need to use to make the volume visable to server assist.
Thanks in advance for your help

Hi CKlitho,
   The UNIX command, diskutil, will do anything that the GUI app, Disk Utility, will so it doesn't matter whether you use the command line or not. If there is a device file for the drive, then it is attached, can be mounted and you can do anything you want with it. Otherwise, it might as well not even be connected to the computer. You may be able to tell if there's a device file with the "df" command. (no parentheses or arguments required)
   I'm guessing that there is no device file, since otherwise the disk would probably be visible to Disk Utility. If that's the case then the problem is probably that there's no driver for the PCI card on the setup disk. If that's so you will have to arrange to boot from something that contains the driver in order to do what you want.
Gary
~~~~
   The world is coming to an end. Please log off.

Similar Messages

  • Can't format external HDD using terminal: Error: -69877: Couldn't open device

    Disk Utility won't format / erase Seagate Barracuda 2TB (ST2000DM001) - it is an internal drive but I connected it using a docking station via USB. The disk is brand new and unformatted. System indicates that it is S.M.A.R.T incompatible
    When trying to erase the disk, I get error message "disk / link could not be found / opened".
    I tried using terminal "diskutil eraseDisk HFS+ newdisk /dev/disk3" but I get this message:
    Started erase on disk3
    Unmounting disk
    Error: -69877: Couldn't open device
    Any way I could force format the disk?

    Thank you @MrHofman. I had a setup with 2 dock stations and 2 HDDs (my TimeCapsule had crashed and I needed to recover its content disassembling the "box"). I disconnected everything. I restarted the computer., I swithched the USB ports in which I had connected the dock stations; I swithched the HDDs from dock stations, and voilà, the system allowed me to format the "recovery" HDD. Sometimes the "simplest" solutions work...
    @Linc Davis: prior to the fix described above, when trying to partition, same thing would occur : "can't open link / disk" error message. But now it seems to be working fine. Thank you anyway!

  • Can't Format Disks on Arch Install

    So I burned the latest 8.19.2011 'netinst' ISO to disk. My system has two identical 1TB SATA drives (/dev/sda & /dev/sdb) & after the system loads, I try and format the 1st and 2nd disk using 'cfdisk' utility and I get the following error:
    My Arch Install wrote:Wrote partition table, but re-read table failed. Run partprobe(8), kpartx(8), or reboot to update table.
    Then when I re-open or launch (not sure what the correct term is here) 'cfdisk' utility again on the same drive, the partitions don't look correct. I thought my disks were bad so I used two completely different identical 1TB drives and they too have the same issue. What is causing this and does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

    Carlwill wrote:
    So I burned the latest 8.19.2011 'netinst' ISO to disk. My system has two identical 1TB SATA drives (/dev/sda & /dev/sdb) & after the system loads, I try and format the 1st and 2nd disk using 'cfdisk' utility and I get the following error:
    My Arch Install wrote:Wrote partition table, but re-read table failed. Run partprobe(8), kpartx(8), or reboot to update table.
    Then when I re-open or launch (not sure what the correct term is here) 'cfdisk' utility again on the same drive, the partitions don't look correct. I thought my disks were bad so I used two completely different identical 1TB drives and they too have the same issue. What is causing this and does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
    Just do what it tells you?

  • Can't format internal disk

    Hi
    I have a Mac Mini from late 2012
    I have installed a SSD and kept the old disk for data-storage (1 TB).
    Both disk was originally formatted to "Mac OS - extended (Journaled)"
    I installed the OS X successfully on the SSD - and everything is working fine on that.
    BUT I can't access my data disk. I can see the disk - but I'm not allowed to edit or add anything to the disk.
    I have tried a lot of stuff:
    Taking the disk out of the computer and reformatting it completly with my Macbook Pro... with out any problems can access the disk and edit on it.
    BUT as soon as I add it into the Mac Mini and boot up - the OSX sees the disk but won't let me edit/write to the disk.
    Gives error -50
    I also tried writing to it from terminal as sudo - no luck.
    I tried to reformat it in recovery mode ( and tried booting from USB stick)... BUT the system keeps saying that it can't format the data disk because it can't be unmounted...!
    MY EXTRA DISK CAN'T BE UNMOUNTED.... ***!? (also tried unmounting from terminal... same errors)
    It has no problems deleting the SSD disk....
    -I'm using the well-known; OWC Data Doubler to connect my data disk to the secondary position in the Mac Mini
    Please help... because I have no idea how to fix this. (Both disk can be wiped as needed - I just want a system with SSD and normal extra disk)...

    Thanks for replying.
    My SSD is: Corsair SSD Force Series 3, 240GB 2.5"
    I didn't know that you could change any firmware on the SSD it self... and Corsairs homepage do note write anything about it.
    I tried to switch the two disk around.
    Now it only sees the 1TB disk (apple original) and I'm not able to see the SSD (not even in the terminal)
    So right now SSD is in the lower...
    hmmm... if I had a problem with the cable or controller - would it throw this kind of error?
    Next step; I'll try to install the OSX on the 1TB disk - just to see if the SSD will be reconized later.
    But still looking for help.

  • Satellite U400-112: can't format local disk (damaged MFT?)

    Hello!
    I got rather serious problem with my HDD.
    HDD 250Gb
    C: 116Gb - NTFS - Windows XP (Vista initially)
    D: 1,5Gb - NTFS - (Vista Recover?..)
    E: 117Gb - RAW (was NTFS before crash)
    MFT of local drive E: was damage because of the virus attack (I hope not because of my foolishness!). It was NTFS, now it is RAW. I recovered all necessary data from lost partition with program ZAR, but all my attempts to recover or just format E: remained unsuccessful.
    No bad sectors found on HDD. Windows standard tool for formatting disks fails: "It is impossible to finish formatting of E:".
    Before this problem with drive E:, I got several difficulties with HDD. I have never re-divided disks, as from the very beginning Partition Magic identified it incorrectly. I tried Partition Magic 7 and 8.
    Link: [ Error screensaver|http://cs1498.vkontakte.ru/u169802/154397/x_3a82b4fb.jpg]
    The problem is that special programs (I tried "Find and Mount") also could not identify partitions to correct defected MFT. I thought that low level format may help me, but i heard, what use of any applications from other producers can probably destroy my HDD. Are there any special applications from Toshiba developed for such cases? Or you may advice me something else?
    Thanks for your help!
    P.S. These applications didn't helped me:
    Find and Mount (doesn't find HDD)
    Acronis Recovery Expert (doesn't find HDD)
    OnTrack EasyRecovery Professional (didn't fix error, but helped with data recovering)
    HDD Regenerator

    So have you recovered all your important data?
    I would just run Recovery to restore the HDD back to its factory state. If Recovery fails, you can try removing the partitions using FDISK from an MSDOS boot disk. Free bootdisks can be found at www.bootdisk.com
    FDISK can also repair a Master Boot Record by running this command: FDISK /MBR
    But its not 100% reliable, it could cause more harm than good.

  • HT1338 How can I format my hard drive without installation disk?

    Guys I am using Mac with OS X 10.6.5. How can I format hard drive without the installation disk?
    I don't have a installation disk can I buy one? where?

    Call Apple Sales at 1-800-692-7753 to order 10.6.
    Posts concerning 10.6 should be made in 10.6 usage forum.
    You posted in the 10.3 and down forum which is very old OSX software.
    DALE

  • HT201376 Hello, I am trying to reset my macbook pro to its factory settings but I can't type the name of the formatted disk nor can I click on erase, as this feature is disabled. Could you please assist?

    Hello, I am trying to reset my macbook pro to its factory settings but I can't type the name of the formatted disk nor can I click on erase, as this feature is disabled. The 'type name' space and the 'erase' button are in light grey - Could you please assist?

    Hello!
    Did you boot to the Internet Recovery Partition?
    Here’s how:
    1/ Make sure your computer is completely shut down.
    2/ You’ll have to be quick next: Press the Mac’s power button. As soon as you either hear the loud chime, or see the display light up - usually after a second or 2 - on your keyboard press [alt] + [cmd] + [r] Keep these keys on your keyboard pressed until you see a spinning globe with the text “starting Internet Recovery” You might have to connect to your Wi-Fi network before you can continue here.
    After a few minutes, you’ll be presented with a Utilities screen. This is the Internet Recovery partition. If this step is already giving you problems, try using a USB-keyboard. It doesn’t have to be an Apple-keyboard. If you have a Windows-tailored keyboard laying around, use the “Windows-flag” key in stead of the [cmd]-key and it should also work.
    3/ Choose Disk Utility and click [continue]

  • Format External Drive Error can't unmount disk LaCie 1TB External Drive

    Need Help Can't Format This disk. I have tried Formating with Disk Utility and It says it can't be unmounted.
    Help!!

    Drive Partition and Format
    1. Boot from your OS X Installer Disc. 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.
    If you are preparing an external or a non-startup drive, then open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
    2. After Disk Utility loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area.  If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing.  SMART info will not be reported  on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
    3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Apply button and wait until the process has completed.
    4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
    5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
    6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.
    Steps 4-6 are optional but should be used on a drive that has never been formatted before, if the format type is not Mac OS Extended, if the partition scheme has been changed, or if a different operating system (not OS X) has been installed on the drive.

  • Disk Utility can't format !

    Hello,
    Since Leopard, Disk Utility can't format external HD (or USB key or anything else). There is an error and the HD can't mount anymore.
    If I use a Mac under Tiger, there is no problem to format ans the HD is usable under 10.5.x.
    This problem isn't fix in 10.5.0, 10.5.1 or 10.5.2.
    I tested with my iMac and my MacBookPro. Same problem.
    Anyone got an idea ?
    Thanks

    To dechamp :
    HD is connected with a FW hub. maybe it is the problem :/
    I will retry when it's connected directly.
    I have 4 FW external HD and only 1 FW 400 on the iMac ... so the HUB is really important
    But to format, I can plug directly, or via USB
    Time Machine is ON, but not working on this HD
    I'll continue my tests
    Thanks !

  • Can't format HDD with Leopard Disk Utility

    I have two identical drives P/N: WD 7500AAK (Western Digital 750GB MyBook (USB)). I formatted one drive using 'Disk Utility' under Tiger with a Volume Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with no problem. I am now trying to format the other drive under Lepoard and the formatting fails 100% of the time. The drive will format to Fat16, but not to the desired Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Unfortunately I no longer have a computer with the Tiger OS. Any idea what is going wrong? The drive is useless if I can't format it.

    Try partitioning the drive GUID before formatting it. This article explains how to format a drive for Time Machine. Once you have gotten rid of the Master Boot Record you should be able to reformat the drive the way you want.
    One poster reported that zeroing out a Maxtor did not get rid of the Master Boot Record but I don't know if that would necessarily be true for a WD drive.

  • My mac can't find the volume" Data" on Time Capsule. Also Ican't find with the disk utility program the hard disk in the Time Capule; so I can't format the disk again. What can I do?

    My Mac can't find the volume " Data" on Time Capsule, Also I can't find with the disk-utility program the hard disk in the Time Capusule.
    So I can't format the disk in the Time Capsule
    Deconnevt and then connecting the power tp the Time Capsule gives also no solution.
    What can I do?
    Joe

    I listed the commands.. that is how you manually mount the disk.. follow exactly the commands I gave you.
    In finder use top menu, go, connect to server.
    Type in the following.
    AFP://TCname or AFP://TCIpaddress (obviously you replace with the actual name or the actual IP address).
    If that fails..
    try
    SMB://TCname
    Here is the screenshot.
    tardis4 being the name of my TC.
    It should then ask you for your credentials.
    And it should remember them in the keychain and be able to then get TM to connect.

  • Time machine can't mount disk ,hard drive,after its been formatted for windows

    i want to use time machine but it can't mount disk as it has been used with windows

    You will need to repartition and reformat the drive for use with OS X:
    Drive Partition and Format
    1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
    2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
    3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Apply button and wait until the process has completed.
    4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
    5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
    6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.

  • Can not format my SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC card using Disk Utility

    Hello!
    So, I have a problem with my SD cards.
    I have an 27" iMac where I can read, write or format my SDXC SanDisk Extreme Pro cards for fun.
    As soon as I insert them into my MB Pro, I lose that capability. I can only read them.
    The option for format the cards gets greyed out.
    I must get them working on my MB Pro since I am leaving in a week with my camera and laptop and absolutely have to be able to format the cards in the laptop, since I own a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera where that is not an option in the camera.
    I have OSX 10.9.5 on both computers.
    There does not seem to be a problem with other external drives that I own. My Western Digital Passport can be formatted, read and written on my MB Pro.
    What do you guys think?
    Regards,
    Atli

    I have found a little workaround for this stupid thing.
    If you remove your SD card and then log out of your account. Then in again, insert the card, open disk utility and then everything should be okay!
    Worked for me on both SD cards, but I have to do this every time I want to format a SD card.

  • Can't format encrypted USB

    I encrypted an USB stick with Mountain Lion and saved one single file on it. Now I am unable to delete this file (error -50) and even format the stick, neither via Disk Utility nor terminal command. Is there any other way? Maybe a Windows computer (I don't have one)?
    Furthermore, sometimes the password is accepted when I insert the stick, sometimes not. it seems that the new encryption in Mountain Lion is beta. Be careful!
    Steffen

    I already used the 'dd' command on Linux to write zero's to it and I tried to run DBan on it this night. But that failed as well.
    I'm now trying to reset the FDE with the live CD of Lenovo... With no luck. It complains it can't run on a 'real' DOS environment... Which is kind of weird since I boot from that CD and the disk itself is unreadable. So why does it complain about that?
    I made a photo of the error: http://www.imagesup.net/?di=5141146011911
    I used this live CD: http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/ds019026

  • Help! How can I format recovery drive?

    I created a lion recovery drive using the Lion Recovery Disk Assistant.
    Now that I don't need it anymore, how do I return the drive to a normal state?
    I can't format it or change partitions in Disk Utility.
    I really need this drive. It's the only one I've got.
    Thanks

    Try:
    In Terminal:
         defaults write com.apple.DiskUtility DUDebugMenuEnabled 1
    Then in Disk Utility
         Debug->Show All Partitons
    Then try to remove the Recovery Partition or Repartiton the USB to 1 Partition

Maybe you are looking for

  • SCCM 2012 Software updates

    Hi All, We have SCCM 2012 R2 Server, We have been using more than a years , Now im facing crazy issues . 1.every month we using sccm server for deploying windows patches  . 2.before patching we set maintenance schedules for device group. 3.patch depl

  • AP Invoice Date_Paid & Payment reference Number (Check Number or DM Number)

    Hi, I need to add 2 columns for AP Trial Balance report in R12. 1.Invoice Date_Paid 2.Payment reference Number (Check Number or DM Number) Could you let me from which table i can get this information. Thanks pravin

  • Major Preview App annoyance - no way to scroll with mouse

    Apple apparently thinks everyone uses their trackpad. Not. There's now no way to scroll down with a mouse as with ML.  I have to take my hand off it and use the trackpad to scroll down.  And since Logitech hasn't released new software, and the old do

  • Updated iTunes and QuickTime, now neither will launch

    I installed iTunes 7.1 and QT 7.1.5 tonight. Immediately after restarting, I was unable to launch Firefox 2.0.0.2 or reinstall it. In researching that problem, I've discovered I cannot launch iTunes or QT Player. With each app, the triangle appears n

  • SAP NW 2004s ABAP Trail - Connection refused - question?

    Hi! I instalad "minisap" or better say - SAPNW2004sABAPTrail, first SAP server, then GUI, on Win 2003 platform, the installation was fine, but when trying to connect GUI to the server, all I get is error (see below), although I follow the instruction