Disk Repair Options?

My machine will not boot.
I get a grey screen,an apple, and then silent black stillness.
I can boot from my install disk and run Disk Utility.
I select the Macintosh HD, and get a First Aid failed message with the following info:
Invalid Key Length
Volume Check Failed
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit
1 HFS volume checked
1 volume could not be repaired because of an error.
Before I throw in the towel, I want to try other tools.
Disk Warrior and Tech Tools sites report that their bootable CDs will not support Macbook Pro 2.2 and 2.4 GHz.
Do you have any suggestions???
Thanks in advance.
MBP 15" 2.4GHz Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
You can still run Disk Warrior from a bootable external hard drive. To create a bootable external hard drive, first format it with GUID partitioning using Disk Utility from the Utilities menu of the installer disk which came with your MacBook Pro that appears after you select the installer. You will find a Partition tab with options how to partition. Choose the GUID partition method after selecting the external hard drive, and before erasing the external hard drive, and partition it for two partitions (one for at least 10 GB, one for at least the size of the internal hard drive). Once that is done, restart the computer from the installer disk again, and install the operating system on the external hard drive's 10 GB partition customizing the install to only install the basic operating system and nothing else. I would put both a copy of Prosoft Data Rescue and Disk Warrior on the 10 GB partition. Once that is done, attempt recovering your internal drive to the larger partition with Prosoft Data Rescue. If you are able to get usable data or already have a backup, then go ahead and try to run Disk Warrior on the internal drive.
If Disk Warrior can't fix it, you may be due for a new drive.

Similar Messages

Unable to access disk repair option on OSX Install CD

I tried to do a disk repair from the Install CD - I opened Disk Utility from the Installer menu, clicked on the Mac Harddrive in the left hand column and clicked on First Aid.
While the Repair Permissions was accessible, the Disk Repair option was greyed out.
I did not see any option to choose language during this process.
Can someone please help?
Thanks

That IS the version for some iBook G4s anyway, not certain which one you have though. Did this come from Apple with those Disks?
I don't understand why the Language never showed, or why it "thinks" the Hard Drive is in use, which is what causes that grayed out thing.
Does it Verify from the DVD?
Do you have an Open Firmware Password set perchance?
Tough without the Install disc, but some things to try...
Does it boot to Single User Mode, CMD+s keys at bootup, if so try...
/sbin/fsck -fy
Repeat until it shows no errors fixed.
(Space between fsck AND -fy important).
Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Tough without the Tiger Disk problems, but try fsck...
To use fsck, you must run it from the command line. Unlike using your mouse to open an application to do something, you'll need to type a text command at the prompt (#) to tell fsck what to do. The Terminal application (/Applications/Utilities) and single-user mode are two examples of command-line interfaces in which you can type such commands. To use fsck:
1. Start up your computer in single-user mode to reach the command line. Hold CMD+s keys down at bootup. Note: If necessary, perform a forced restart as described in the Emergency Troubleshooting Handbook that came with your computer. On desktop computers, you can do this by pressing the reset/interrupt button (if there is one) or holding down the power button for several seconds. On portable computers, simultaneously press the Command-Control-power keys. If your portable computer doesn't restart with this method, you may need to reset the Power Manager.
2. At the command-line prompt, type /sbin/fsck -fy
(SPACE between fsck AND -fy important)
3. Press Return. fsck will go through five "phases" and then return information about your disk's use and fragmentation. Once it finishes, it'll display this message if no issue is found: 
The volume (nameofvolume) appears to be OK  If fsck found issues and has altered, repaired, or fixed anything, it will display this message: *** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED ***   Important: If this message appears, repeat the fsck command you typed in step 2 until fsck tells you that your volume appears to be OK (first-pass repairs may uncover additional issues, so this is a normal thing to do).
4. When fsck reports that your volume is OK, type reboot at the prompt and then press Return.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then Safe Boot from the HD, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.

Downloaded Lion - No Disk Repair Option and No Lion OS Disk

I just purchased Mac OS Lion in the App Store and downloaded it and my computer has been having problems since the download. I ran the disk utility and it is saying I need to repair but the option is greyed out and to use the start up disk. Can I use the start up disk now that I have a new operating system? How can I repair with out the Lion Disk?

You did install Lion as an upgrade from Snow leopard?
If you still have your SL install disk, boot from it (insert CD, and hold down C key while restarting). Go to Disk Utility and repair disk. Note: you should make sure to have a full backup first.
Or, you should have the new recovery partition installed automatically. Restart while holding the Command and R keys and then follow on screen instructions. (Not entirely sure though if that works on systems that were upgraded to Lion or only if it was pre-installed - but booting with Command + R won't do any harm; you can always dismiss and boot back into your regular system).
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718

Data recovery/Disk repair options

Hi guys,
My hard drive appears to have kicked the can this weekend. All I can get at startup is the blank gray screen. When I boot from the OS X Install Disc and attempt to repair permissions, I either get "The underlying task reported failure (-9972)" error, or a "Keys out of order" error. Both of which seem pretty serious from what I've been reading.
Sadly (or ironicly) my system had been slowing down quite a bit over the last couple weeks, and Friday I bought a Lacie external drive to back up on, but didn't have any time to work on it over the weekend!! ugh.
Anyway, being able to only go as far as I can, do I have any options to save any of the data? I've read a lot of recommendations on here for Data Rescue II, but I can't tell from their website if this is something I'd be able to boot from? If that would work, would I be able to use my Lacie drive straight out of the box without any setup??
Mac OS X (10.3.9)
powerbook g4 15" aluminum Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Update:
So I stopped at a retail store on my way home from work and talked to a Genius who also recommended DiskWarrior. So as i'm buying it he says "Oh, but first you should check and see if you still have time left on your AppleCare."
Now I'm home, with a yet unopened DiskWarrior, realizing that I still do have time left on my AppleCare, wondering if I'm stupid for still wanting to do this myself right now instead of bringing it in......

My external LaCie drive gets an error message "the disc you inserted was not readable by this computer." The only options offered are "ignore" or "eject" Disk Utility sees the disc but does not give a repair option. What can I do?

When I plug in my external LaCie drive I get an error message "the disc you inserted was not readable by this computer."
The only options offered are "ignore" or "eject"
Disk Utility sees the disc but does not give a repair option.
What can I do?

The good thing about mac-centric resellers such as OWC, is they have people on staff that can answer questions without you buying things first. They also have how-to information, and instructions are included in many of their products. I saw a link to watch a DIY video in one of their pages; an example of a RAID (with its own power supply) is shown on their drives page. Also a few in there, with no power supplies, for less money.
If I were looking to backup and perhaps also have a partition for a system clone, I'd consider something like one of these: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/1394/USB/EliteAL/eSATA_FW800_FW400_USB
Some ideas on the RAID backup methods appear in google search, some of the pages are ideas and concepts; and the better ones also warn about using RAID for the only backup plan.
Oh, OWC has live chat. Haven't tried it, nor have I bought anything from them. I have what appears to be two products from them, but have not used either. One is in a box as-new, but has only USB2.0 ports & my Macs needed FW400/800. It has been said their RAM is a good way to upgrade, too. But I can't confirm!
A 'RAID-ready' unit for backup may be more versatile for just that, but I have not checked into these details. I use single HDDs in powered enclosures, and usually manually make backup clones to FW drives, of bootable OS X systems. Some of the OWC raid-ready use eSATA ports so that may not be viable for a computer without them.
The unused in-box external drive I have is like the base model in the link above. However mine is USB2.0 (maybe) and won't boot my older Macs due to hardware variance; and my preference would be for FireWire options, these models do offer that. But the one I have does not. Dual 500GB HDDs, and they could be used in tandem as a RAID. That would be a choice set up in software. I'm not sure and not interested enough to read up just now.
My backup method is not automatic, or a moving backup plan, if I don't get a move-on and make full system clones. I do make copies of photos and documents the manual way, to USB external drives; and occasionally backup to DVD or CD media. And USB flash, that helps to move files between computers without need to use file sharing via wi-fi. {Like Why fly? Walking is better exercise unless one is a bird. Squawk!}
https://www.google.com/#q=raid+backup+mac
Depending on the ports in your Mac, you may be able to use other cables to attach between a backup or externally enclosed hard disk drive with multiple partition and bootable clone in one of them. Not sure about the Thunderbolt, and where that is the main port, adapters are required to access other devices, as allowed.
Anyway, I am going on and on, yet not really saying anything.
My ideas would not be all that interesting to follow as a backup
plan when matching available newer hardware to task, but you
can get some into better ideas if you are not in a rush. Get a
good setup and then look into more an betterer stuff.
Good luck & happy computing!

I just restarted my mac then suddenly when it boots,disk utility came and says different option like repair disk, get help, reinstall OSX and I tried to click disk repair but it says that I am um able to repair the disk

i just restarted my mac then suddenly when it boots,disk utility came and says different option like repair disk, get help, reinstall OSX and I tried to click disk repair but it says that I am um able to repair the disk

It sounds like your hard drive either has a software problem that Disk Utility cannot fix or that the HD has failed (mechanically).
Your Mac may have booted either to your recovery partition or to internet recovery in an attempt to repair the drive- I can't tell from your post.
I'll assume that it was the recovery partition.
Try to boot into internet recovery (hold down option command R at restart), and see if you can repair your HD with Disk Utility. You should also repair permissions while you're there.
If that doesn't work, try to boot into single user mode (restart, hold down ⌘S until you see a black screen with white text) and repair your hard drive. Here's a reference with directions: Repair Your Hard Disk in Single User Mode | Everything Macintosh
If that doesn't work you have a few options:
If your mac originally came with installation disks, you can try to boot from the installation disk and then see if you can repair the HD.
There is a small chance that Techtool Pro 7 will be able to repair your HD if Disk Utility can't.
If none of that works then your HD has probably failed and will need to be replaced, which is not too difficult to do yourself if you can use a screwdriver.

Lost Option For Disk Repair Permissions

Hi Gang
I'm using 10.4.11
Unless I'm missing something here, it seems I've lost the option to Repair Disk Permissions for all of my
Non-System Drives? I now only have the option to Repair Disk Permissions for the System Drive only.
I never had this condition before - always ran Repair Disk Permissions for all the external drives on a regular basis. Perhaps this process was never necessary to begin with? But that still doesn't explain why the option is 'Grayed Out'
What have I done differently? The only thing I can think of, is the fact that I added an 800 FW cable internally (to the 3rd internal FW800 Out Port), on one if the PCI Multi Port Cards. That additional Drive is turned off right now.
Screen Shots;
http://www.locationstudio.net/YesRepair.jpg
http://www.locationstudio.net/NoRepair-1.jpg
http://www.locationstudio.net/NoRepair-2.jpg
Yes I realize I have a lot of external drives, but I'd rather not get into a discussion of SATA Controller Cards at this point. I've got tons of Video Files that would ALL need reconnection in FCP. Trust me, it's not an option right now.
I'm just looking for an opinion about the loss of that Option to 'Repair Disk Permissions'
Thanx
Mike

And you mean, therefore, only SYSTEM Disks can have 'Repair Disk Permissions' performed? Correct?
Correct.
If so, then why was I able to see that function before? 'Repair Disk Permissions' was ALWAYS there despite the circumstances. Ummm?
Did you ever clone your internal to these before? It really should not be available unless there is an OSX on it.
How bout 'Disk Repair'? Does it benefit to perform this function on all of these external drives? I've always read this before.
Actually, THE most important one is Disk Repair, and it really should be done before any Permission Repairs... now it's not a problem to Repair Permissions if the Disk is OK, but Repairing Permissions if the Disk Directory is the slightest messed up is like sending envelopes of cash out to addresses, but all the street signs have been changed.
Just to see if it would make a difference, I checked the Box 'Ignor Disk Permissions' Same result - can only perform 'Disk Repair'
Yes, the way it should be, but normally you want Ignore permission set on external drives. You can have or set Permissions on external drives, but it's normally not needed.
BTW, Repair Permissions does not Repair all Permissions on your Boot Drive either, just on System Files/Folders, not any in your Users folder for instance.

Disk Repair notified me it could not repair the HD. Iam to reformat the disk and restore backed up files. OS Utilities give me a "Restore From Time Machine Backup" option. I have not reformatted the disk; does this restore option do both?

Disk Repair reported that it could not repair the HD Disk. I am to reformat the disk and restore backed up files. OSX Utilities give me a choice of restoring from time machine backup (which I have on MyPassport) but no information on reformatting the disk, which I assume I have to do first. How do I reformat the HD ...or does the restore from Time Machine do both things?

Boot OS X Recovery and use Disk Utility.
If Disk Utility reported the disk cannot be repaired though, you should replace it with a new one.

Disk repair issues.

Hi all. I have had a serious disk problem with my iMac and the Disk Utility is suggesting I repair the disk The option is "greyed out" in Disk Utility.
I am considering the options and would be grateful for any advice from kind community contributors. Should I:
Create a new disk image from my iMac HDD and save it on another attached disk. Can I then boot from that and repair my internal Mac HDD?
Boot from a DVD? Do I need to then to install the opserating system on another HDD and then run Disk Utility to correct the damaged Mac internal HDD?
Use Time machine to copy all my files and applications to another HDD and then erase, format and restore the copied files to my internal disk? Will this allow me to use all of my applications or will they need re-installation? Essentially the same as option 1
Cut my losses, back up all my (scant) data on the HDD inside the Mac and format the HDD then resore the data and re-install the OSX & all of my applications
I should say my Mac's HDD is 500GB and only 75 GB used of which 99% in applications including Adobe, some Internet downloads (Little Snitch etc)
Sorry for so many questions but I am pushed for time and the Mac problems are causing me real grief so it would be great to have some sound advice. Have a great day all and I hope to hear from some kind soul.

I haven't done this in a long time but if memory serves it might be in one of your menus (just skip the option to install). I know its there since running DU from the installer disk is a pretty common response in these forums and the installer disk must provide the way to initialize a disk from the installer for a totally ground-up install.

Disk repair button in disk utility greyed out and I cant repair my disk

Safari stopped working totally and I downloaded it again but it wont allow me to install it onto the hard drive saying it cant use the software. Disk utility has detected that the disk needs repair but the repair button is blanked out.
Also I have password issues because it wont recognise my master password even though I know what it is. Even though I dont need it now I am sure I will in the future.
Crappy apple 'support' want our money but they only give support for 90 days. If they were so confident about their products working properly they would give us more than 90 day support and if their products really were good then we woudn't need to call would we? MAC *****

I don't know about AppleCare, but they will do an electronic bank draft type vehicle for major purchases as well.
Tiger DVD (now 10.4.6):
Disk Utility - Restore to backup
Reset Password
And "fsck" is your friend to repair the boot drive when you don't have a back up system/clone. Also get a copy of Applejack and use it as well.
Always always backup before applying OS installs and updates.
Might want to start with Apple's Mac 101 Help:
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/help/
It can help walk you (and us) through what steps...
boot into Open Firmware and Reset NVRAM
boot to your Apple Hardware Test disk using OPTION key and run tests
run Memtest 4 from Single User Mode
MacIntouch: Bad RAM
clone your boot drive system and apps and backup data
Tiger is now out on DVD with 10.4.6 - updated and easier to upgrade
boot into Single User Mode
run
- Best done after ANY freeze or hard restart
install Applejack gets run in Single User Mode
Using Applejack
MacFixit: Repairing Permissions
General Troubleshooting permissions
Repairing Drives
Backup!
G4 MDD 1.25 1.75GB UL3D 15K/10K RAID Mac OS X (10.4.6) SoftRAID 3.5

After getting the dreaded gray/blue screen, I tried to run disk repair on the internal disk. I got an error message saying "Disk Utility can't repair this disk and restore your backed-up files. The volume Macintosh HD could not be verified completely

After getting the dreaded gray/blue screen, I tried to run disk repair on the internal disk. I got an error message saying "Disk Utility can't repair this disk and restore your backed-up files. The volume Macintosh HD could not be verified completely." What do I do now? This is an iMac and I'm running 10.6.8.

Clean Install of Snow Leopard
Be sure to make a backup first because the following procedure will erase
the drive and everything on it. See below for how to clone a drive.
     1. Boot the computer using the Snow Leopard Installer Disc or the Disc 1 that came
         with your computer. Insert the disc into the optical drive and restart the computer.
         After the chime press and hold down the "C" key. Release the key when you see
         a small spinning gear appear below the dark gray Apple logo.
     2. 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 hard drive entry from the left side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive
         size.) Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window. Set the number of
         partitions to one (1) from the Partitions drop down menu, click on Options button
         and select GUID, click on OK, then set the format type to MacOS Extended
         (Journaled, if supported), then click on the Apply button.
     3. When the formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed
         with the OS X installation and follow the directions included with the installer.
     4. When the installation has completed your computer will Restart into the Setup
         Assistant. Be sure you configure your initial admin account with the exact same
         username and password that you used on your old drive. After you finish Setup
         Assistant will complete the installation after which you will be running a fresh
         install of OS X. You can now begin the update process by opening Software
         Update and installing all recommended updates to bring your installation current.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.
You may be able to backup your data if you have an erased external drive you can use. Before you do the above but after you have opened Disk Utility you can try to clone your drive:
Clone using Restore Option of Disk Utility
1. Open Disk Utility.
2. Select the destination volume from the left side list.
3. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
4. Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag
       it to the Destination entry field.
5. Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to
      the Source entry field.
6. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the external backup drive. Source means the internal startup drive.
Now this will only work if the drive is accessible and can be cloned by Disk Utility. Otherwise, you would need to access your drive from another Mac that you can connect via Firewire - Target Disk Mode.

Disk repair 'failed'

when i tried to repair my internal HD, disk repair fails. it found out that 'Reserved fields in the catalog record have incorrect data' do I need to format the drive and reinstall 10.4.11, or can this be fixed?

You could do that, but a simple reformat may not fix the low-level
issue that may exist on the hard disk drive; while a zero-overwrite
option Disk Utility provides may help, & also will defragment HDDs.
Of course, there is a chance a third-party disk utility could be able
to attempt and be successful in a repair where the native OS X
Disk Utility may not be fully adapted to these kinds of cures. For
some kinds of issues, Disk Warrior has been proven worthwhile;
so has (in some instances) Drive Genius, and TechTool Pro. The
version of these third-party disk tools has to match and be made
for the OS X version the repair is being done on.
There are times where a third party disk utility may make the
matter worse, so you have to really be ready and it does help
to have previous experience with the tools & how they work.
A crash course is never an expected way to learn, it happens.
If the computer is getting old, you may end up replacing the
hard disk drive, as they do wear out and work hard in a
portable computer. The cost per GB has come way down.
There are times when a hard disk drive is not readable and
the computer won't start from it, yet data may be recovered
from it in a few ways; one of them is FireWire Target Disk
Mode. Another may be to put the failed disk in an external
enclosure and attempt a repair at a later time, and have a
good hard disk drive in your computer.
If you backup your computer's contents and get comfortable
in making clones and using utilities, that is a good path to know.
In any event...
Good luck & happy computing!

Hard Disk Repair Help!

Good evening,
Just wondering if you guys can give me any help with regards to my Mid 2010 Mac Mini running Mountain Lion.
I only use the computer for internet browsing and iTunes, I've upgraded the RAM to 8GB myself which was straight forward.
Yesterday I get home from work and the Mac is turned off (I usually leave it on Stand-By). Upon turning it on by the button on the back I get the Apple Logo and the rotating circle, followed by this screen;
[IMG]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/Jonny2modified/6E058BF7-C5CC-4725-BB6E-64 D53168DAD8-11438-00000B443DCDE4DC_zps4a055f0a.jpg[/IMG]
If I click on Disk Utility I've got these options on the left;
[img]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/Jonny2modified/B1377C74-71DB-45B0-B700-11 77B06FC73D-11438-00000B4442D9F747_zps5208f360.jpg[/img]
I've a 160GB external hard drive which has stuff on it now but could transfer that stuff over to a very old and slow laptop if I need the extra space for backing up.
Verify Disk on the top drive gives me this, which looks fine?;
[IMG]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/Jonny2modified/777713AF-708F-4723-B947-2B 9337725A74-11438-00000B444825DEFF_zps957f56f9.jpg[/IMG]
But Disk Repair on the greyed out drive gives me this;
[IMG]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/Jonny2modified/5A6FC9F4-79E9-44DB-ACF3-96 44F9631AEB-11438-00000B444DBBA0CE_zps46e5ea78.jpg[/IMG]
Which doesn't sound good?
The bad bit.. I've not backed up anything since I got the computer, I've got pictures/music on my computer I'd like to keep if possible.. But I don't know anything about backing things up, or how I'd go about it. Sounds pretty terminal from that pop-up message from Apple!
I've got installation disks if I need them.
So you helpful people - What do I need to do first?
Thanks in advance!
(Apologies about the bad pictures, thought it'd be better than nothing though!)

Thanks so far, Viking.
Tried to do the Shift or S key on boot up after/on the chime but nothing.
Will try a wired keyboard tomorrow, will any USB keyboard work to you know? Can borrow one from work if so..
EDIT;
I appear to have got it into Single User Mode. Tried the fsck command, this is what I got back from that;
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/Jonny2modified/19CDDA7A-43CF-4F3C-A4B7-22 BAA013BB53-12042-00000B863A4EDB71_zps64426d37.jpg
Still started up in Disk Utility..
If I try and install Lion again I get this;
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/Jonny2modified/C2691425-5AA3-43B7-B354-58 F1F9AA199B-12042-00000B863E72ED34_zpsc5118a5e.jpg
So, I guess it's dead?

I have a MacBook Pro, it recently started freezing upon startup. It would get to a blue screen and just sit there. I've tried booting in safemode to run disk repair and still doesnt help. If I do manage to get past the blue screen, it still freezes

My mac keeps freezing upon startup. It will get to the blue screen and promptly freeze. If I manage to get past the blue screen, and open up youtube on google chrome, it will freeze before it loads youtube. I've tried safeboot and disk repair, nothing seems to work. I even tried to factory reset it but it wont connect to my internet when I reboot with power + option.. any ideas?

This can be used to boot the machine and delelte enough files to get it to boot normally.
.Create a data recovery/undelete external boot drive
Read about storage drive so you can store your extra stuff.
Most commonly used backup methods
Also here to see how a full boot drive slows the machine down
Why is my computer slow?

Files disappeared after running disk utility disk repair but still space still remains. how do i recover the files?

stupidly repaired my external hard disk without backing it up via mavericks's disk utility repair option.
After the repair, all my folders disappeared but at the same time I noticed that the disk space still remained the same. Is there anyway to get these files back? My thesis is on it.

General File Recovery
If you stop using the drive it's possible to recover deleted files that have not been overwritten by using recovery software such as MAC Data Recovery, Data Rescue II, File Salvage or TechTool Pro. Each of the preceding come on bootable CDs to enable usage without risk of writing more data to the hard drive. Two free alternatives are Disk Drill and TestDisk. Look for them and demos at MacUpdate or CNET Downloads. Recovery software usually provide trial versions that enable you to determine if the software would help before actually paying for it. Beyond this or if the drive has completely failed, then you would need to send the drive to a recovery service which is very expensive.
The longer the hard drive remains in use and data are written to it, the greater the risk your deleted files will be overwritten.
Also visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on Data Recovery.

Disk Repair Options?

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