Disk Utility Repair

Question

Hi Everyone
Yesterday my wife's PowerBook G4 12 inch would not go past the loading page when firing up. So conclusion was that the Mac probably needed a repair.
On performing the repair a window pops up saying "First Aid Failed" Disc Utility stopped repairing Macintosh HD because the following error was encountered. The underlying task reported failure on Exit."
So looking at the list of repairs This is what is explained
Invalid Volume Free Block Count (It should be 1204417 instead of 1204372)
The Volume Macintosh HD could not be repaired
Error: The Underlying Task Reported Reported Failure on Exit
1 HFS Volume Checked
1 Volume Could Not Be Repaired Because of An Error
Repair Attempt on Volume 1
1 Volume Could Not Be Repaired
So do I need to wipe the computer and start again or is there another solution? Also I can only find 2 installation disks for the G4, is that the correct amount and is there anything else needed?
Thanks All
RC

Answer 1

ricky:
Your computer has a directory issue which cannot be repaired by Disk Utility. You will need to use a third party utility like Tech Tool Pro or Disk Warrior. If your computer has the original Hard Disk Drive with which it was shipped from the factory, the directory corruption may be related to a failing HDD. If that is the case you are probably better advised to install a new HDD and save the cost of either of the utilities linked above. Doing a complete reformat and erase and reinstalling the OS is an option, too, provided, however, that your HDD is sound. So your options are:
• Use a third party utility like TTP or DW linked above.
• Do a complete reformat, erase and reinstall of the OS. (Post for step by step directions, if needed)
• Install a new HDD in your computer.
cornelius