Sibling Link Errors

i recently purchased the Mac Pro which i connected through ethernet to my older Power Mac G4 MDD Dual 1GHZ.
i discovered last week that my Mac Pro reported an error in Disk Utility "Invalid Sibling Link" and that app could not repair the problem. i purchased Disk Warrior 4.0 and installed OS X on another internal drive (i have four connected internally) and successfully repaired the disk. On a lark, i checked the Power Mac G4 and found that it also reported errors which could not be repaired by Disk Utility, but it did not report the "Invalid Sibling Link Error." Disk Warrior failed to repair the disk (and i am waiting for the CD to arrive in the mail to start up from it to try again, reporting that it encountered two overlapped filed on the disk).
This week i ran Disk Utility to find that again, my Mac Pro reported the "Invalid Sibling Link" error. i have searched the web and have a basic understanding of what the error is, and many people have experienced the problem. It appears that the error could lead to the start up disk failing to mount, etc. However, i have not experienced any problems with my drive that have been noticeable to me.
My question is what could be causing me to have this repeated error? Does this indicate an actual hard drive failure? Is there a Mac virus that could cause this? Could it be caused by transfering files over the network or through Apple Remote Desktop?
Any discussion on this would be helpful. Thanks folks.
MacPro Dual-Core 3 Ghz   Mac OS X (10.4.9)   ATi X1900 XT, NVIDIA GeForce 7300, 5GB RAM, 2.8TB, 20" DEll LCD, 2xViewSonic 17"

Which drive gets the error out of all installed, and
where is it located as far as file name etc. I'm
wondering if it could happen using an application
like FCP or CS2 running under Rosetta. Might want to
map it out and try and isolate it that way. I'd also
look for any hardware issues you can find for that
model of hard drive e.g. failures, etc. My two
cents.
Michael
It is the Startup Drive that gets the error on my Mac Pro (the preinstalled drive that came with the Mac), and the start up drive on the MDD G4. The MDD G4 had two files that were cross linked (a Civ file and an iTunes Temp file) that i had to manually delete before Disk Warrior could repair the drive. On the Mac Pro i have used Photoshop CS (1?) a little, but not to any large degree, other than that, i have used Apple's Pages, Safari, and Office... but nothing task intensive.
i ran Apple's Hardware test which appears to check RAM and the Logic Board and both checked out fine. i used both Disk Warrior and Drive Genius, both report that the S.M.A.R.T. status of the drive is verified and the drive is working properly.
i am curious if Apple Remote Desktop could cause the error? i frequently copy files from one computer to the other... but i can't fathom why or how this would be the case. But it has to be something, else why get this error twice in the space of a week?
i had not considered Tiger Cache Cleaner... i will check that out, but again, i don't know if this will tell me WHAT is going on and WHY it is happening.

Similar Messages

  • My external hard drive won't mount and shows a 'sibling link error'. I've seached the forums but need a very dumbed down set of tips for the computer illiterate- help?

    The forums have suggestions on this topic but I don't understand the lingo used.

    Remember card catalogs in libraries?   The computer has its own card catalog that tells it where all the files are.  That's known as the directory.
    Sibling link error indicates something is wrong with one of the cards, making the computer lost.  Now the computer will put forth a bunch of gobbledy gook to fix this error, but you can do it. 
    Since the issue is with the external hard disk, you must select it with Disk Utility's First Aid selected.   There you will repair the disk.   If it can't repair the disk, you will need to use a more powerful tool.  The question is, is your data backed up elsewhere, or is it not?  If it is not, the same symptoms of a bad directory can also implicate a dying hard drive.  You'll want a data recovery tool if you aren't backed up.  If you are backed up, and there is nothing that can't be replaced on that external hard drive, get Alsoft Disk Warrior.  This should fix most bad sibling link errors repair disk can't.  When it can't, you can give up on the external hard disk.
    P.S. Permissions has NOTHING to do with the directory.  Do not worry about issues with permissions or attempting to repair it at this stage.

  • Invalid sibling link error

    I have a 15" PB which gave an "invalid sibling link error" one month ago and I was not able to even repair it using DiskWarrior. I have Apple Care Protection plan, so I sent it for repairs and the repair guys replaced the motherboard as they suspected it was the reason. On return, I reformatted the HD and installed everything from stratch. Everything was working fine till last Saturday morning, when computer would not boot up. So I checked using Disk Utility from PB DVD, and the dreaded "invalid sibling error" came up again. Since I have a bootable backup of the HD, I formatted the HD and tried to load the system on the HD from the backup copy. But the writing of backup using CCC hung up and I had to quit it. After that I was not able to find the HD using Disk Utility from DVD.
    I have sent it for repairs again, but can anyone help me understand the core problem here. Since last time they replaced the motherboard, I think they will replace the HD this time around. Is the logic board, motherboard or the HD that is the root cause of the problem?
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    I had never heard of "invalid sibling link error" until you post, and when I ran a search on it the best explanation I could find is that it is a directory-related problem. See the following (assuming it is correct): http://www.computing.net/mac/wwwboard/forum/2584.html The suggestion there, though, is that DIsk Warrior should be able to fix the problem, and you've already told us that you tried using Disk Warrior on it and it did not work.
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  • Sibling Link Error After Updating Software

    Ok, two days ago I updated my imac software. Afterwards, the imac started running slow and freezing (which it never does). I booted through my OS X DVD and ran disk utility, repair HD. It came up with a sibling link error: can't repair drive. Not knowing what to do, I erased my HD and reinstalled Leopard. Everything ran well until I updated my software, then the same problem. At this point I erased my HD (zero out) and reinstalled Leopard with no problems. Again, I ran software update and the same problem happened, sibling link error. So this time, I erased the HD and haven't updated the software. What should I do? Should I not run software update? It appears that the problem (sibling link error) only surfaces when I update my software.

    After installing Leopard off the disc (which is where you are at now), try running Disk Utility and using the +Repair Disk Permissions+ routine. Then, run Software Update and only select the 10.5.7 Update on the list of available updates. Run that one update only. After it is done, check to see of you have that same error. If you do not, run the other available updates. When it is all done, run +Repair Disk Permissions+ one more time.
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    If you still get that error after the 10.5.7 update, you can try installing Leopard from the disc again, and using the stand-alone updater for installing the 10.5.7 combo update.
    http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_7_ComboUpdate

  • How can I fix an invalid sibling link error message without my original install disk?

    How can I fix an invalid sibling link error message without my original install disk?

    Hi Jeff,
    It's not even likely the Install Disc could fix that, but if you want to try...
    Does it boot to Single User Mode, CMD+s keys at bootup, if so try...
    /sbin/fsck -fy
    Repeat until it shows no errors fixed.
    (Space between fsck AND -fy important).
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    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
    You must repair the HD, your best bet is likely DiskWarrior.
    BTW, you might enjoy these DiskWarrior review/recommendations...
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9645801&#9645801
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10541019#10541019
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=11918925&#11918925
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12684129#12684129
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12744794&#12744794
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    Finally, you should run DiskWarrior if your Mac explicitly warns you of a problem with your disk in the form of an error message. Most of these errors are reported by the built-in Disk Utility whether your Mac OS X version is 10.3 Panther, 10.4 Tiger, 10.5 Leopard, 10.6 Snow Leopard or 10.7 Lion. Here are some of the most common messages:
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    The underlying task reported failure on exit.
    Invalid node structure.
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    Invalid key length.
    Invalid directory item count.
    Invalid extent entry.
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    Invalid index key.
    Invalid sibling link.
    http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/details3.html

  • This software cannot be installed on the computer/sibling link error

    I have been helping a friend overseas troubleshoot her computer.
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1741148&tstart=0
    We are at the point where she was able to get her data off the drive and would now like to reinstall her system.
    She has a refurbished iBook which was running 10.4.11 with software updates. Her startup disks are in the states as she is in a village in Africa. She has borrowed disks which contain 10.4.8 and is receiving the message that +"This software cannot be installed on the computer."+ Would this be due to different versions and trying install an older OS onto a computer with a newer OS?
    She had a sibling link error on her hard drive, so we were able to recover data. I was hoping to reformat her hard drive to remove the error and reinstall the system. Would this error effect the installation process?
    Thank you.

    If this is an iBook model she will need to use a retail Tiger installer or the discs that came with her computer. She could try with Leopard if the iBook meets the requirements:
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    You must have a Macintosh computer with:
    an Intel processor or a PowerPC G4 (867 MHz or faster) or G5 processor
    a DVD drive
    built-in FireWire
    at least 512 MB of RAM (additional RAM is recommended for development purposes)
    a built-in display or a display connected to an Apple-supplied video card supported by your computer
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  • Errors when installing os x 10.4- Invalid sibling link-volume check failed

    I am trying to upgrade my PowerPC G4 from OS x 10.2.8 to 10.4. I bought the Tiger Retail DVD. The install disc boots and runs, but near the end of installation, I get " Error Installing Software- Please try installing again" I opened the disk utility on the installer and tried first aid- which failed.
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    Hi confused- I just fixed my invalid sibling link error on my HD. Stop using your HD!
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  • Invalid sibling link?

    Hi,
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    I tried booting into single user mode, and running fsck_hfs -r, but that gets to the same point and throws an error, and i still cant boot. i cant get an appointment with the apple store until monday, and i have school work to do. what can i do to address this problem?
    oh, and i've tried booting to the install disk but for some reason that doesnt work. the drive spins up and then it goes to the gray apple screen, which hangs and then powers down.
    suggestions?

    +Invalid Sibling Link+ can usually be fixed by the following utility......
    If Disk Utility can't fix it, you'll need a more robust utility for the repair. I would recommend DiskWarrior. It is the best at directory repairs. It rebuilds then actually replaces your old directory. I feel every Mac owner should have a copy. Make sure you get the disk so you can boot up on it to run repairs. You can also install it on another drive and run it from there to repair this one. DW works faster that way.
    I use DW once a month to try and catch errors in my system from getting too far out of hand. It has repaired every little and big issue I have ever had with my three Macs.
    If you have a good backup, hopefully a clone of your system before you had issues, an Erase and Install will also rid you of this issue. But, beware! You will lose everything on the drive with this procedure. Let us know if you need help with that!
    Good Luck! DALE
    p.s. Here's a rewiew of DiskWarrior 4.

  • Invalid sibling link, drive with osx wont mount/terminal doesnt see it

    So I am having problems on my macbook pro with 10.4.11.
    I had a freeze today and did a force restart. Now however, when it goes to boot I get the grey screen and spinning wheel the a power off.
    I have booted from my install disk doing d and c. There were no problems with the hardware tests.
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    I have tried fsck_hfs -r in terminal and get missing special device errors. When I type df in terminal I can't see my partition with OSX (I have a windows and osx partition)
    I am going to try fsck_hfs -fy but am not optimistic.
    No norton to my knowledge has ever been on this machine (might have benn on my g4 before it)
    Also booting in target mode or single user get me nowhere either.
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    Hi & welcome.
    Unfortunately DU can't fix all that much, your best bet is DiskWarrior, you need the CD though.
    http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/
    But others that may work…
    Drive Genius 2…
    http://www.prosofteng.com/products/drive_genius.php
    TechTool Pro 4…
    http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=83

  • Invalid Sibling Link Encountered during Leopard Install

    Help! - I have two Intel 20" iMAC's running Tiger 10.4.10 (1GB mem/250MB HD). I used the Leopard family pack to successfully install Leopard on one computer. However, the Leopard install process has crashed my second computer.
    I left for 45 minutes after starting the 2nd install. When I returned there was a yellow triangle on the screen warning of an installation problem and telling me to click to restart. When I did the Apple logo and spinny circle appeared for a minute and then the computer shut off. I've run disk utility and now get the following message.
    Verify Disk
    Invalid Sibling Link
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    Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit
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    What can I do other than reformat and clean install. I have data I want to backup first, then I don't mind doing a clean install. Also I would like to deauthorize my iPod.
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    +Invalid Sibling Link+ can usually be fixed by the following utility......
    If Disk Utility can't fix it, you'll need a more robust utility for the repair. I would recommend DiskWarrior. It is the best at directory repairs. It rebuilds then actually replaces your old directory. I feel every Mac owner should have a copy. Make sure you get the disk so you can boot up on it to run repairs. You can also install it on another drive and run it from there to repair this one. DW works faster that way.
    I use DW once a month to try and catch errors in my system from getting too far out of hand. It has repaired every little and big issue I have ever had with my three Macs.
    If you have a good backup, hopefully a clone of your system before you had issues, an Erase and Install will also rid you of this issue. But, beware! You will lose everything on the drive with this procedure. Let us know if you need help with that!
    Good Luck! DALE
    p.s. Here's a rewiew of DiskWarrior 4.

  • Invalid sibling link, what's the CAUSE?

    I bought my MBA on August 2012. I've seen a million threads of people reporting about those invalid sibling link errors. I started having this error last week. I did not exaclty find a fix, but, what I did was installing the OSX inside my external hard drive, booted into it, backed up my files, and finally, I just erased my Macintosh HD(aparently erasing the HD fix the error). After that I just restored my hard drive into my MacHD. To be sure, after completely erasing the Macintosh HD using Disk Utility, I verified my disk, and everything showed to be fine. Until then, everything is ok, got my MBA working as well. 2 days after, I got the same error. So my question is, what is causing this?? I was able to fix it but it came back again why?
    I forgot to mention that I restored all my user setting after everything was done. I copied my <user> folder to the Users folder and created an user with the same name as the folder I just copied. Maybe some broken files came inside it? I don't know.
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    Your search for a sole underlying cause of directory corruption is not likely to be rewarding, but the solution almost always requires replacing broken hardware.
    ... I was able to fix it but it came back again why?
    No software, including Disk Utility, can permanently repair broken hardware, so your experience is not surprising.
    Confirm that you are not running any third party "optimizing" or "cleanup" software or ill-conceived "anti-virus" utilities. Such junk may be responsible for the problem you cite.
    Contact AppleCare and explain the problem. If you purchased it in August of last year it may be on the cusp of its warranty expiration, so don't wait. If your MBA is no longer covered under AppleCare, consider purchasing a replacement from OWC:
    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Aura_Pro_Air_2012
    It's likely to be much less expensive than having Apple fix it.

  • My external hard drive will not open and only shows up in Disk Utilities. When I try yo repair it, it give me and error of invalid sibling link. How do I fix my external hard drive?

    My external hard drive will not open and only shows up in Disk Utilities. When I try yo repair it, it give me and error of invalid sibling link. How do I fix my external hard drive?

    Invalid sibling link may not be fixable by Disk Utility. (Disk Utility is very conservative, and will not attempt repairs that might cause you to lose data.)
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  • On MacBook air, "/sbin/fsck - fy" gives an error  "Invalid sibling link"k

    MacBook air will not start on powen-on.  Tried Disk Utility, but it can't repair.  Tried "/sbin/fsck -fy"  It gives an error "Invalid sibling link (4, 35776)... and at the end given a Disk full error, and quits by saying that "the volume Macintosh HD could not be repaier"
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  • TS1367 I have MacOS 10.5.8. It is not booting. It stops at the blue screen. I used the disc utility - verify disc. I get the following message - Invalid sibling link. Volume check failed. Error: Filesystem verify or repair failed. Please give a solution a

    I have MacOS 10.5.8. It is not booting. It stops at the blue screen. I used the disc utility - verify disc. I get the following message - Invalid sibling link. Volume check failed. Error: Filesystem verify or repair failed. Please give a solution anybody?

    Many times I tried to simply update from 10.5.8 without any success. It starts and after few minutes ...
    I used many different install disks (I bought ofiicial release from Mac seller), so I think this is not a problem with wrong version or bad install disk. A few days ago I've got back my computer from Apple  technical support and technician told me he had this same problem with system installation

  • Error: Invalid sibling link...what to restore and what not to restore

    I am two weeks from having done a reinstall and partial restore. My system has been locking up again frequently and my Disk Utility shows this error.
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    When I did my previous restore, I only had a limited back up to my iMac account available. Just address info, stickies notes, iCal, preferences and Keychain data I think. Because a similar problem is recurring so quickly, my assumption is that I imported the corruption back in to my system.
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    Mac Pro   Mac OS X (10.4.10)  

    I am two weeks from having done a reinstall and
    partial restore. My system has been locking up again
    frequently and my Disk Utility shows this error.
    I am thinking that you may have a harddware problem. I'd assume it is the harddrive. Is the machine still under applecare?
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    When I did my previous restore, I only had a limited
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    data I think. Because a similar problem is recurring
    so quickly, my assumption is that I imported the
    corruption back in to my system.
    Hard to say. If the backup files were corrupted, this would be a problem. Where you having a problem when you made a copy of the files?
    First, is this a good assumption?
    I haven't resorted that many Mac system, so I forget the terminology.
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    Boot in safe mode. Hold down the shift key when powering on the machine. This will run a disk repair program.
    See this article:
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    Have you tried disk first aid?
    You will need to boot from you installation disk. I have not done this, but here are some hints:
    see this article
    Or from mrtotes article :
    Boot from the OS X Install disk and from the Menu Bar choose Disk Utility. Then run "Repair Disk" and "Repair Disk Permissions" on your hard disk.
    Here the apple article on booting single user mode and using fsck. See the section on Use fsck:
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
    Perhaps Disk Warrior will be of some help:
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