Get "resource busy" when try and erase my hard drive

have an iMac intel 20" 2.16GHz. cant erase hard drive due to a resource busy error. Tried to erase, tried zero all data, tried to partition. all gives same message. SMART status shows verified.
tried to restart and try again. same issue. am using a 10.5.4 retail disk.
would you say the hard drive is failing.

Is the problem with an internal or external hard drive?

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Getting "resource busy" when trying to copy from an external USB drive

Hi, I have an external (Seagate FreeAgent Desk 1.5TB) USB drive attached to my MacBook Pro (2009) running 10.6. I am trying to copy the files back to my laptop. However, when I copy them in the Finder, I get a message saying that some of the files are "in use". So I even tried copying using Terminal, and often I get this kind of message:
$ cp -pr /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01\ Legoland /Users/Andy/Desktop/m
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 14;38;18: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 14;41;40: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;03;24: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;04;03: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;13;21: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;14;16: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;15;40: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;16;23: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;17;19: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;51;14: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;51;42: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;51;50: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/clip-2008-06-01 15;53;34: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/iMovie Cache/Cache.mov: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/iMovie Cache/Cache.mov: could not copy extended attributes to /Users/Andy/Desktop/m/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/iMovie Cache/Cache.mov: Resource busy
cp: /Volumes/Movies/2008-06-01 Legoland/iMovie Thumbnails/iMovie Cache/Cache.plist: Resource busy
After this happens, when I do "ls /Volumes/MyDriveName" I get zero results, nothing. I cannot unmount or eject the USB drive. I have to physically kill power to it, and then plug it back in. Then my MBP recognizes it again, and I can work with it for a short time before I hit this problem again. Copying some files works, but mostly they do not. I hope I have not lost these files.
I ran Disk Utility, and it can't do anything with this drive... it keeps saying it cannot unmount it.
Oddly, I can "ls" every file in every directory on this drive after I reconnect it (i.e. until the problem happens). So it seems like my data is sort of there, at least the directory is.
Is there something more robust than Disk Utility that I can try? Any idea why I cannot eject the disk? And especially, what this "Resource busy" and "in use" message is about? This is coming straight after a reboot, and it only happens for SOME files, so it's not likely to be an obvious usage by some open app.

Hmm, check out this program http://www.hamsoftengineering.com/products/wkm/wkm.html ... it might lead to some more clues. It seems like as soon as you plug it in, the system latches onto it. I'm guessing because it's an iMovie file, which OS X scans for, so all applications have the ability to grab that media that it's messing things up.
Suggestions...copy those files, and rename them.
Check out the app above to see what's holding onto the files.
Check me out over at www.itarsenal.com for some remote control support on the house if you still need help.

When I try to erase my hard drive by using the disk utility, the format is in gray and won't let me erase. What do I do?

Ive got an iMac with bootcamp on it. Recently my computer has slowed down and I want to restore it to factory settings. The format says mac osx extended (journaled), but its in grey. Also, the security options and erase buttons are gray. The only button I am able to press is "Erase Free Space." I have a feeling that i might have to delete my bootcamp partition first. What do I do?

To erase the OSX on your harddisk you have to boot your Mac from the OSx Install DVD that came with your Mac.
You can't erase the OSx from which your Mac is booted.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3910
Stefan

Trying to erase hard drive, but get "input/output error". What does this mean? What can I do to erase my hard drive so I can reinstall?

Hi all,
My computer a few days ago wouldn't start up, would just stay at the gray loading screen forever. So as a result I tried to reformat the hard drive and reinstall, but I can't reinstall, until I erase the hard drive, but when I try to erase the hard drive it says the erase failed due to an input/output error. What does this mean? What can I do to fix my computer?

The startup drive is failing, or there is some other internal hardware fault.
Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.
Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional — ask if you need guidance.
If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.
Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair
Apple also recommends that you deauthorize a device in the iTunes Store before having it serviced.
*An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.

I have lost my imac bootable disks and have erased my hard drive.

I wanted to format my hard drive and put a clean install of Tiger on my iMac so that I could sell it, so I went in to disc utility and erased my hard drive. What I thought were my bootable discs were for my macbook pro with Snow Leopard on, and they wont work on my iMac. I have since gone in to disc utilities from the bootable discs (just after it tells me these discs wont work) and have replaced my hard drive with the DVD (thinking I would be able to boot to that point and mount an image from another DVD to run tiger from there) and now I am totally lost! I know I shouldnt meddle with things I dont know, but I've never managed to break a windows PC by doing this!
Could someone help please as I have no idea what I can do now!
Super thanks
Helen

Replacement disks run about 16.00 per disk. You can buy Mac OS X Tiger from Amazon for anywhere from 79.00-200.00.
If you buy a full retail copy of an OS like Snow Leopard you can install that on any compatible computer. The license for a standard retail copy of the Mac OS entitles you to install it on 1 system. However the retail copy of the Mac OS does not include the iLife Applications which come with the original install disks that came with your computer.
The individual install disks that come with each computer are made just for that computer and include drivers required for that system. As a former Dell owner I can tell you that Dell also uses specialized install disks for the OS. They don't hand you a copy of windows, rather a set of disks that are specific to that model of computer.
Cheers!

How to erase a hard drive on a i MAC Power PC with OSX 10.5.8 pre-intel?

I got this i Mac G5 Power PC with a 20" screen (no iSight) and last generation of i Mac repaired. Capacitors and a power supply did revive my machine and it works fine. I would like to donate my machine and want to erase the hard drive and make sure that all my personal data is gone.
I have the Leopard disk and I am told that if I booth my machine with the disk while holding the C key then I can go to Disk Utility and erase my hard drive.
Does anyone have a step-by-step approach to guide me through this?
Any help will be most appreciated!
Thank you,
Guy

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

Erasing my hard drive with recovery disk not working

So recently I was infected with Security Central malware and ran an anti-malware removal program, which worked for a week or so. Yesterday it came back and after attempting to run the anti-malware program again, it cannot find any, though Security Central is still affecting my computer.
What the malware is doing is not allowing me to open ANYTHING. Not a Word file, Internet, application or program. I cannot run a disk either. I decided, because my Toshiba laptop has a number of other problems with slow performance, to backup everything to an external hard drive and erase my hard drive and run the recovery disc.
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All I want to do is erase my hard drive and start over but I cannot seem to do it. I'm not crazy tech-savvy and I know there must be a way to do this but I've tried everything I know how to do. Help??? Thanks!
BTW: my computer is a Toshiba Satellite M115-S3094

Corrected instructions for Recovery and Applications/Drivers Media Document ID: 98082279
CAUTION: The Recovery process reformats the computer's hard disk drive, which completely erases its contents -- including all applications, all documents, and all other data stored on the drive. Be sure to back up your documents and other data before following the instructions below.
Follow these steps to erase the current contents of the hard disk drive and to re-install all of the software that was installed on the computer when it was manufactured:
1. With the computer on, insert the first Recovery disc into the optical drive.
2. Shut down the computer (click the Start button, click Shut Down, select Shut Down, click OK).
3. Press the computer's power button to turn the computer on, and then immediately press and hold the F12 key. Release the F12 key when the menu of boot options appears.
4. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the CD/DVD option. Press the Enter key to select it.
The computer will restart, and will boot from the Recovery disc.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to start the Recovery process.
CAUTION: Once the Recovery process has begun, do not interrupt it.
The computer's hard drive will be formatted, erasing its contents. All of the software that was installed on the computer when it was manufactured will then be re-installed.
6. Once the Recovery process is complete, remove the Recovery disc, and press any key to restart the computer.

I had to erase my hard drive and then reinstall everything back from my passport external hard drive. Now my iPhoto edit is not working. I get a blank screen when I want to edit. The photos show up in the library but I cannot edit them. Help?

I had to erase my hard drive and then reinstall everything back from my passport external hard drive. Now my iPhoto edit is not working. I get a blank screen when I want to edit. The photos show up in the library but I cannot edit them. Help?

There are several possible causes for the Black Screen issue
*1. Permissions in the Library* : Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Include the option to check and repair permissions.
*2. Minor Database corruption*: Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild.
*3. A Damaged Photo*: Select one of the affected photos in the iPhoto Window and right click on it. From the resulting menu select 'Show File (or 'Show Original File' if that's available). Will the file open in Preview? If not then the file is damaged. Time to restore from your back up.
*4. A corrupted iPhoto Cache*: Trash the com.apple.iPhoto folder from HD/Users/Your Name/Library/ Caches...
*5. A corrupted preference file*: Trash the com.apple.iPhoto.plist file from the HD/Users/ Your Name / library / preferences folder. (Remember you'll need to reset your User options afterwards. These include minor settings like the window colour and so on. Note: If you've moved your library you'll need to point iPhoto at it again.)
If none of these help:
As a Test:
Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'
Import a few pics into this new, blank library. Is the Problem repeated there?
Regards
TD

How do I erase my hard drive? My initial operating system was Snow Leopard but I have upgraded to Mavericks OS. My Snow Leopard install disk ejects when I try and use it.

How do I erase my hard drive? My initial operating system was Snow Leopard but I have upgraded to Mavericks OS. My Snow Leopard install disk ejects when I try and use it.

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OS X Recovery
OS X Recovery (2)
When you reboot, use Setup Assistant to restore your data.

I have Os Lion on my mac book pro, im not a fan of this because i cant run many games, i have the disk for snow leopard my machine came with but i get a error saying "unable to unmount disc" when i try erase my hard drive i just want OS SL back any help?

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many thanks Carl.

You must boot from another drive in order to erase the system drive.
Try starting up with Snow Leopard DVD inserted and C depress. That should get you booted from the DVD. Then start Disk Utitlity from DVD and erase the disk then you should be able to install Snow Leopard.
Remember that everything will be removed from the disk when you erase it and install Snow Leopard so backup first.
Allan

I get no response when trying to erase history and/or cookies in Safari since last update.

I get no response when trying to erase history and/or cookies in Safari since last update. The command line words are light gray and will not respond to touch. Thank you.

Try going to settings>general> restrictions and remove all restrictions first.

I had to erase my hard drive and now when I try to sync the I phone or Ipad it says I will loose my data on the iphone or ipad . how can I sync the phone or I pad without loosing my music ?

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above works for purchases from the iTunes store. for everything else, check out this post by Zevoneer.
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Thanks!

I called Apple Support and they walked me through it. They told me to basically copy and paste my music to the external hard drive. (I think.) Or maybe it was they had me transfer a folder to the EHD. I don't exactally remember it was a few years back. But I tried to plug in the EHD before starting and...nothing. Still says same thing, "locate file."

Western Digital My Book World EditionI have bought a WD My Book World Edition to use for back-up of my iMac, but when I try and log onto the drive with Apple time Machine (back-up software) or connect in any other way i get the message 'There was a proble

I have bought a WD My Book World Edition to use for back-up of my iMac, but when I try and log onto the drive with Apple time Machine (back-up software) or connect in any other way I get the message 'There was a problem connecting to the server "MybookWorld.local" The version of the server you are trying to connect to is not supported. Please contact your system administrator to resolve the problem'
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Followed the directions on this page and it worked!
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1102423
Part One - Turn on SSH (in the admin panel)
[1] Go to to http://mybookworld.local
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[3] Switch to advanced mode.
[4] From the System tab, pick Advanced.
[5] Enable SSH Access, and click submit.
[6] Click on the network tab and then the LAN button
[7] Make a note of the IP address
Small, maybe obvious, but nevertheless important point: For the install to work, your NAS needs to be connected to a router with internet access.
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[8] Open Terminal.app (Utilities > Terminal)
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Code:
ssh [email protected]
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Code:
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Resource Busy When Trying to Image Macbook Airs

I've gotten myself into something of a dilemma. I have two MacBook Airs both running Lion, one that is set up as I want and one that hasn't been used yet. I've made an image file of the first computer and want to use it to "repair" the second.
So I was going along with the Disk Utility (definitely using the Migration Assistant in the future for other laptops but right now I just want to get out of the mess I've made of this first attempt) and I erased the data on the second drive. When I went to restore it, however, I run into issues.
I get to the restore tab of the Disk Utility and can see the second Air connected via thunderbolt cable so I drag that to the destination and drag the image file I have on the first Air's desktop to the source. At this point I have booted the second Air while holding T and just see the dancing Thunderbolt icon on the screen.
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How can I get myself out of this mess? The second Air is just empty now and it does not have a CD drive to boot from an OS CD (which I don't have anyway). I just want to restore it using the image on the first Air. How can I get around this resource busy error?
Thanks a bunch!

I found the answer here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1215748 Thought I'd share it here.
The key is that you insure that the SOURCE image is the one selected on the left hand side NOT the destination, prior to clicking Restore.
1. Select Image as Source
2. Set correct Destination
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4. Click Restore.
5. Select Scan when prompted
6. Success (hopefully)
Hope this helps

Get "resource busy" when try and erase my hard drive

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