Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Repair Disk without Install CD

Several days ago, when I started my MacBook, I got a grey scren with a flashing folder/question mark. After a few days, it has finally booted properly and I've been able to back up everything important, but I'm worried there's something more serious wrong with the computer. When I ran Disk Utility to check, it tells me there was an error because volumes are missing and I need to repair the disk.

Unfortunately, I am currently in Sierra Leone for the summer and cleverly did not bring my install disk with me. Is there anything I can do to repair the drive without it or do I just need to wait until I get home? Thank you very much!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jul 1, 2010 7:48 AM

Reply
3 replies

Jul 2, 2010 10:52 AM in response to redkat212

First, see if it will boot in Safe Boot. This may be enough to repair the disk. Hold down the Shift key at the chime. It will take much longer to boot, but if it does -- and you get to a screen with the words Safe Boot in red, you may be OK.





If that fails, bootup in Single User Mode by holding down the Cmd-S keys at the chime. You can run what is the equivalent of Disk Repair from the Install Disk from there, _or use Applejack, if you can get that installed_. Applejack is a great program and it will repair the drive if possible.

See "Use fsck if necessary" in this Apple article. Full directions are there. You may have to run it several times before you get a message that the Volume is OK.

Note: the flashing question mark, which means that the OS can't find a Volume to boot, may mean that the drive is dying. Open Disk Utility in Utilities, highlight the drive and see if it says SMART Status Verified down below.

+Smart Utility+ will do a better job of telling you if the drive is failing.

http://www.volitans-software.com/smart_utility.php

Message was edited by: WZZZ

Repair Disk without Install CD

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.