Recovering backup from possibly corrupt DVD-RW

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Level 1

6 points

Recovering backup from possibly corrupt DVD-RW

Not sure if this should be posted in OS X Tiger, iMac, Or iPhoto...
Recently I reverted back to OS X Tiger using an erase install. Putting all of my info back in I have found all of my backups seem fine except my iPhoto backup. I used MacBackup for iTunes and iPhoto. When I insert the DVD-RW's containing the photos, the disc image does not come up. When I go to disc utility, I get the following description when I scan the disc:

"Verifying volume "MacBackup TempBackup3"
Checking HFS Plus Volume.
Invalid B-Tree node size
The volume needs to be repaired
Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit
1 HFS volume checked
Volume needs repair

It does not seem to give me a "clickable" button to repair the discs. Does anyone recognize this message and see any hope of recovering the info that I hope is on the discs?

iMac 5.1, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Apr 28, 2008 8:21 PM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

207,463 points

May 1, 2008 5:07 PM in response to Fendertwin

It means that the disk is damaged and is not repairable. DVD-RWs are notoriously bad. They just don't work nearly as well as -R disks. Unless you can get the disk mounted somehow and copy the library off the disk you're out of luck. 😟

TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

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Answer 2

Fendertwin Author

Level 1

6 points

May 5, 2008 5:17 PM in response to Old Toad

Well now.... I would like to attempt to have the disc "mounted". Can you recommend a likely method to get that done, or maybe a thread I can refer to?
I have also been advised to try Disk Warrior and the like.

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Answer 3

eww

Level 9

53,028 points

May 6, 2008 8:34 AM in response to Fendertwin

Never having used any -RW media myself, I don't know whether DiskWarrior or other disk utilities are able to make directory repairs on them. If they can do so, fine. But before you buy one, find out for sure from its maker whether it can be used on -RW media.

Failing that, I would use a data recovery utility such as:

Data Rescue II
FileSalvage
VirtualLab

All three come in demo versions that will show you what the full version could recover before you have to pay for anything. Each will allow you to select and copy recovered files from the damaged DVD-RW to your computer's hard drive.

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