Leopard 10.5.8 or 10.5.4 System Crashes?

Question

I need some help. I must have a corrupted file in my "User Library". How do I find it? I've tried to do a Restore and I get a message after 3 hours that says 'error cannot complete operation' or something like that. I have Time Capsule and managed to recover all my files by individually importing the proper folders, but when I tried to import my iTunes Library or my iPhoto Library (9GB- 4000 photos), it would 'Copy' the file very slowly and about half way through it would hang (the 'file count left to be copied' would stop changing and if I wait too long to try and 'Cancel Coping' the whole system crashes (I think the problem is with very, very large Folders) and I am forced to do a hard reboot with the power button. Then I am in real trouble, because it corrupts the System and I need to do a complete Restore and now it is full circle again.
I did some research with 'Apple Discussions' and discovered that the problem is most likely in my 'User Library'. I figure during 'Restore' the System sees some corrupt file(s) and refuses to copy it, and that file probably is the cause of the System Crashes. Is there anything out there that can scan my User Library for files that are corrupted or could cause problems?
I have plenty of memory (2GB). I've used 'System Profiler' and it shows that the memory is good. I've tried Restore 3 or 4 different ways with always the same result as above. I've discovered that with Time Machine, if I keep the Folder small enough (less than 4 or 5 GB) it will copy OK. But if the folder is above that limit then 'All H... Breaks Loose'.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

ocsdmac wrote:
Hi, and welcome to the forums.
I need some help. I must have a corrupted file in my "User Library". How do I find it? I've tried to do a Restore
What kind of restore? From the Time Machine interface (the "Star Wars" display)? Restoring your entire system by booting from your Leopard Install disc and using the +Restore from Backups+ option?
and I get a message after 3 hours that says 'error cannot complete operation' or something like that.
Sorry, but we're going to need the exact message.
I have Time Capsule and managed to recover all my files by individually importing the proper folders, but when I tried to import my iTunes Library or my iPhoto Library (9GB- 4000 photos), it would 'Copy' the file very slowly and about half way through it would hang (the 'file count left to be copied' would stop changing and if I wait too long to try and 'Cancel Coping' the whole system crashes (I think the problem is with very, very large Folders) and I am forced to do a hard reboot with the power button. Then I am in real trouble, because it corrupts the System and I need to do a complete Restore and now it is full circle again.
Do you mean copying from your backups via the Finder?
I did some research with 'Apple Discussions' and discovered that the problem is most likely in my 'User Library'. I figure during 'Restore' the System sees some corrupt file(s) and refuses to copy it, and that file probably is the cause of the System Crashes. Is there anything out there that can scan my User Library for files that are corrupted or could cause problems?
If the problem is something corrupted, it's probably something in your backups, not your user folder (on your internal HD). Try repairing the sparse bundle:
Open the Disk Utility app (in your Applications/Utilities folder).
Mount the sparse bundle by opening the TM drive in finder and double-click on the sparse bundle.
Drag the sparse bundle into Disk Utility's sidebar and do a +*Repair Disk+* (not permissions) on it.
Also, any time you do a forced-power off, you can corrupt your internal HD. So use Disk Utility to do a +*Verify Disk+* (not permissions) on it. If that shows errors, you'll have to boot from your Leopard Install disk and use it's copy of DU to repair them. Post back if you need to do this but need help.
I have plenty of memory (2GB). I've used 'System Profiler' and it shows that the memory is good.
No. System Profiler doesn't test your computer's memory. It just shows what's installed.
Do the +*Repair Disk+* and report back with the results and answers to the questions.