Diskutility failing to repair permissions

I have a persistent problem with permissions. whenever i run disk utility, it finishes with a 'permissions repair complete' message but if i re-run it the same list of permissions error shows up again.
Below is the list of errors which i get:
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/AirPort Base Station Agent.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "Applications/Utilities/AirPort Utility.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/DVD.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/FRSettings.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/FRSources.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Movies.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Music.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Photos.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Podcasts.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/TV.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/BackRow.framework/Versions/A/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Menu Extras/RemoteDesktop.menu/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/Frameworks/InternetUtilities.bundle/Contents/ CodeResources", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/Resources/iTunesHelper.app/Contents/CodeResou rces", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
i would be grateful for any help.

Don't worry about them, they are actually 'messages' rather than permission errors:
Permissions you can ignore on 10.5 and 10.6:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1448?viewlocale=en_US
Using 'should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r--' as an example, you will see the that the permissions are not changed, but the | indicates a different location. This is because an update to Leopard changed the location of a number of system components.

Similar Messages

Disk Utility failing to repair permissions after 10.5.7

I have upgraded to 10.5.7 and now I am unable to repair disk permissions. I have tried using disk utility and that does not work. It says it has completed after less than a second, when it says that it will take several minutes to read the permissions database. I need the permissions repaired as Final Draft will not work at all with the current settings.
I have tried repairing from CD but my Superdrive does not recognise the install disk. My other machine shows it as readable. I think that I have a problem with the Superdrive and am dealing with that as well.
I have also tried TechTool Pro 5 and that did not work either. Any suggestions?

Firstly I never delete anything in the library folder. So nothing that I have done.
My Library/Receipts folder is very small, the actual db folder is less than 400 kb and none of the pkg's is older than 16th of May 2009, and all of them are for programs that I reinstalled since.
I can wipe the drive and reinstall Leopard and restore the data via Super Duper. Is that practical as a way of rebuilding the database? Or shall I reinstall applications? I can use Amnesia to clear everything if that helps.

Please Help, After Kernel panic restart failed- apple swirl(6 hrs), SafeMode-failed, SUMode-sucess. Could not unmount disk to erase. Repair permissions-multiple fail errors:unable to set permissions on... unable to set owner and group...

Please Help, I deleted an account that was the same name as the administrator but was not the administrator. Also a samsung galaxy s phone was charging through the usb port.
I closed out a program and got a message that the temp file could not be stored/saved.
Then a Kernel panic message occurred and restart was necessary.
The restart resulted in the screen with the apple logo and a continous swirl for 6+hrs,
Attempted Safe Mode start up, unsuccessful,
Single User Mode-sucess.
Ran $ fsck_hfs -rfd /dev/disk0s2 Ran several times repairs made with one which remained. something about a node.
No change in start up attempts
Started with install CD matching current OS 10.6
Ran Disk Utility Repair Permissions resulting in multiple errors:
One line/error
Warning: SUID file /////Ardagent has been modified and will not be repaired
144 lines/errors of this type of series of lines
Group permissions differ on...should be drwxr-xr-x, they are -rw-r--r-- .
permissions differ on...should be drwxr-xr-x, they are -rw-r--r-- .
unable to set owner and group...error 22: Invalid Argument
unable to set permissions on...error 22: Invalid Argument
Ran Repair Disk, result:
Error: Could not unmount disk (in red)
Ran Verify Disk, result:
The volume HD appears to be ok (in green)
Next I attempted to erase the dist to start from scratch since I have data backed up on time machine.
Error message box
Volume Erase failed
Volume Erase failed with error:
Could not unmount disk
I am looking to solve without buying DiskWarrior unless only resort.

So it looks like solved it for now I will update later. What I did was after starting from the install cd for the 10.6 system I ran from terminal ran:
diskutil disablejournaling /dev/disk0s2
diskutil disableownership /dev/disk0s2
diskutil repairPermissions /dev/disk0s2
then i closed terminal and then when to disk utility and chose to repair disk with results all was fine. Then ran repair permissions and got similar results from terminal function next I erased disk and then chose to restore from time machine and it is now restoring! yea!

Repair permissions attempt failed "no valid packages"...

hello.
I tried repairing permissions by booting off the original install disk, but I got an error that said that the request couldn't be completed.
It actually said "error, no valid packages".
But under that is said "repair permissions complete".
Any thoughts?
Thank you!

Hello, 10.5 doesn't use that method...
Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4: Disk Utility shows a "No Valid Packages" alert...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25704-no
Seems you must be using a 10.4 or earlier Install Disc... DO NOT use such to attempt any repairs to a 10.5.x or higher drive.

Repair permissions fails

I am still unable to repair permissions after doing a disk repair. I get a warning message "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/ARDA Agent" has been modified and will not be modified. The clock counter freezes saying I have 46 minutes to go, and I get the spinning beach ball. I hear the install CD being accessed but no progress is being made.
On disk repair the volume Macintosh HD appears to be OK.
On hard reboot, and selecting the Maxtor disk instead of Macintosh HD (no additional partitions), the Repair Disk Permissions clock counter begins showing 28 minutes remaining, same warning as above, and I start to hear the CD being accessed with no progress being made. I cannot use the mouse or the return key on a wired keyboard to Stop Permission Repair so have to hard reboot again.

Are you booting up from your system install disc to repair permissions? If so, you shouldn't. It is better to repair permissions +while booted+ from the volume that you are trying to repair. Try that and see if it works.

Diskutil Repair Permissions Time

When I was running Tiger on my 20" iMac G5 (non-isight) I could run Repair Permissions on my 500GB HD in under a minute, it seemed.
Now, running Leopard (10.5.8) it takes at least 10 minutes or more each time. What's the deal with that ?
Have any of you noticed that, or is it just me (as is often the case) ?
Walt

Klaus, you can see my specs below, but I just did a clean install with a 10.5.4 Leopard dvd, and I noticed that using disk utility, I can't seem to get it past the "reading" stage. I went a head and used SU to get all the available updates, zapped the prame, booted into safe mode, restarted and then tried DU with it getting stuck there (the progress bar keeps doing the barber shop thing). In fact, I let it run and a Kernal panic popped up. I am a bit concerened since the the inital install of 10.5.4 disk utility wouldn't finish. You said yours takes 40 mintues? Any suggestions on this end? I am going to next try and boot into safe mode and repair. But, I only have MS Office2008, Flip4Mac, and ClamXav installed as 3rd party software.

Failing to repair disk permissions

Hello, it's impossible to repair disk permissions on my MacBook. I've tried to do it by Leopard's own Disk Utility right from instalation DVD, but it didn't help. Here's the log that I've got:
+Verifying volume “vic's MacBook”+
+Performing live verification.+
+Checking Journaled HFS Plus volume.+
+Checking Extents Overflow file.+
+Checking Catalog file.+
+Checking multi-linked files.+
+Checking Catalog hierarchy.+
+Checking Extended Attributes file.+
+Checking volume bitmap.+
+Checking volume information.+
+The volume vic's MacBook appears to be OK.+
+Verify permissions for “vic's MacBook”+
+Warning: SUID file "usr/libexec/load_hdi" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DiskManagement.framework/Versions/A/Resources /DiskManagementTool" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DesktopServicesPriv.framework/Versions/A/Reso urces/Locum" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Install.framework/Versions/A/Resources/runner " has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Permissions differ on "private/var/log/secure.log", should be -rw------- , they are -rw-r----- .+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Admin.framework/Versions/A/Resources/readconf ig" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Admin.framework/Versions/A/Resources/writecon fig" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "usr/libexec/authopen" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app/Contents/Resources/OwnerGroupTool" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+User differs on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/Localized.rsrc", should be 0, user is 501.+
+Permissions differ on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/Localized.rsrc", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are -rw-r--r-- .+
+User differs on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj", should be 0, user is 501.+
+Permissions differ on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj", should be drwxrwxr-x , they are drwxr-xr-x .+
+User differs on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/flashplayer.xpt", should be 0, user is 501.+
+Permissions differ on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/flashplayer.xpt", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are -rw-r--r-- .+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/ARDAg ent" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+User differs on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.5.0/Home/lib/jvm.cfg", should be 0, user is 95.+
+User differs on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.5.0/Libraries/classlist" , should be 0, user is 95.+
+Permissions verification complete+
+Repairing permissions for “vic's MacBook”+
+Warning: SUID file "usr/libexec/load_hdi" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DiskManagement.framework/Versions/A/Resources /DiskManagementTool" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DesktopServicesPriv.framework/Versions/A/Reso urces/Locum" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Install.framework/Versions/A/Resources/runner " has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Permissions differ on "private/var/log/secure.log", should be -rw------- , they are -rw-r----- .+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Admin.framework/Versions/A/Resources/readconf ig" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Admin.framework/Versions/A/Resources/writecon fig" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "usr/libexec/authopen" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app/Contents/Resources/OwnerGroupTool" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+User differs on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/Localized.rsrc", should be 0, user is 501.+
+Permissions differ on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/Localized.rsrc", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are -rw-r--r-- .+
+User differs on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj", should be 0, user is 501.+
+Permissions differ on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/Flash Player.plugin/Contents/Resources/English.lproj", should be drwxrwxr-x , they are drwxr-xr-x .+
+User differs on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/flashplayer.xpt", should be 0, user is 501.+
+Permissions differ on "Library/Internet Plug-Ins/flashplayer.xpt", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are -rw-r--r-- .+
+Warning: SUID file "System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/ARDAg ent" has been modified and will not be repaired.+
+User differs on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.5.0/Home/lib/jvm.cfg", should be 0, user is 95.+
+User differs on "System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.5.0/Libraries/classlist" , should be 0, user is 95.+
+Permissions repair complete+

Those are merely notifications. You can ignore them. If you upgrade to 10.5.1 using the full downloadable updater from Apple, these messages should stop appearing. See the following:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306925

HD Not Accessible to Repair Permissions

Hello. I hope you can help me isolate the error that is keeping my Intel iMac G5 from booting properly. I’m running 10.4.
It froze after I’d been backing up onto DVD/dumping old data (about 20GB worth). Whenever I tried restarting the screen would freeze on the grey apple logo, sometimes with the swirly icon.
When I ran Disk Utility off the install disk at first it indicated “error detected” on mass storage, but later said it was fine. But I could not run Repair successfully (I kept getting "repair failed" messages), and the Repair Disk Permissions button was not accessible (greyed out).
I could not startup in safe mode. And if I tried to restart in DU the only option was a Network (which I'm not hooked up to).
Once I got a Kernal panic screen but most of the time it was just a grey apple with the fan hitting 900 rpm.
Finally I ran DiskWarrior and in 15 minutes it had cleaned out and rebuilt my HD. I thought I was home clear.
However, even though Disk Utility now says my HD is fine, it still does not allow me to Repair Disk Permissions - the option is greyed out. And if I boot up pressing Option to select a Startup Disk, the rebuilt drive is not one of them.
It appears my /Library/Receipts folder is empty.
What’s more, if I try to run an admin command in Terminal, like
sudo diskutil repairPermissions /
I get the message:
-bash: sudo: command not found
In fact, any way I try typing sudo I get a “command not found” message, even if I try to run other command like chmod.
When I type:
Users
I get
Users: command not found.
So I typed:
Echo $PATH
And get
/bin:/sbin:/usr/bn:/usr/sbin:/usr/libexec:/System/Library/CoreServices
I’m not sure at this point whether the fact that the DiskWarrior-rebuilt drive doesn’t show up among Startup options (when I boot with option key) is because of missing/broken permissions; an empty /Library/Receipts folder; missing users; or a missing path.
Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you.

Oy. I purchased an external drive and began installing Mac OSX onto it, so that I could then migrate all files from the unbootable hard drive before running an Archive & Install. That part seemed to go smoothly. But a few problems have emerged:
1. Though I was prompted to keep Disk 2 of the install ready, it never asked me for it, even though I ran the installation 2 or 3 times. Consequently while I can select the external drive when booting up command-S, I can only see Install window, Disk Utility or Terminal windows - never a desktop, preferences drop down, help menu, finder, all the things I'd typically see when launching my machine. Is this normal? Is there a way to force it to install only disk 2 if it has things it needs for full bootable GUI / access?
2. Booting up with the install disk, in disk utility I can see both drives but still cannot repair permissions on my affected HD. I tried via Terminal (repairPermissions, chmod or chown) commands; I keep getting error messages (command not found).
3. Switching cd / to my new drive in Terminal, I was able, I think, to change permissions (755) but when I open Disk Utility the drive is still not writable and "Repair Disk Permissions" is still grayed out.
4. I could not open Migration Assistant on the new drive via Disk Utility, so I copied it from the HD into its own folder on the new one, but am really confused about the whole Disk Image thing. If I create a new disk image and try to open it, convert or checksum it, it still is grayed out, I can never just open it. I tried running commands in Terminal to run that application on the external drive, pointing to the new folder, to the .app, to the contents, .dmg, and no commands seem to work, I keep getting the command not found message.
If I just run the A&I, I fear I'll lose my data which is why I wanted to migrate everything over before I did so. But if the user / owner permissions are screwed up and the only way to fix them is A&I, I don't know what else to do.
Is there ANY way to boot from the install, run Migration Assistant from the external drive (either through Disk Utility or Terminal) and copy all files from HD? If not, I guess I'll have to cross fingers and A&I.
Gee, I used to love my Mac ...

Repairing permissions - ERROR: NO VALID PACKAGES

I think I may have deleted something important!
I had a bit of a tidy up the other day, mainly deleting printers & fonts that I don't use. But it looks like I may have removed a few important things.
In disk utility, I can no longer repair disk permissions. When I try, I get a box saying;
FIRST AID FAILED
DISK UTILITY STOPPED REPAIRING PERMISSIONS ON "MACINTOSH HD" BECAUSE THE FOLLOWING ERROR WAS ENCOUNTERED:
NO VALID PACKAGES
Is there an easy way of fixing this? Or am I looking at a reinstall of Tiger?

Glad that sorted your immediate problem.
On the face of it I would have thought that none were necessary, as the name of the folder and the fact that they're installer packages for things that have already been installed would seem to indicate that they are not needed. BUT the fact that the loss of one of those files caused a problem with something that can be as important as the ability to repair permissions is pretty clear evidence that the files in there are used for something!
So, I would recommend leaving alone the packages for apps/etc. that are still on your machine, or files that you do not recognize. On the other hand, there are some items (very few, actually) in my receipts folder that I would feel comfortable deleting, e.g. a virus defs package for Norton, which I installed right when I got my MBP, but it utterly failed for reasons I won't go into here, and I actually ran the uninstaller to get rid of it, but clearly it left this little gift for me. And poof, it's gone.
But the majority I would recommend leaving alone. On my HDD the Receipts folder is ~170 MB, so it's not a huge chunk, but of course every little bit adds up!
Hope this helps...

Mac won't update software or access iTunes shop. Message comes up with 'not connected to the net. Check connections' error. I still have internet access. Changed my Apple ID but no result. Repaired permissions and re-installed operating system.

Mac won't update software or access iTunes shop. Message comes up with 'not connected to the net. Check connections' error. I still have internet access. Changed my Apple ID but no result. Repaired permissions and re-installed operating system.

It sounds like you may have multiple problems, but none of them are likely to be caused by malware.
First, the internet-related issues may be related to adware or a network compromise. I tend to lean more towards the latter, based on your description of the problem. See:
http://www.adwaremedic.com/kb/baddns.php
http://www.adwaremedic.com/kb/hackedrouter.php
If investigation shows that this is not a network-specific issue, then it's probably adware. See my Adware Removal Guide for help finding and removing it. Note that you mention AdBlock as if it should have prevented this, but it's important to understand that ad blockers do not protect you against adware in any way. Neither would any kind of anti-virus software, which often doesn't detect adware.
As for the other issues, it sounds like you've got some serious corruption. I would be inclined to say it sounds like a failing drive, except it sounds like you just got it replaced. How did you get all your files back after the new drive was installed?
(Fair disclosure: I may receive compensation from links to my sites, TheSafeMac.com and AdwareMedic.com, in the form of buttons allowing for donations. Donations are not required to use my site or software.)

Disk Utility can't repair permissions

For the first time I neglected to repair permissions before security upgrade and now I find I can no longer repair permissions. Everything goes as normal until about 75% done and then it just freezes. I have tried running it from the install CD but it does the same. I used the disk repair and got this error message;
ERROR: The underlying task reported failure on exit (~9972)
1 Volume could not be repaired.
Computer otherwise OK. AHT reported all OK.
Is this the start of an HD failure or some querky software malfunction? Help needed!
G4 867 MDD Mac OS X (10.3.9) Extra 120Gb HD, 1.75Gb SDRAM LG 4163B Superdrive

If my HD has developed a bad sector then surely a clone will not work?
My best guess is that the cloning would fail when it tried to access the data that's referenced in the bad directory node. I've had similar problems when trying to copy files when there were directory problems. You may not have a bad sector per se, but certainly the directory record is damaged in such a way that Disk Utility can't reconstruct the record.
If I moved all my APPS folder to another HD and then did a Zero and format on this one could I then still use the APPS folder with a new install by repairing permissions?
You have to remember that apps store files in other locations - particularly in the /Library, /System/Library/ and /Users/username/Library directories. While you can copy the Applications directory to another drive, you're liable to miss supporting files the apps are going to look for. Since there's no real way to determine what the damaged directory is referencing, you'd be chancing something's going to get missed and leave you with apps that won't run. The only way I've ever been able to find what directory erorrs were pointing to was to copy files to another drive one chunk at a time until I found the offending directory and then narrow down the search by copying files individually. Given the nature of OS X to store files in directories that are otherwise hidden from the user, this can be a complicated and tedious process.
Since Disk Utility running from the install disk can't repair the damaged directoy record, I'd go to the Disk Warrior repair strategy next.
-Douggo

Disk utility won't repair permissions (related to error -8003)

I have an odd, recurring problem I can't diagnose. Recently my seven-month-old MacBook Pro has begun showing an error code (-8003) when I try to do common, system-related things like empty the Trash. At the same time, Time Machine stops backing up and Disk Utility can't repair permissions. If I go into System Preferences I can't open the lock to make changes, even though my account is still clearly marked as the Admin account. All third-party applications run fine, so I can't quite figure out what's going on.
I've tried repairing the disk via TechTool to see if there was directory damage and it checks out fine. I've reformatted my TM backup disk with Disk Utiity according to Apple's instructions, used the Terminal to ensure my Trash and old TM files were properly deleted, etc. Nothing seems to have made a difference.
When I restart the problem goes away for a couple of hours and then – at some point that I haven't been able to identify – the problem starts up again. This is the case whether I'm working on the MacBook or if it's just sitting there idle.
Before I reinstall I wondered if anyone had run into a similar problem and had figured out what caused it.

error code (-8003) when I try to do common, system-related things like empty the Trash
That's a common symptom of throwing stuff from a Time Machine backup into the trash in the Finder, which is a big no-no and can irreversibly corrupt your backup. In the Terminal, type the following command:
sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/*
Copy and paste that! Don't try to re-type it, I've seen people put a space in the wrong place and wipe their whole user folder. Type your password when prompted, and expect that nothing will show until you hit return.
Next, repair your Time Machine backup according to:
http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/A5.html
At the same time, Time Machine stops backing up
If the above troubleshooting doesn't fix your backup, you may have damaged it beyond repair. In that case, you'll have to erase it and start your backups over from scratch.
Disk Utility can't repair permissions
Where are you trying to repair permissions? Note that repairing permissions is only meaningful on a drive with a system installed on it, and only repairs permissions on a specific subset of the stuff on the drive. Also, note that there are permissions messages you can safely ignore... if you think it is failing because you're seeing them over and over, it's not failing.
If I go into System Preferences I can't open the lock to make changes, even though my account is still clearly marked as the Admin account.
I've never seen that before, and it may indicate you have much more serious problems with your computer. First, try repairing your hard drive with Disk Utility. Then trash the System Preferences preference file, located at:
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.systempreferences.plist
...where '~' means "your home folder".

Should I repair permissions before or after updating to Mac OS X 10.7.2?

Hi,
Should I repair permissions before or after updating to Mac OS X 10.7.2? or should I fix permissions before and after the update?

This is not a routine maintenance. Upgrades can be screwed up if the system that is upgraded is screwed up. I believe in a "better safe than sorry" approach. If you repair permissions and the hard drive prior to an upgrade then if there be a problem perhaps that problem will not propagate to the new upgraded system. If there are no problems doing the repairs is harmless.
When it comes to the topic of permissions repairs there are many opinions but not much fact. In other words there doesn't appear to be a formal analysis of whether repairing permissions is only useful when a permissions problem arises. But there is a lot of anecdotal evidence suggesting that a repair both before and after a major system upgrade can reduce the risk of problems.
This is my opinion on the matter. I do not generally disagree with Niel or MacJack, but as I said I prefer to be safe rather than sorry.
Here's my general approach:
How to Install Lion Successfully - You must have Snow Leopard 10.6.7 or 10.6.8 Installed
A. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions:
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. Then select Disk Utility from the Utilities. 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 (4.3.) if DW cannot fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall Snow Leopard.
B. Make a Bootable Backup Using Restore Option of Disk Utility:
Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
Select the destination volume from the left side list.
Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
Check the box labeled Erase destination.
Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the backup volume. Source means the internal startup volume.
C. Important: Please read before installing:
If you have a FireWire hard drive connected, disconnect it before installing the update unless you will boot from this drive and install the update on it. Reconnect it and turn it back on after installation is complete and you've restarted.
You may experience unexpected results if you have installed third-party system software modifications, or if you have modified the operating system through other means. (This does not apply to normal application software installation.)
The installation process should not be interrupted. If a power outage or other interruption occurs during installation, use the standalone installer (see below) from Apple Downloads to update. While the installation is in progress do not use the computer.
D. To upgrade to Lion:
Purchase the Lion Installer from the Mac App Store. The download will start quickly. Lion is nearly 4 GBs so a fast internet connection is essential. Download time could run upwards of 4 hours depending upon network conditions and server demands at the time.
Boot From The Lion Installer which is located in your Applications folder.
Follow instructions for installation.

MacBook Pro Hard Drive Repair/Permissions Problems

My MacBook Pro (2.2GHz) wouldn't start. I was getting the grey screen with the Apple logo and the spinning wheel that never stops. Tried zapping the PRAM. Tried holding down the shift key. No luck.
So I finally booted from the Leopard Install CD. No problem. Figured I'd use the Disk Utility to repair the disk. I get the following two problems every time:
REPAIR DISK PERMISSIONS:
Repairing Permissions for "GROOVY"
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit
REPAIR DISK:
Checking Catalog File
incorrect block count for file pcscd.pub
(it should be 16 instead of 17)
Every time I re-launch the computer, using the Leopard CD, I get the same two problems. Can't repair permissions at all. And I get the same "incorrect block count for file pcscd.pub" error when trying to Repair Disk. Even though Disk Utility appeared to repair that problem (and then recheck it) the last time.
Anyway I was able to use Firewire Target Disk Mode to copy all my files to my PowerMac G4. While I was connected I also used DiskWarrior. Seemed to repair the disk with no problems.
So at this point I've pretty much resigned myself to doing an Archive and Install. Unfortunately I've tried it twice and I keep getting this:
INSTALL FAILED
Mac OS X could not be installed on your computer
The installer could not install some files in "/Volumes/GROOVY". Contact the software manufacturer for assistance.
Click restart to restart your computer and try again.
Now I'm going to try wiping the disk and doing a fresh install. If that doesn't work I guess I'll have to call Apple. Anybody else having similar problems?
Thanks,
LT

As I understand it, you can't fix a failing SMART status. Believe me I tried on my iBook! I was originally under the impression that DiskWarrior and Tech Tool Pro could fix anything, but I now understand that they and Disk Utility can only repair the directory. As it was explained to me, SMART was set up to give warning of hard drive failure so that you could rescue your data before the hard drive dies altogether. You can disable it I think, but that's like putting black tape over the warning light in your car that lights up if you are running out of oil--possible to do, but not a good idea.
So if your SMART status is failing, then the only cure is to replace the hard drive. The hard drive can work for a while, but it's on its way out.
Here's a little background information on SMART status:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000184.htm
And I hope this was just a rhetorical question!

OS X 10.6.7 Canon All-in-One 480 Printer will not print files, only blank pages. Have to go to Utilities, Disk Utility and Repair permissions for a temporary fix. How can I get a permanent fix?

After upgrading to OS X 10.6.7., my Canon All-in One MP 480 printer will not print. it says it is printing, but the sheet of paper just runs through the printer and comes out blank. I finally went online to just answers.com and got a fix involving the System preferences, printer and fax. i was told to go to Applications in the HD, thenUtilities, then Disk Utilities, highlight the HD and check on Verify Disk. If it says Disk is OK, click on Repair Permissions. At first, that worked, but the next time I went to print after turning the printer off, it refused to print and just ran the sheet of paper through blank. Once that happens, there is no way to go back to printing the file that failed. I fiinally had to copy and paste the info from the file that would not print and put it in an email to myself and then print that. This is very frustrating, and I would really like a final solution for the problem.
bettyfroomneedham

There's a lot there, so I'll start with the parts I can answer quickly.
The "ACL found but not expected..." messages can be safely ignored, so says this article
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306925
(look below all the "SUID" examples)
I had changed my Desktop image earlier but when the "Installing 1 item" window came up it changed back to the back ground that you first see on your desktop after installation.
Leopard installs updates a bit differently. If it's simply an application that does not change system files, it installs them like before, without having to restart. If the update is to the system, then you must immediately "restart," It then goes to that stars and purple screen to perform the installation. Before, it would do the installation while you still had control of the Mac and would prompt you to restart when it finished the installation. This change probably make things more secure and reliable, because you aren't allowed to do other things on the Mac while system updates are being installed.
Please post back with the remaining point of concern.

Diskutility failing to repair permissions

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for