1 Volume could not be repaired because of an error.

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Level 1

4 points

1 Volume could not be repaired because of an error.

I have an iMac Core duo.
Had for about 2 years now I guess. Atleast once every six month I get this:

Checking HFS Plus Volume.
Checking Extents Overflow File.
Checking Catalogue File.
Invalid Node structure (in red)
Volume Check Failed. (in red)

Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit. (in red)

1 HFS Volume Checked
1 Volume could not be repaired because of an error. (in red)

I have bought Disc Warrior which does not fix the problem, and everytime I end up starting over. installing OSX all over, all my apps all my stuff, fonts plug-ins and such.
Fortunately I have learned the hard way to use a back-up disc, using a back-up app that runs once every hour.
Still, needless to say I am going mad when this happens, and I usually spend a day getting my machine up and running. Any ideas how to avoid this.

Not two weeks ago I ran "Verify Disc" from Utillities, everything was fine. today not so fine...

Please anyone with the solution your help will be most appreatiated.

morten_beta

iMac 20" core duo. MacBook 3rd. generation., Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Nov 11, 2008 8:42 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Nov 11, 2008 9:05 AM in response to MORTEN_B

Start with this:

Repairing permissions is an important part of regular maintenance, and should always be carried out both before and after any software installation or update.

Go to Disk Utility (this is in your Utilities Folder in your Application folder) and click on the icon of your hard disk (not the one with all the numbers).

In First Aid, click on Repair Permissions.

This only takes a minute or two.

Background information here:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751

and here:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302672

An article on troubleshooting Permissions can be found here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963

If you were having any serious problems with your Mac you might as well complete the exercise by repairing your hard disk as well. You cannot do this from the same start-up disk. Reboot from your install disk (holding down the C key). Once it opens, select your language, and then go to Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. Select your hard disk as before and click Repair.

Once that is complete reboot again from your usual start-up disk.

More useful reading here:

Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1417?viewlocale=en_US

If that doesn't cure the problem, consider an archive and install:

How to Archive & Install:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120

This document explains how to correctly reinstall a prior version of Mac OS X in the event that other troubleshooting does not resolve an issue:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25404

BUT: Don't install older versions of Mac OS than what comes with your computer:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25497

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Answer 2

MORTEN_B Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 12, 2008 3:11 PM in response to Klaus1

Hi!

Thanks for your reply. Got it up and running booting from my Disc Warrior CD (I usually run DW from my laptop). It's not the first time I been saved by DW (money well spent). I have, in the past, tried resolving the problem by doing what you wrote, but I usually ended up getting the "1 Volume could not be repaired because of an error." message. And I tried both Repairing Permissions from the hard drive and from booting through the install disc - no luck. Same with repairing hard drive. So thank god for DW.

I read up on your links very helpful material. I was not aware of the disc permissions "issue" when updating and installing, and I have been using Mac since OS 9... Apple should really consider putting it in the manual, or doing a pop-up when you run Software Update.

I hope your help will aid me to avoid future problems. So thanks again.

morten

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