How to use disk utility?

I read on Macworld.com that if Disk Utility spots a problem I can repair by booting from another volume such as the S.L. Install DVD.
I have been verifying and repairing for a long time straight form the application receiving messages that all is repaired and cool.
Is the Macworld recipe for major issues? How does one proceed? They recommend doing this before installing Lion.

You can't repair the HD while booted from it. You can verify but you need to boot from another volume to repair it.
Don't confuse repairing the disc and repairing permissions - they're very different.

Similar Messages

  • How to use Disk Utility to back up the HD

    I'm trying to back up my HD onto an external HD as described in "The Missing Manual" (Tiger ed.), p. 389. I choose my Macintosh HD, read/write, no compression, and the appropriate partition of the external HD as the target.
    But just after telling me it's creating the disk image (I guess I can't just drag the whole HD without using Disk Utility) it stops, saying, "resource busy).
    What am I doing wrong?

    You cannot backup your entire hard drive to a disk image. Essentially there isn't enough space to do that nor is this the best method for doing a full disk backup. Full disk backups should be done to an external hard drive using proper backup software. You can clone your hard drive to an external drive using the Restore option of Disk Utility but DU cannot do incremental backups. For that you need backup software:
    Basic Backup
    Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
    1. Retrospect Desktop (Commercial - not yet universal binary)
    2. Synchronize! Pro X (Commercial)
    3. Synk (Backup, Standard, or Pro)
    4. Deja Vu (Shareware)
    5. PsynchX 2.1.1 and RsyncX 2.1 (Freeware)
    6. Carbon Copy Cloner (Freeware - 3.0 is a Universal Binary)
    7. SuperDuper! (Commercial)
    The following utilities can also be used for backup, but cannot create bootable clones:
    1. Backup (requires a .Mac account with Apple both to get the software and to use it.)
    2. Toast
    3. Impression
    4. arRSync
    Apple's Backup is a full backup tool capable of also backing up across multiple media such as CD/DVD. However, it cannot create bootable backups. It is primarily an "archiving" utility as are the other two.
    Impression and Toast are disk image based backups, only. Particularly useful if you need to backup to CD/DVD across multiple media.
    Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance, optimization, virus protection, and backup and restore. Also read How to Back Up and Restore Your Files.
    To clone with Disk Utility do the following:
    How to Clone Using Restore Option of Disk Utility
    1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
    2. Select the backup or destination volume from the left side list.
    3. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (journaled, if available) and click on the Erase button. This step can be skipped if the destination has already been freshly erased.
    4. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
    5. Select the backup or destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
    6. Select the startup or source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
    7. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
    8. Select the destination drive on the Desktop and press COMMAND-I to open the Get Info window. At the bottom in the Ownership and Permissions section be sure the box labeled "Ignore Permissions on this Volume" is unchecked. Verify the settings for Ownership and Permissions as follows: Owner=system with read/write; Group=admin with read/write; Other with read-only. If they are not correct then reset them.
    For added precaution you can boot into safe mode before doing the clone.

  • How to use disk utility to repair an encrypted disk partition

    I have run the Disk Utility verify function against my system partition.  It tells me there are minor issues that need fixing up and I should run the repair disk function, by booting using Command-R and using the Disk Utility to repair the drive.
    Problem is, when I boot using Command-R and select Disk Utility the partition is shown greyed out and the Verify and Repair options do not work.  I think this could be because the partition is encrypted.  The utility does not offer me the chance to unlock the partition with my passphrase.
    How can I repair the filesystem errors on this partition?

    Yes...
    Actually I gave it another try.  I discovered that by right-clicking on the partition it prompted me to unlock the volume.  After entering my password I was able to run the repair.
    All solved...!  Thanks for visiting my Q all the same.

  • How to use disk utility with mavericks

    Since I upgraded to Mavericks via download, how do I run disk utility on the startup drive? In the past I'd restart my computer with the system disc but that's not an option. So what's the procedure now? Thanks in advance.

    Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions - Mavericks, Lion/Mountain Lion
    Boot to the Recovery HD:
    Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
    Repair
    When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. 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 then click on the Repair Permissions button. When the process is completed, then quit DU and return to the main menu. Select Restart from the Apple menu.

  • How to use disk utility regarding repairing disk prmission?

    I am using OS V.10.4.11, and my installation DVD have 10.4.8 OS version.
    After erase and install the 10.4.8, i updated the OS to 10.4.11.
    After starting up in regular boot the disk permission shows- Permission differs System/library/user template should be drwx--- they are drwxr-xr-x.
    After starting up from installation dvd-1, disk permission shows- permission differs system/library/user template should be drwxr-xr-x they are drwx---
    I don't know which one is correct. And also confused about which one that i should use for disk maintainance. The one with start-up disk or that one with installtion disk? Please help me.

    As Dave said, permissions should be repaired from Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities.
    A permissions differ message isn't necessarily a problem; it's a notification more than anything else.
    If you're worried, download and install the 10.4.11 combo update again, then run the repair permissions once more. If they remain unchanged, and you're not having any troubles, don't worry about it.
    ~Lyssa

  • How do you use disk utility to burn a bootable .iso dvd?

    Anybody have a clue on how you use disk utility to burn a .iso bootable dvd disk?
    I'm trying to install windows 7 rc into virtual box in OS X 10.5.7 and cannot figure out how to do this. I've already installed the windows 7 beta in virtual box and was able to make a bootable dvd disk with the .iso file on it but have no clue how I did this.
    I've been searching the web but most tips are for older version of OS X.
    Thanks to anybody who answers.

    It's so easy, You can just burn an .iso file using DVD Creator Std instead of Disk Utility, only 3 steps to finish bur ning your .iso files:
    http://www.imediacreator.com/mac-dvd-creator-standard.html#131

  • How do I use Disk Utility to help install Mountain Lion after many failed attempts?

    I tried to install Mountain Lion from an App onto my MacBook.
    First it said that my disk was damaged to i tried to repair it.
    Didn't work.
    Then it said I didn't have enough room to install Mountain Lion.
    Then I tried to restore Lion.
    Didn't work.
    Then someone suggested I reset my PRAM.
    Tried that, and now I am stuck.
    I can't restore any of my backups from timeline.
    I can't reinstall OSX because my drive is now locked.
    And I don't know how to use Disk Utility to solve this problem!
    Any suggestions welcome... I'm in way deeper than I understand and feel like anything I do is making this worse!

    I gather that your computer is in a less than satisfactory state, so the process below will basically start you from scratch, but you shouldn't lose anything.
    Okay, can you inspect the Time Machine Backups with the Finder? About two or so folders down you should start seeing your system files. Assuming all your files are present.
    Important^
    You probably have an installation disk that came with your macBook.  Boot from that CD and install from the CD.
    Run the verify disk utilites and repair utilities if necessary.
    You may want to erase your disk from the CD's disk utility. This will erase your Hard Drive (make sure you do not erase your backups, as that would be very bad).
    Once the installation is complete, run all system updates. Either look through your backup and find the Mountain lion installation app, or download it from the app store again. 
    Run the ML installtion app.
    Once everything is up and running, move all files and folders you want from your TM backups and you should be good to go.

  • Both my MacBook Pro Retina Display and new iMac will only format an SD as FAT16 using Disk Utility.  How do I format in FAT32

    I have a new iMac and MacBook Pro with Retina Display running 10.8.2
    When I use Disk Utility on a San Disk 2GB SD card I can only format as FAT16.  How can I format the card as FAT32?

    Just posted a problem I'm having connecting my Jaybird Freedom and iPhone5 (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4716045). The Jaybirds connected fine with an iPhone4s and another (forgotten) device so I don't think the problem lies with the Jaybird. I'd be interested if you hear differently.

  • How does one copy a dvd using disk utility?

    How does one copu a dvd using disk utility?

    By following the instructions in the os Help menu and Disk Utility "Help." 

  • I have a 32GB thumb dr and I wanted to encrypt it. I used disk utility, Partition, apply. Then went back and tried to encrypt it and it still ask that GUID be setup  on it. What must I do now, or how is the better question?

    I have a 32GB thumb dr and I wanted to encrypt it. I used disk utility, Partition, apply. Then went back and tried to encrypt it and it still ask that GUID be setup  on it. What must I do now, or how is the better question?

    I have a 32GB thumb dr and I wanted to encrypt it. I used disk utility, Partition, apply. Then went back and tried to encrypt it and it still ask that GUID be setup  on it. What must I do now, or how is the better question?

  • How to properly create disk iimages using Disk Utility?

    Can some one help explain how to properly use Disk Utility? When making an image of a CD, should I click on the CD drive and click on NEW IMAGE, or should I click on the mount name, which is indicate just beneath the CD drive?
    Thanks!

    "read only" means just that that the disk image is read only and you can't add files to it once the disk image is mounted. but as I said, if you want to make a backup of the original CD then you have to choose "CD/DVD master". then, when you burn the disk image to a blank CD it will be formatted properly.

  • How do I make a data disk using Disk Utility (Panther 10.3.9)

    I am trying to back up some of my data to disks, so I can upgrade my OS to Leopard. I have done this in the past but either forgot how or it isn't working right (some things are not working right on my computer at present..?? my Final Cut Pro won't open, that's why I decided to upgrade) Could you please tell me how it is supposed to work. I think I have made a disk image okay but when I highlight it in disk utility and hit burn it says invalid argument?? If I install Leopard will I loose all my files?

    Not necessarily, but you should never do a major upgrade without having a bootable backup of your system. In fact you should never be without backups:
    Basic Backup
    Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
    1. Retrospect Desktop (Commercial - not yet universal binary)
    2. Synchronize! Pro X (Commercial)
    3. Synk (Backup, Standard, or Pro)
    4. Deja Vu (Shareware)
    5. PsynchX 2.1.1 and RsyncX 2.1 (Freeware)
    6. Carbon Copy Cloner (Freeware - 3.0 is a Universal Binary)
    7. SuperDuper! (Commercial)
    8. Intego Personal Backup (Commercial)
    9. Data Backup (Commercial)
    The following utilities can also be used for backup, but cannot create bootable clones:
    1. Backup (requires a .Mac account with Apple both to get the software and to use it.)
    2. Toast
    3. Impression
    4. arRSync
    Apple's Backup is a full backup tool capable of also backing up across multiple media such as CD/DVD. However, it cannot create bootable backups. It is primarily an "archiving" utility as are the other two.
    Impression and Toast are disk image based backups, only. Particularly useful if you need to backup to CD/DVD across multiple media.
    Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance, optimization, virus protection, and backup and restore. Also read How to Back Up and Restore Your Files.
    Although you can buy a complete FireWire drive system, you can also put one together if you are so inclined. It's relatively easy and only requires a Phillips head screwdriver (typically.) You can purchase hard drives separately. This gives you an opportunity to shop for the best prices on a hard drive of your choice. Reliable brands include Seagate, Hitachi, Western Digital, Toshiba, and Fujitsu. You can find reviews and benchmarks on many drives at Storage Review.
    Enclosures for FireWire and USB are readily available. You can find only FireWire enclosures, only USB enclosures, and enclosures that feature multiple ports. I would stress getting enclosures that use the Oxford chipsets (911, 921, 922, for example.) You can find enclosures at places such as;
    Cool Drives
    OWC
    WiebeTech
    Firewire Direct
    California Drives
    NewEgg
    All you need do is remove a case cover, mount the hard drive in the enclosure and connect the cables, then re-attach the case cover. Usually the only tool required is a small or medium Phillips screwdriver.
    Upgrading does not have to be difficult unless you choose to make it so. You have three installation options. I would recommend an Archive and Install option when feasible:
    How to Perform an Archive and Install
    1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.
    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.) 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, then quit DU and return to the installer.
    If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger) and/or TechTool Pro (4.5.2 for Tiger) 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.
    2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.
    3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.
    4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.
    5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.
    6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.

  • How can I burn a disk image using disk utility with an external device?

    I am trying to burn a disk image on DVD using disk utility in OS 10.3.9.
    When I click the 'burn' button only the internal CD-writer appears allthough an external DVD-burner is connected via USB 2.0.
    Does anybody have an idea how to make disk utility recognize the external device?

    Try installing PatchBurn.
    (26583)

  • How do i backup my documents using disk utility?

    hello all, i'm trying to backup my "documents" just in case of harddrive failure. i'm trying to use using disk utility with disk image. when i select documents many of the folders are grayed out. is it necessary for me to individually select and burn each folder? is there a better way to backup my documents? if i do use disk utility what is the preferred format? how would i know the size? help!
    thanks, bill

    There are lots of options that are easy, to include freeware and shareware solutions. As for me, I LOVE simplicity and autmoation. I subscribed to .mac, which is, admittedly, a bit pricey. But, it comes with Backup, a very simple app that I can set up to automatically backup my documents, iCal, Addressbook, and Mail to my iDisk (500MB) on .mac.com , to my hard drive, weekly, and once a month to a DVD. You can backup many more things of course, and there are many suggested things that you can select, or select anything you want. What I like about using iDisk, is that when my logicboard died, all I had to do when I got my machine fixed was run Backup. It restored everything from the internet, without a hitch.
    Yes, there are free ways and cheaper ways, but I don't know of anything easier or more automated. This is not a good solution for an entire backup of your hard drive, but all i need is to backup a relatively small number of files. Also, .mac.com's iDisk will also give you the option of synching all your documents,etc, online if you wish to, so that you can retrieve them from any other computer connected to the internet.
    All of this ease costs me about $8.00 US per month. To a guy that already spent $3000 on his machine, this is a bargain, and I haven't even mentioned the many other features that .mac.com offers.
    Best Wishes,
    Pip "i just backup a few things"

  • How to encrypt a big folder without using disk utility method ?

    How to encrypt  big folder
    suck as 100 GB
    without using disk utility method ??

    Click the partioned disk > Hit Erase Tab  >
    Under "Format" Select "MAC OS Extended Journaled, Encrypted
    Click "Erase"
    Set Password ..
    Done

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