Tech Tool Deluxe 'Surface Scan Failed-'

Surface scan repeatedly failing, no recent change to iBook settings, I suspect that this problem may have been caused by m-audio software, however I believe it has been properly uninstalled. Advice?
Error message reads;
'Surface Scan Failed - 212 errors
The Surface Scan test will scan the disk for bad blocks.
Media defects cause this test to fail. You should consider backing up the device, reformatting the media, replacing the data, and then testing again.'
I am unsure as what this report is prompting me to do. What does the term 'media' mean in this context? Which data should I be trying to replace?
Please forward any tips on how to resolve this issue.
<Post Relocated by Moderator>

When I use the disk utility application the volume passes verification, is this contrary to Tech Tools or are they analyzing different elements of the drive?
Yes, different, DU is just basically checking part of the drive, where Directory info is stored & such.
Laptop drives are generally a lot shorter lived than regular drives, which now seem to last 3 to 5 tears.
Although these errors are present it doesn't seem to be effecting my day to day running of things at the moment...
There's a Train Wreck coming up ahead though, you can avoid it, or wait 'till it hits!
Not certain which iBook G4 you have, but here's some ideas on HD replacements...
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=198&type=DataStorage&TI=5904&shoupgrds=ShowUpgrades

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Tech Tool Deluxe cannot scan Video Ram

My Tech Tool Deluxe stalls when I scan my computer. Macbook Pro. (Lion)

When I use the disk utility application the volume passes verification, is this contrary to Tech Tools or are they analyzing different elements of the drive?
Yes, different, DU is just basically checking part of the drive, where Directory info is stored & such.
Laptop drives are generally a lot shorter lived than regular drives, which now seem to last 3 to 5 tears.
Although these errors are present it doesn't seem to be effecting my day to day running of things at the moment...
There's a Train Wreck coming up ahead though, you can avoid it, or wait 'till it hits!
Not certain which iBook G4 you have, but here's some ideas on HD replacements...
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=198&type=DataStorage&TI=5904&shoupgrds=ShowUpgrades

Tech Tool Deluxe Volume Structure test query

Hi,
Sorry if this is elsewhere, but my searches have not supplied a definitive answer.
As part of my regular maintenance routine on my iMac (mid 2010 i7 quad core) that I purchased just before Christmas, I have run the AppleCare Tech Tool Deluxe scans at regular monthly intervals with no problems, until about a month ago.
When the program does it's stuff, all tests pass, except the volume structure one (in the window showing the image of the volume structure, it says fail! above the "icon"). The final report that Tech Tool Deluxe comes out with says everything has passed. What's going on?
Because of this, I''ve also done a surface scan in the program and it was OK, as was verifying the disk in Disk Utility from the Snow Leopard DVD. I've repaired permissions and even reformatted the Macintosh HD and done a complete reinstall of the OS (not from backup), all of which come up with the same result in Tech Tool Deluxe - volume structure fails, but final report passes.
The version of Tech Tool Deluxe I have installed from the AppleCare disc is 3.1.3, which according to Micromat is the current one, but this is from 2009.
So my question is this:
Has the updated Snow Leopard (10.6.6) changed it's volume structure slightly meaning that Tech Tool Deluxe thinks there's a problem as it's scanning, but then ignores it for the final report, or is my HDD failing?
I've not noticed any issues whatsoever with the iMac and I have both Time Machine and bootable SuperDuper backups, so I'm not worried about my data.
Would you guys recommend ignoring it for now, or should I get Diskwarrior to check it out further?
Thanks for any help, or light that can be shed on this issue.

Hi Den,
Thanks for this, I emailed them and they are giving the usual story of "this product was developed for Apple, so you'll need to speak to them".
I've bit the bullet and purchased DiskWarrior 4.3 and by installing it onto my SuperDuper backup drive, I was able to check out the iMac's internal HD.
DiskWarrior was able to find errors in file structure and permissions etc (it didn't give details) and was able to repair them. After rebooting into the internal HDD, I ran TechTool Deluxe 3.1.3 again, and this time it said that it failed the volume structure during the test and then in the final report. It tried to get me to download the repair version of the software, but the web page that opened had nothing to do with TechTool's download. As a little self test, I ignored it and ran the test again. This time, it failed during the test (as normal) and then said that it passed in the final report.
I have therefore come to the conclusion that if Disk Utility AND DiskWarrior say that it's fine, then the issue must be with TechTool Deluxe. At least it doesn't seem to be an issue with the actual drive.
I admit that I was getting suspicious of TechTool when a fresh install on a reformatted HDD said that the volume structure failed and then passed. There must be something different about the current version of Snow Leopard comared to that at the time of release of version 3.1.3 of Tech Tool Deluxe.
Thanks for all your help guys.
Obviously, if someone can prove me wrong, that would help me ascertain as to what is going on.
Message was edited by: pdscott

Surface Scan Fail (TechTool Deluxe)

I thought my problem was fixed, but apparently not... my PowerBook works when I first boot it up, but as I use it for a while (or close it and re-open it), things start freezing. Sometimes it can't find my AirPort connection, either.
Anyway, I ran the TechTool Deluxe that came with AppleCare, and it said the Surface Scan Failed:
"Media defects cause this test to fail. You should consider backing up the device, reformatting the media, replacing the data, and then testing again."
Joeuu helped me over in another thread, and I've already archived and installed from the discs, but now that I've backed up all my important files, should I consider erasing and installing? Is that what that message means? Or should I try something else?
Thanks in advance!

Good that you have AppleCare still.
Do you by any chance have .Mac and auto synch? Or any networking going on?
1. Call and get a case number.
2. Be patient as they will probably ask you to do things you have already done. Take copious notes as to what we have done and what they ask you to do.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for a higher level of tech if you get frustrated.
4. Decide how long you can be without your Book. The fact that it is portable, they will send you a box to use to ship to them.
Will not hurt to do an erase and install, I'm still wondering why logging in as a new user helped greatly, albeit only for a while--leaned to the software side.
Hang Tough!
Joe

Failed volume structure on tech tool deluxe

i tested my mac book pro with tech tool delux and the volume structure failed. what should i do? i don't have a way to back up my files right now.... my volume sometimes takes a few seconds to work when i play music. is this a related problem?

hi tcbc59 - Welcome to Apple Discussions!
your hard drive is in bad shape..... playing music uses your hard drive so, yes, that can certainly be related....
you need to try to back-up whatever you can. can you not go buy a blank DVD and burn a disk using your superdrive?
(i don't use tech tool deluxe) have to tried to repair the drive using that app?
if not, Diskwarrior can probably fix the problem(s).
if TT and DW cannot fix it, then you're looking at reinitializing your hard drive and reinstalling everything. sometimes this is all one can do....
but again, back-up whatever you can before doing anything else.... post back if none of this helped. good luck! cheers

Video RAM fails in Tech Tool Deluxe....

Hello again,
I reformatted my harddrive a couple days ago, and the computer is getting quicker but I KNOW it could be faster so I did a Full Diagnostics using tech tool deluxe. The first time I did it, it passed on everything. Then the next time I was browsing the Internet, I get a Kernel Panic out of the blue. I downloaded the "menu Meters" program and None of my computers resources were Anywhere from intense (1-3% tops CPU usage) So I reboot and do the Tech Tool test yet again and This time my Video ram Fails the Diagnostics. It tells me that I should Close all Applications, Check any recent hardware installs, Reinstall the OS , then call Apple care, in that order. I tested it again after unplugging my 17" LCD from my macbook pro and I passed the Test?!
I am going to call Applecare tommorow afternoon, but do you think they will fix/replace my macbook pro if it is now passing the tests? Before I install Final Cut Studio I want to make sure I don't have to worry about any other problems with my computer. Especially something as vital as V-Ram. Plus according to my friend at a techshop, the video ram supposedly has a bad sector which was randomly diagnosted during the Techtool session, because I was using a second display, and that my Video Ram will gradually get worse and worse until I will have to send it to apple either way.
I'm interested in any information you would like to post on the subject. I am going to get it fixed one way or the other, but it's nice to have some extra input on my side when I call Applecare (it will be my first time actually).
If anyone has any tips, or comments they would be appreciated,
Thanks.

When you did a clean install of your MBP did you write zeros to the hard drive. While it probably has nothing to do with your VRAM failing its tests it is good idea to do it anyway.
As for your VRAM failing, I would reset PRAM and NVRAM…
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
… and the System Management Controller…
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303319
… imediately prior to clean installing (and writing zeros to the drive) a second time.

Tech Tool Deluxe?

I have completely restarted my MBP, Hoping that this might straighten out any of the problems. But it didn't, When ever I run a full scan with "Tech Tool Deluxe" it has a result of six errors with the "surface scan". In the report it says-
Surface Scan
Failed - 6 errors
The Surface Scan test will scan the disk for bad blocks.
Media defects cause this test to fail. You should consider backing up the device, reformatting the media, replacing the data, and then testing again.
What do I do?? How do I go about reformatting?

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
To backup your data, follow the instructions on my FAQ*:
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
Once you have a backup, locate your MacBook Pro restore and installation discs, and double click the installer. Upon reaching the installer screen and selecting the language, go to the Utilities menu and select disk utility.
This will allow you to erase the hard drive.
You can also proceed with a simple Erase and Install in the installer program. That will erase as well.
If afterwards Techtool Deluxe does not detect improvement on your hard drive, and you are using a Techtool Deluxe version known to work with your MacBook Pro, then I'd call Apple and request they replace the hard drive on your machine, as it would sound the drive itself is damaged.
- * Links to my pages may give me compensation.

Tech Tool Deluxe identifies "Bad Blocks"

I have two G4's that have been misbehaving. I ultimately erased both hard drives, zeroed out the data, re-installed 10.4, and then ran Tech Tool Deluxe. On my newer G4, the analysis revealed 6 bad blocks. On the older G4, I am only half done and I have 300 bad blocks. One discussion mentioned that "zeroing" the data on the drive would solve the problem - I did that and still have the bad blocks. Should I have ZERO bad blocks - are a few OK?
Thank you

So, when I erased my disk, "zeroed" out the data (using Disk Utility), should I have zeroed-out the bad blocks as well (identified them, re-addressed them, etc)?
Zeroing the data re-writes every block. As you know, it takes hours to complete. This forces IDE/ATA drives to substitute spares for up to 10 blocks known to have problems, IF
• enough spare blocks are available AND
• spares are not also bad AND
• not more than 10 substitutions are required.
afterward, I did an AHT - no negative result
AHT checks the Directory data structures for damage. It does not read every block, and cannot detect all Bad Blocks on the drive. Doing that takes almost as long as Zero all Data, and AHT is done in only a few minutes.
Disk Utility also did not identify any problems (a few Disk Permissions).
Disk Utility's Repair and Repair Permissions features check the Directory Data Structures and File Permissions for damage and inconsitency. They cannot detect all bad Blocks on the drive. Doing that takes almost as much time as Zero all Data, and AHT is done in only a few minutes.
It was Tech Tool Deluxe that discovered the bad blocks
The "Surface Scan" function reads every block. It is the only test you listed that reads every block, but takes a really long time to do so. It can detect Bad Blocks, but does not fix them. Also, when an IDE/ATA drive has Bad Blocks, its "Smartdrive" status is usually something horrible-sounding like "Failed".
For the drive with 6 bad blocks - what should I do (and in what order) to see if they can be eliminated?
That requires another initialize with "Zero all Data". If there are enough spares in the right neighborhoods, it may be able to substitute spares to make it 100 percent good blocks. There is a possibility that some of the remaining Bad Blocks cannot be repaired, and that may mean the drive is not in good enough shape to continue using it.

Tech Tools Deluxe 4.6.1

I purchased Pro version of the subject utility shortly after receiving an iMAC last April. I am an Apple Care member. I didn't know that Apple Care members could receive Tech Tools Deluxe without cost. I understand that Micromat has a version of Tech Tools Deluxe that is Leopard compatible, but the new version doesn't appear on the Apple Care website. Does anyone have any information of when Apple Care will be providing the updated version of Tech Tools Deluxe?

A week ago Micromat informed me when I called that Deluxe was NOT Leopard compatible, and Apple had not yet contracted with them to do an update (Deluxe is available only with Applecare). If I recall correctly, this happened with the upgrade to Tiger a couple years ago, and took months for Apple/Micromat to bring out a new product. In the interim, Micromat says to not run Deluxe under Leopard. I had Pro on another machine, so purchased another license key for my wife's iMac. Pro has more capabilities that Deluxe, but you may or may not be interested in them. The main thing I like Techtool for is to run a surface scan. Twice in the last several years this has shown problems on new hard drives, which enabled me to replace them under warranty.

Using "Tech Tool Deluxe" In Leopard

My MacBook Pro came with Tiger and the Apple included CD Tech Tool Deluxe. On running Tech Tool Deluxe under Tiger, my MBP passed all tests.
I updated to Leopard. I downloaded the update for Leopard from Tech Tool.
Now my MBP fails the video ram test. My MBP works perfectly.
I am wondering if Tech Tool Deluxe fails the video ram when running Leopard.
Suggestions please.

Use whichever DVD came with the computer. A Retail Leopard DVD does not include Apple Hardware Test. The DVD does not have to match the version of OSX on the hard drive when running the tests.

G4 & Tech Tool Deluxe

Power Mac G4, Dual 1GHz and OS V10.4.11- When I start up the "Power On Self-Test" shows FailureType: External cache, but when I run Tech Tool Deluxe V3.1.1 it shows that every thing passes is there some conflict there or do they not test the same things? Thank you.
Larry

I would like to think everyone for their help, but it looks like I got lucky. It looked like I was going to have to buy a new processor so I figured I had nothing to loose. I removed the heatsink and then the card, I was looking for burnt wires or anything that looked odd, as far as I could tell everything was fine, I wouldn't have known if it wasn't:) I cleaned the board and made sure everything was seated, put it back together, started it up (watched for smoke) went to the System Profiler and the Diagnostics now shows the L3 Cache, maybe something was loose or just cleaning it did the trick. Thanks again.
Larry

Tech Tool Deluxe DVD won't boot with 10.5.6. How to fix volume structure?

Is it just my newbieness, or is the Tech Tool Deluxe 3.1.2 DVD image not bootable with late 2008 MBP with OS X 10.5.6?
I installed Tech Tool Deluxe 3.1.2 to Leopard 10.5.6. - ran it and it said I have problems with my volume structures. I followed the download button, gave my serial and downloaded the TTD.dmg image, burned it to DVD with Disk Utility (seems OK, as I can read the disk in OS).
When I try to boot from the DVD, it just reboots in a while to my OS X (tried with c and opt buttons during start-up. I can choose to boot from DVD with opt, but again it just reboots in a while).
Apple mentions that this version of TTD is not compatible with Late 2008 models - is booting one of the incompatibilities? If so, fine, but how can I fix my volume structure problems now, that tend to hang my Mac every once in while with big disk operations?
Thanks for any possible help.

I had the same problem myself. The TechTool bootable products on DVD won't startup an October 2008 release MacBook or MacBook Pro.
From the Micromat website:
Our current bootable products support all PowerPC and Intel Macintosh computers capable
of running Mac OS X 10.5 or greater, except for:
• MacBook (October 2008 Release)
• MacBook Pro (October 2008 Release)
http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=168

Booting from Tech Tool Deluxe 10.4.2

I can boot our older ibook G3 from this Cd ( which I just received with my brand new ibook)- however when I start up the G4 from the CD the screen is shades of gray- barely can barely see that it is loading correctly- however the pointer is frozen in left hand corner- can't move it, although the return key works to select the program. arrow down key also works to read report- but still pointer can't move to restart and I am forced to force quit.
very strange
Cleaned and tried several times same results- I am wondering if perhaps this Apple Care Cd is not for 10.4.2.

I have heard that other utilities are more helpful- but as I just recieved this computer last week- from Apple and Tech Tool Deluxe was the software that shipped with my Apple Care plan- I thought it might be usable on the computer it was purchased with- silly me.
I also made a new updated disk of 3.0.3 Disk Warrior and I could not even start up from that disk- it froze and I had to force quit-
From what I have read elsewhere- Disk Warrior is compatible with 10.4.2, so there must be something else going on.

Removing tech tool deluxe 3.1.4

I have read that tech tool deluxe is NOT compatible with Mavericks. What' the best way to go about removing it? Just delete the app?

Is there no need to empty pref files or anything else?

ISight not working with mac programs, functional with Tech Tool Deluxe

MBP 15 (late 2008)
iSight not functional, ie "no camera connected" when using photobooth, imovie, ichat, skype, but when I fire up tech tool deluxe 5, it's working - I can see myself and it is functional. Tried all the restarts, etc. Can I fix this myself or is this an applecare issue?
Thanks

Welcome to Discussions, johnnychickenfoot
One of the relevant suggestions from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 will get it working.
If you can make your iSight work properly and repeatedly with any app in any user account you test, your problem is software related.
A properly performed reset as suggested in the Troubleshooting article often restores function to built-in iSights. If that continues not to work for you in any user account, consider software troubleshooting like the relevant ideas from here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388
Because your iSight works with TTD, your System Profiler should recognize your built-in iSight as a USB device. If you need to post back for other suggestions, please confirm that System Profiler can see your iSight when TTD is not running.
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.8) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

Tech Tool Deluxe 'Surface Scan Failed-'

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