Directory Scan and Volume Structure Failure

My imac (white, 24") has been running slow and freezing up while attempting to preview files. Ran Disc Utility and OnyX, which gave me the following permission issues:
Permissions differ on "usr/share/derby", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are lrwxr-xr-x
Repaired "usr/share/derby"
Warning: SUID file "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/
But otherwise, both said the disk was fine.
Ran TechTools failed the Directory Scan, Format Scan, and Volume Scan. I restarted from a second partition on the same HD. This partition passed all tests.
I repeated all three tests on the original partition. This time, Disk Utility could not verify or repair the original partition and no longer recognized it as a valid startup disk. I erased the partition and restored from a Time Machine backup. Now, I get the following permission errors:
Permissions differ on "usr/share/derby", should be drwxr-xr-x , they are lrwxr-xr-x
Repaired "usr/share/derby"
ACL found but not expected on "Library/Preferences/Audio"
Repaired "Library/Preferences/Audio"
ACL found but not expected on "Library/Preferences/com.apple.alf.plist"
Repaired "Library/Preferences/com.apple.alf.plist"
Warning: SUID file "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/
And while once again OnyX and Disk Utility says the disk is fine, Tech Tools still reports a Directory Scan failure and Volume Structure failure. A subsequent Surface Scan passed.
Ideas? Is this a software failure or a hardware failure? Both partitions are running 10.6.3. This is the second HD on this imac, the previous 750GB failed completely and could not be restored.

Kyle W wrote:
It says permissions are repaired on those items, but when I verify permissions, they are still not right.
See Mac OS X: Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions messages that you can safely ignore. It isn't that the permissions themselves are wrong but that the database of correct permissions on your hard drive the utility refers to has not been updated to reflect the permissions settings & directory structure changes in the most recent OS updates. This is a known issue that affects everyone, but as the article says, you can ignore it.
Mac is not experiencing the same slow down on routine items as it was before, but TechTools is still saying there's a problem.
What version of TechTools are you using? If it is not a current one it may not recognize the recent changes in the file system structure made in Snow Leopard.

Similar Messages

Directory Scan and Volume scan failed on Techtool -- next steps?

I've been having serious problems with this MB pro, bought May 07, recently. There is a repetitive sound coming from the harddrive that freezes the computer while various processes are happening. The computer also takes a long time to start up and then only displays a fragment of my desktop picture (the original wavey blue background shows on the rest of the display). I did an extended hardware test and found nothing; TechTool shows the Directory Scan, Surface Scan and Volume Structure tests failed.
I'm downloading the bootable TechTool Deluxe file to try to do repairs, but I'm wondering what else I should be considering? I've backed up all data, but I'm wondering if I do a clean install of the OS if I'll lose applications that are currently on the hard drive?
Thanks for your input

Noises from the hard drive are not a good sign, especially along with the other symptoms you describe. Here is a utility that may be able to give you further insight into your hard drive:
S.M.A.R.T. Utility
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/32454
You can attempt to repair the software on your hard drive with Disk Utility, Tech Tool Pro, or Disk Warrior. However, if the hard drive is failing physically, you will not be able to repair the software satisfactorily.
If by a clean install you mean an Erase and Install, you could certainly try that, but you will lose all the applications that are not included in your install disc and you will have to reinstall them separately. Here is an article on installation options:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1545?viewlocale=en_US
One other thing you may want to check is whether you might also possibly have the NVIDIA chip issue:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377
Do you have an external FireWire hard drive with a bootable clone? If so, you could try booting from it and see if your video distortion is still there when booted from a different drive.
Good luck!

TechTool Delux - VRAM Failed and Volume Structure Failed

So I ran TechTool Delux today.. my VRAM failed, as well as my Volume structure.
Now, it says that I should quit all apps, restart, check recently added hardware for proper installation, run the computer from another volume (if available), reinstall the OS, and finally contact applecare.
now, is it really necessary to reinstall the OS? i'm not even sure if I could, i'm not experienced with reinstalling an OS.
as for the Volume structure fail, it asks me to run techtool on boot, which is what i'm about to do.
anybody have experience with these fails? any help is appreciated.

When VRAM fails on a Powerbook, it means the logicboard needs replacement as the graphics chip is usually on the logicboard.
Volume structure failure may indicate a hard drive dying or simply a damaged directory. If your data isn't backed up, I'd get Prosoft Data Rescue and external hard drive to attempt to recover data from the drive. If your data is backed up, I'd get Alsoft Disk Warrior to attempt to repair the directory. To learn how to backup your data, see my FAQ*:
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
* Links to my pages may give me compensation.

'The file name , directory name and volume syntax is incorrect'

I am trying to install OBIEE 11.1.1.5.0 on window server 2003, it got hangs at 96%, it shows the message 'The file name , directory name and volume syntax is incorrect' . Please let me know if you had the same issue.

Hi Ankit,
Does the error say anything about temporary files?.Can you post the detailed error log here?
Rgds,
Dpka

Volume structure failures

How do I fix volume structure failures?

Hi
I believe you will need TechTool Pro, as I don't know if Deluxe can do it or not, or Alsoft's DiskWarrior to repair your disk if Disk Utility can't.
Steve

Scan and program reinstallation failures

Printer is not on line and firewall is on off and no network . Printer and scanning going good since 2006 until I tried to scan a negative, I think for first time ever. Scan bar goes quickly about 2 inches and lamp turns off and printer says shutting down, but it does not. Had to unplug, but printer would reset with all functions working(except film option). Uninstalled and reinstallation failed with error situation code 03215762. Print function works with other programs and copy function works, just can't scan, and there is no solution center since could not reinstall. Reinstallation goes to 2% with Current Progress - Stopping services - Service Print Spooler and bogs and will stay bogged for hours until end with Task Manager.When forced reinstallation ends and says removing files another error situation code 06458626 comes up with some lines retrieved from the installation error logs. Help would be wonderful.

Hey , Welcome to the HP Support Forums!
I understand that when troubleshooting a scan issue on your HP Photosmart 3210 All-in-One Printer you ended up uninstalling the HP software and driver package on your Windows XP computer and are now experiencing installation issues. I would like to assist you today with resolving this install issue. Can I please have you follow all of the steps below. If you have a USB Cable attached from your printer to your computer please disconnect that cable now. Step 1: Remove Drivers: Even though the install is failing, there is a good chance that a portion of the software and driver package made its way onto your computer. To resolve this issue it is crucial that we have a clean slate to work with. Therefore, to start troubleshooting I will be having you remove every trace of your printer from your computer. Click on your Start menuClick on RunIn the Run box type %temp% and select OKWhen the Temp folder opens locate the 7z.... folder. This is your HP Installer.Click on the 7z folder to open it.Click on the Util folder at the topClick on the CCC folderNext, click on Uninstall L3 fileIf a Command Prompt (black window) opens hit enter to proceed with the uninstall. Once the uninstall is complete restart your computer. When your computer comes back on please proceed to the next step. Step 2: Clear Temp Files: Click on your Start menuSelect RunIn the Run dialogue box type %temp% and select OKIn the Temp folder click on the first item in the folder. Hold down Shift on you keyboard. Go down a few lines and select another item in the folder. Everything in between the two items you selected while holding shift will now highlight. Select the 'delete' key on your keyboard. Repeat these steps under the files in the Temp folder are deleted.The Temp folder contains temporary internet files. No actual files or folders on your computer will be affected by deleting the Temp files. On Windows Vista, 7 and 8 if a Temp file is still be used you can simply 'skip' the used item and everything else will delete successfully. On Windows XP it's not so easy. You have to delete the Temp files in chunks. If a file is still being used you will get the pop up that is it used and the 'deleting' process will cancel itself. Take note of the file that is used and skip it next time you delete a chunk. It's a tedious process but necessary for troubleshooting.Once the Temp files are deleted close the Temp folderRight click on the Recycling Bin on your desktop and select Empty Recycling Bin Step 3: Run MSCONFIG (Disable): A background programming running on your computer may be causing interference when trying to install your printer. To ensure that no programs are going to cause issues, I'm going to have you temporarily disable the background programs on your computer. Click on your Start menuSelect RunIn the Run dialogue box type msconfig and click OKWhen the System Configuration Window opens select 'Selective Startup' and uncheck Load Startup ItemsClick the Services tab. Check the box at the bottom for Hide All Microsoft ServicesSelect Disable AllSelect Apply and OKRestart your computer when prompted Step 4: Install Device: Please click here to download the drivers for your HP PhotosmartOnce the download is complete please follow the onscreen prompts to install your printerOnce the installation is complete please test your machine to confirm that everything is functioning properly once again. If everything functions fine please proceed to the last step below to enable all of your background programs again and test your machine. Step 5: Run MSCONFIG (Enable): Click on your Start menuSelect RunIn the Run dialogue box type msconfig and click OKWhen the System Configuration Window opens select Normal StartupSelect Apply and OKRestart your computer when prompted. When your computer comes back on please test your machine again to verify that everything is still working for you. Please respond to this post with the result of your troubleshooting. You may also click the 'thumbs up' icon below to say "thanks for helping!" I look forward to hearing from you!

10.5.8 update corrupted the Volume Structure of my MacBook Pro and iMac

After installing the 10.5.8 update on my Macbook Pro AND my iMac, BOTH computers refuse to boot up. If I boot from a TechTool Deluxe DVD and run the system scan, It fails both the Directory Scan and the Volume Structure test. The only common application on these computers is the Fusion PC emulator. I was reading that the newest update fixed problems with this application. PLEASE HELP!!!

Some general advice on updating:
It is worth noting that it is an extreme rarity for updates to cause upsets to your system, as they have all been extensively beta-tested, but they may well reveal pre-existing ones, particularly those of which you may have been unaware. If you are actually aware of any glitches, make sure they are fixed before proceeding further.
So before you do anything else:
If you can, make a full backup first to an external hard disk. Ideally you should always have a bootable clone of your system that enables you to revert to the previous pre-update state.
Turn off sleep mode for both screen and hard disk.
Disconnect all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
1. Repair Permissions (in Disk Utility)
2. Verify the state of your hard disk using Disk Utility. If any faults are reported, restart from your install disk (holding down the C key), go to Disk Utility, and repair your startup disk. Restart again to get back to your startup disk.
At least you can now be reasonably certain that your system does not contain any obvious faults that might cause an update/upgrade to fail.
3. Download the correct version of the COMBO update from the Apple download site.
The Combo updater of Leopard 10.5.8 can be found here:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_8_ComboUpdate
If you prefer to download updates via Software Update in the Apple menu (which would ensure that the correct version for your Mac was being downloaded), it is not recommended to allow SU to install major (or even minor) updates automatically. Set Software Update to just download the updater without immediately installing it. There is always the possibility that the combined download and install (which can be a lengthy process) might be interrupted by a power outage or your cat walking across the keyboard, and an interrupted install will almost certainly cause havoc. Once it is downloaded, you can install at a time that suits you. You should make a backup copy of the updater on a CD in case you ever need a reinstall.
Full details about the 10.5.8 update here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3606
More information on using Software Updater here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24901?viewlocale=en_US
Using the Combo updater ensures that all system files changed since the original 10.5.0 are included, and any that may have been missed out or subsequently damaged will be repaired. The Delta updater, although a temptingly smaller download, only takes you from the previous version to the new one, i.e. for example from 10.5.7 to 10.5.8. Software Update will generally download the Delta updater only. The preferable Combo updater needs to be downloaded from Apple's download site.
Now proceed as follows:
4. Close all applications and turn off energy saving and screensaver.
5. Unplug all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
6. Install the update/upgrade. Do not under any circumstances interrupt this procedure. Do not do anything else on your computer while it is installing. Be patient.
7. When it ask for a restart to complete the installation, click restart. This can take longer than normal, there are probably thousands of files to overwrite and place in the correct location. Do nothing while this is going on.
8. Once your Mac is awake, repair permissions again, and you should be good to go!
If your Mac seems slightly sluggish or ‘different’, perform a second restart. It can’t hurt and is sometimes efficacious!
9. Open a few of your most used applications and check that all is OK. In this connection please remember that not all manufacturers of third party applications and plug-ins, add-ons, haxies etc, will have had time to do any necessary rewrites to their software to make them compliant with the latest version of your operating system. Give them a weeks or two while you regularly check their websites for updates. This applies particularly to plug-ins for Safari 4.
N.B. Do not attempt to install two different updates at the same time as each may have different routines and requirements. Follow the above recommendations for each update in turn.
Lastly, Apple's own article on the subject of Software Update may also be useful reading:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106695
If you are updating Safari (or just have):
Input Managers from third parties can do as much harm as good. They use a security loophole to reach right into your applications' code and change that code as the application starts up. If you have installed an OS update and Safari is crashing, the very first thing to do is clear out your InputManagers folders (both in your own Library and in the top-level /Library), log out and log back in, and try again.
So, disable all third party add-ons before updating Safari, as they may not have been updated yet for the new version. Add them back one by one. If something goes awry, remove it again and check on the software manufacturer's website for news of an update to match your version of Safari.
Most errors reported here after an update are due to an unrepaired or undetected inherent fault in the system, and/or a third party add-on.
Additional tips on software installation here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106692
To reiterate, Input Managers reach right into an application and alter its code. This puts the behavior of the affected application outside the control and responsibility of its developers: a recipe for problems. That's not to say that issues absolutely will ensue as a result of Input Managers, but you, as a user, must decide. If the functionality of a specific Input Manager or set thereof is really important to you, you may well choose to assume the associated risk.
Again, the advice is to remove all Input Managers from the following directories:
• /Library/InputManagers
• ~/Library/InputManagers
especially prior to system updates (they can always be added back one-by-one later).

Volume structure, surface scan

I have a new imac, it's been with me for about 2 months total. I noticed some silly little things happening occasionally....so I used tech tools and did a scan. The volume structure failed....and the surface scan has 2 errors.
What's the significance of this? What should I do?

Probably nothing. If you used TT Deluxe I would not rely on it's results. The standard repair tool is Disk Utility which is in your Utilities folder. If you need to repair your drive do this:
Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
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 Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger and Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.

Windows is Scanning and repairing drive... (- Errors in Event Viewer)

Long post, please be patient... :)
I have a fairly new (purchased 8/2013) Lenovo ThinkPad T431s with Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit (updated from 8.0 -> 8.1). It has a very tricky error coming basically 8 / 10 boots:
Windows is Scanning and repairing drive...
Error details from Windows Event Viewer (a new similar error appears on every boot to event viewer):
A corruption was discovered in the file system structure on volume \?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984}.
A file on the volume is no longer reachable from its parent directory. The parent file reference number is 0x2000000000002. The name of the parent directory is "". The parent index attribute is ":$I30:$INDEX_ALLOCATION". The file reference
number of the file that needs to be reconnected is 0x400000003db80. There may be additional files on the volume that also need to be reconnected to this parent directory.
What has been done 1st trying to fix that:
SSD disk has been changed (image from previous SSD copied back) ->
no solution, error remains
chkdsk /F /R -> no solution, error remains
SFC /scannow -> no solution, error remains
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth -> no solution, error remains after a few boots
TRIED using Windows 8.1 "Update & Recovery -> Refresh Your PC without affecting your files" -> Inserted the Lenovo "Operating System Recovery Disk Windows 8 Pro (OEM Activation 3.0 Required)" BUT Windows did not accept
that DVD claiming "The media inserted is not valid"... ???
Ended up calling Lenovo Support and they instructed me to order the Recovery DVD from
Lenovorecovery.com -> Unfortunatelly Windows does not recognice the DVD(s)...
mountvol returns:
\\?\Volume{4d337687-0033-42f7-8a8e-b6968b533cb3}\
(This is my C:\ drive where Windows installation resides)
\\?\Volume{e010cf9d-c04d-4c82-b517-3cda1b647fe7}\
*** NO MOUNT POINTS ***
\\?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984}\
*** NO MOUNT POINTS ***
\\?\Volume{33f0062f-0aff-4fd2-8402-1c7911d86897}\
*** NO MOUNT POINTS ***
Then running fsutil dirty query on each returns:
Volume - \\?\Volume{4d337687-0033-42f7-8a8e-b6968b533cb3} is NOT Dirty
Volume - \\?\Volume{e010cf9d-c04d-4c82-b517-3cda1b647fe7} is NOT Dirty
Volume - \\?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984} is Dirty
Volume - \\?\Volume{33f0062f-0aff-4fd2-8402-1c7911d86897} is NOT Dirty
The chkdsk on the dirty volume
\\?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984}\ returned:
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Insufficient storage available to create either the shadow copy storage file or
other shadow copy data.
A snapshot error occured while scanning this drive. Run an offline scan and fix.
Diskpart output on the same volume:
DISKPART> lis par
Partition ### Type Size Offset
Partition 1 Reserved 128 MB 17 KB
Partition 2 Recovery 1000 MB 129 MB
Partition 3 System 260 MB 1129 MB
Partition 4 Primary 146 GB 1389 MB
Partition 5 Recovery 350 MB 147 GB
Partition 6 Recovery 19 GB 148 GB
Questions:
1) Are my Partitions OK, haven't "touched" anything?
2) Excluded the dirty volume from boot checking with chkntfs /x
-> still the Error appears in Event viewer log (but Scanning is skipped/not shown anymore during the boot).
What is causing the error?
3) Why do I have three (3) recovery partitions?

What has happened in the past days:
A) Lenovo on-site-Support changed the motherboard -> had no impact on the error (which I expected).
B) I found
instructions how to manually create USB Flash stick with a booting Custom (OEM) Recovery Image.
C) Booted with USB and performed "Refresh your PC without affecting your files."
D) Windows was refreshed but...
-->>
Still the error remains (Windows scanning and repairing drive \?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984} on each and every boot.
1) Related Error in Event viewer (NTFS):
A corruption was discovered in the file system structure on volume \?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984}.
A file on the volume is no longer reachable from its parent directory. The parent file reference number is 0x2000000000002. The name of the parent directory is "". The parent index attribute is ":$I30:$INDEX_ALLOCATION". The file reference number of the
file that needs to be reconnected is 0x400000003db80. There may be additional files on the volume that also need to be reconnected to this parent directory.
2) Related Error in Event viewer (NTFS - Microsoft Windows NTFS):
Volume \\?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984} (\Device\HarddiskVolume5) needs to be taken offline to perform a Full Chkdsk. Please run "CHKDSK /F" locally via the command line, or run "REPAIR-VOLUME <drive:>" locally or remotely via
PowerShell.
-->>
Now Lenovo support is proposing a full re-install (to be performed by myself) of Windows as this is SW issue.
Summary:
- Refreshing my T431s with OEM Image does not help
- The error remains on \?\Volume{f62db2cf-efe4-4b55-a3f7-0e7db991a984} (\Device\HarddiskVolume5; Lenovo Recovery partition) OR at least Windows thinks so...

I have an iMac mid 2010. After Disk utilities said the drive was corrupt, I ran the hardware test (extended) 3 times. No problems. I than ran Disk utility again and got 2 messages in red-keys out of order, and --Volume corrupt, can't be repaired. I tried

I have an iMac mid 2010. After Disk utilities said the drive was corrupt, I ran the hardware test (extended) 3 times. No problems. I than ran Disk utility again and got 2 messages in red…keys out of order, and ……Volume corrupt, can't be repaired.
I tried to do a system install, but message said…disk can't be changed. Will a complete erase and install fix this ?
Everything is backed-up.

There's hardware and software.
Your drive could physically be in good condition but something has caused the file structure to be messed up (it just happens sometimes). The directory that keep track of files is corrupt. Disk Utility can help determine if that is the issue. In some cases it can repair the problem but it cannot do it to a drive that is being used to boot the system while you are doing that. You have to boot from another drive. Some things DU cannot repair and you need to try a stronger utility such as Diskwarrior.
A failing hard drive (one with mechanical issues) can be a cause of file structure issues but this is by no means always the case. Apart from looking at the SMART diagnosis feature of Disk Utility (and smart isn't totally reliable) there often isn't a way to tell if a drive is failing until it suddenly happens, which is why you need to maintain backups.
In your situation it does sound serious and not just minor directory corruption. You can try erasing (formatting) the drive, You may need to do this if it is really corrupt, in which case there could be underlying physical issues. I use old technology but if you have the patience you can try erasing the drive with the security option of writing zeros once (don't do more unless you are going on a 3 week vacation). This makes the drive not simply assume everything is okay by forcing it try every part of the drive by writing data. If something is gong wrong you may find it marks a lot of bad sectors, or flat out refuses to format. Then you know you need a new drive.

Taking a stab at live help from a pro - disk volume structures

I'm taking a stab at getting some live help on an a 1-month old iMac 24". I'm using my Mac mini right now because the imac is undergoing a TechTool Deluxe Surface Scan at the moment.
Specs:
1 month old Intel iMac 24 2 GB RAM 500GB Seagate HD...
Everything's been fine. I added a firewire 800 external 500GB HD the first week, bought the registered version of Superduper, and have been making bootable images since. They work fine and the iMac is booted from it as we speak.
System froze today quitting Firefox I believe. Had to manually boot with the power switch. Got grey screen, spinning circle (NOT the colored one), nothing else.
Booted to OS X startup disk, ran disk utility, got error on disk repair. (Sorry, I don't remember what it was, but I don't think you'll need it after you hear the rest of the story).
Booted to external Firewire 800 drive, ran disk utility again, same error, wouldn't fix it.
I have Applecare on it, put Techtool Deluxe CD in, ran all the test except Surface Scan, everything passed except Volume Structure.
Told it to repair, confirmed it, Wait a few minutes and Techtool Deluxe program acts like it's working, seems to unmount the internal HD, and just quits with no error message.
bring up disk utility, same error when disk repair tried.
windowsrefugee takes deep breath
Now I reran TTD with Surface Scan checked, it's half-way through with no errors.
Keep in mind, the only problem reported by TTD is with Volume Structure but it CAN'T fix it.
Now, while it's in the middle of a surface scan that's looking good, here's my critical decision path question to any late-night guru's out there:
Should I wait til morning and call Applecare, or download Disk Warrior for $99 and fix it myself (I'm new to Macs but a DOS and Windows old-timer with a high level of expertise).
I'm boiled it down to those 2 options, simply because I don't think there is anything physically wrong with the HD, based on disk utility AND TTD telling me it's a volume structure problem (that neither one can fix).
Plus, something tells me Disk Warrior is gonna come in real handy sooner or later (looks like sooner to me
Do I have this right? What are the chances there is nothing physically wrong with the HD and what are the chances of Applecare fixing it over the phone without me having to take it to repair shop (or get a home visit if they do that-which is gonna be a hassle if I have to take in to shop as I'm disabled.
windowsrefugee inserts a big PERIOD and thanks anyone in advance for their help.
PS---I love the iMac, my Mac mini, OS X and all things Apple. My MS-based OS machines strewn all over the shop are getting very lonely for human interaction, but they're not getting any from me.

nothing wrong with HD.
I 'd suspect the third party applications. If you have the time and energy why not do a clean install and see what happens. You could run Apple Disk Utility to check that HD.
One thing in the Mac world is always check version and compatibilty with the OS system version you are running. I've run Macs since 1986 and don't use any sort of Disk Utility. No sense in it. I've owned all the ones you mentioned and still waiting for the DEFINITIVE FIX.

Tech Tool Deluxe Volume Structure test query

Hi,
Sorry if this is elsewhere, but my searches have not supplied a definitive answer.
As part of my regular maintenance routine on my iMac (mid 2010 i7 quad core) that I purchased just before Christmas, I have run the AppleCare Tech Tool Deluxe scans at regular monthly intervals with no problems, until about a month ago.
When the program does it's stuff, all tests pass, except the volume structure one (in the window showing the image of the volume structure, it says fail! above the "icon"). The final report that Tech Tool Deluxe comes out with says everything has passed. What's going on?
Because of this, I''ve also done a surface scan in the program and it was OK, as was verifying the disk in Disk Utility from the Snow Leopard DVD. I've repaired permissions and even reformatted the Macintosh HD and done a complete reinstall of the OS (not from backup), all of which come up with the same result in Tech Tool Deluxe - volume structure fails, but final report passes.
The version of Tech Tool Deluxe I have installed from the AppleCare disc is 3.1.3, which according to Micromat is the current one, but this is from 2009.
So my question is this:
Has the updated Snow Leopard (10.6.6) changed it's volume structure slightly meaning that Tech Tool Deluxe thinks there's a problem as it's scanning, but then ignores it for the final report, or is my HDD failing?
I've not noticed any issues whatsoever with the iMac and I have both Time Machine and bootable SuperDuper backups, so I'm not worried about my data.
Would you guys recommend ignoring it for now, or should I get Diskwarrior to check it out further?
Thanks for any help, or light that can be shed on this issue.

Hi Den,
Thanks for this, I emailed them and they are giving the usual story of "this product was developed for Apple, so you'll need to speak to them".
I've bit the bullet and purchased DiskWarrior 4.3 and by installing it onto my SuperDuper backup drive, I was able to check out the iMac's internal HD.
DiskWarrior was able to find errors in file structure and permissions etc (it didn't give details) and was able to repair them. After rebooting into the internal HDD, I ran TechTool Deluxe 3.1.3 again, and this time it said that it failed the volume structure during the test and then in the final report. It tried to get me to download the repair version of the software, but the web page that opened had nothing to do with TechTool's download. As a little self test, I ignored it and ran the test again. This time, it failed during the test (as normal) and then said that it passed in the final report.
I have therefore come to the conclusion that if Disk Utility AND DiskWarrior say that it's fine, then the issue must be with TechTool Deluxe. At least it doesn't seem to be an issue with the actual drive.
I admit that I was getting suspicious of TechTool when a fresh install on a reformatted HDD said that the volume structure failed and then passed. There must be something different about the current version of Snow Leopard comared to that at the time of release of version 3.1.3 of Tech Tool Deluxe.
Thanks for all your help guys.
Obviously, if someone can prove me wrong, that would help me ascertain as to what is going on.
Message was edited by: pdscott

IMac btree or volume structure problem?

When I turn on my 8 year old iMac I get a gray screen with the Apple logo and a narrow horizontal bar just above the logo. I tried doing a Safe Boot, but after a few minutes it restarts itself. I started it up from various CDs that came with it, and these are the results:
Apple Hardware Test CD shows no hardware problems.
OS 9.1 CD got me to the System 9 desktop. I ran Disk First Aid from the CD. The last item it checked was catalog BTree. Right after that it said unable to read from disk. I was able to copy items from the System 9 desktop to my laptop. But when I opened the Users folder on the HD to copy items from the OS X side, all I found were .localized documents. I was hoping to get to my pictures.
OS 10.0.3 CD Disk Utility - First Aid said "Reserved fields in the catalog record have incorrect data. Keys out of order." When I click Repair, it does not fix the problem.
I then downloaded Tech Tool Deluxe for Power PC and started up from that CD. It says Volume Structure failed. If I choose to rebuild, it will make some drastic changes to the original directory data, such as total files going from 193,111 to 8,595 and volume content size going from 18.6 GB to 12.1 GB. I was afraid I might lose something important, so I did not do the rebuild.
I feel like I might be in over my head. Should I take it to the Apple Store and let them deal with it? Any ideas about how to get to my pictures so I can copy them onto my laptop?
Thanks!
April

+Keys out of order+, in my experience and others here, can only be repaired with the following utility and only if it's not too far gone. It repaired that issue for me.
If Disk Utility can't fix it, you'll need a more robust utility for the repair. I would recommend DiskWarrior. It is the best at directory repairs. It rebuilds then actually replaces your old directory. I feel every Mac owner should have a copy. Make sure you get the disk so you can boot up on it to run repairs. You can also install it on another drive and run it from there to repair this one. DW works faster that way.
TechTool is just not a robust enough repair utility to fix your very serious directory corruption.
I use DW once a month to try and catch errors in my system from getting too far out of hand.
If you have a good backup, hopefully a clone of your system before you had issues, an Erase and Install will also rid you of this issue. But, beware! You will lose everything on the drive with this procedure. Let us know if you need help with that!
Cheers! DALE
p.s. Here's a rewiew of DiskWarrior 4.

Error -694 Volume Structure???

Ran tech tool cd and it could not fix volume structure error and showed error -694. Does anyone know what this means?
Just archived and reinstalled OSX yesterday to fix a boot up problem, which it did. But now after doing the needed updates - whenever I try to type something in firefox a gray screen with the power button logo pops up and says I have to restart - and when I try to open multiple documents into photoshop it won't open them - only individually.
So I figured something must be wrong - and ran the apple hardware test, disk utility and then the tech tool deluxe. Then I got the volume structure error which tech tool could not fix. Could it have something to do with permissions errors? I was trying to fix permissions and everytime I do, I get the same corrections which seems weird. Anyone got any suggestions?
I have an imac G5 with OSX version 10.3.9. 1.8 Ghz with 768MB Memory.
Here's the permissions errors I am having :
: for architecture i386 object: ./Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunes malformed object (unknown flavor for flavor number 0 in LC_UNIXTHREAD command 27 can't byte swap it)
: for architecture i386 object: ./Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/Resources/iTunesHelper.app/Contents/MacOS/iT unesHelper malformed object (unknown flavor for flavor number 0 in LC_UNIXTHREAD command 13 can't byte swap it)
We are using special permissions for the file or directory ./Library/ColorSync/Profiles/Displays. New permissions are 16893
We are using special permissions for the file or directory ./Library/ColorSync/Profiles. New permissions are 16893
We are using special permissions for the file or directory ./System/Library/Filesystems/cd9660.fs/cd9660.util. New permissions are 33261
We are using a special uid for the file or directory ./private/var/at/jobs. New uid is 1
We are using a special uid for the file or directory ./private/var/at/spool. New uid is 1
The privileges have been verified or repaired on the selected volume
Verify/repair finished permissions on disk disk0s3 Macintosh HD
Any help would be great. I can still use my computer - but I want to get this fixed before bigger things happen...

"I can still use my computer"
STOP, you should not!
"The privileges have been verified or repaired on the selected volume"
The information you seek is in the details!
There is nothing wrong with your permissions repair, which should be being done from the Disk Utility version located within your hard drive's Applications>Utilities folder, and not while booted from the install disc.
HOWEVER - The problem is when you boot from your grey-labeled install disc and then run Disk Utility>First Aid>Repair Disk - apparently it is not able to make any progress at all and simply reports an error -694, is that correct? I would call AppleCare and give them that error code information along with the fact that you are seeing the grey restart screen. After you ran the Repair Disk procedure, did you look in the space below for the "S.M.A.R.T. status:" which should have showed "Verified" next to it? You should also report what that shows to AppleCare.
I would not use the TechTool Deluxe CD for making repairs, except if Apple requires it, which I doubt they will. They will care much more about the results of Apple Hardware Test and the other symptoms that you are seeing.
The grey screen that pops up demanding a restart is a kernel panic, caused by either hardware or software. Combining this with your Apple Hardware Test's error code about your hard drive, I think you should be prepared for the possibility that you may, at any moment, lose the use of your hard drive forever. Back up anything important, and do not store anything new on it.

Blue screen and volume issue

Need some help here. (hope Im in the right place)
Im getting the blue screen and spinning wheel at shutdown, computer wont turn off.
I run Techtool Deluxe and my Volume Structure fails (passes surface scan).
Disk Utility says volume is fine......
Im sure an erase and install would do the trick but I would really like to know more about what the issue is, how it happened, and how to avoid it in the future. As well as if its fixable without a clean install.
Just getting into the tech side of life so any direction on troubleshooting this issue would be much appreciated.
Thanks you

Hello jackhandy234,
I have a white iPhone 5 running on the latest IOS 7.0.4 and I am having a similar problem. I have had my phone for about 6 months now and have had it always well protected in a sturdy case similar to an otter box case. I have had no problems with the phone until 2 nights ago.
While on the messaging app "kik" My phone froze up, vertical pixalated lines appeared,it faded into a black screen, shut down and automatically turned on again. It repeated this "glitch" while powering back up about 3 times. Finally after having to manually restart it by pressing the power and home button for 5-6 seconds it stop.
After going back to using my phone, not 5 mins past, and it was "glitching" up again. In the past 48 hours it has glitch over 26+ times. Everytime I need to use my phone for more then 5 mins I need to manually reset it.
If you have found a solution to your problem, please post it because it could possibly solve mine.

Directory Scan and Volume Structure Failure

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