Unable to use Disk Utility to repair disk.

Question

Hi all
I have been having some problems trying to transfer movies from computer to my iPod. Someone just suggested that I use Disk Utility to verify disk permissions, as well as the disk. I was able to verify disk permissions and repair them. Noticed the some had something to do with iTunes, so that might fix my problem with transferring movies to my iPod. I then tried to verify the disk, but I got the following error "Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit." Also this program shows that the following "Checking volume bitmap.
Volume Bit Map needs minor repair
Checking volume information.
The volume Macintosh HD needs to be repaired.
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit
1 HFS volume checked
Volume needs repair"
The <Repair Disk> button is not darkened, but is grey, such that is not an option. Any other way to repair this disk.
Thanks
Michael

Answer 1

The startup drive can only be repaired from another drive.
You have to boot from the install disk.
To do this: Insert the Install Disk 1 into the drive and then select Restart; when you hear the chime hold down C key until the apple logo appears.
This will take you to the installation software, but you do not want to install.
Select your language, then go up to the top menu bar to Utilities in 10.4 and navigate to the Disk Utility application.
Select the start up drive, then go to the First Aid pane where you can click on Repair Disk.
If it finds errors, repeat the process until it reports no errors.
After these repairs, quit the application, and restart normally.
Once restarted normally run Repair Permissions from the Disk Utility application found on your hard drive in Application/Utilities.