Unable to create disk image (error -61)

I have recently been having problems with my mac computer. I decided to create a new disk image. The steps I perform are as follows: I hold Command + R on the startup of the mac in order to open and use the disk utility to make a new image. Whenever I do reach this point, and I click on, "New Image," I am always prompt with the message, "Unable to create <Disk Image Name> (error -61)"


I deleted my old disk image, meaning my mac is unable to start completely, and thus I am creating a new one. The error shown in the image below is displaying the what I see on attempt to create a new disk image.


Obviously, I'm no computer expert, and so I would appreciate it if someone pointed out to me what I was doing wrong and how I can fix it.

iMac 21.5", 10.14

Posted on Feb 5, 2019 3:06 PM

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Posted on Feb 6, 2019 12:54 PM

Greetings, TheHappyCloud486.


I see that you deleted your old disk image on your Mac, and now you're unable to create a new one. You keep getting an error when you try, and I'm happy to help.


How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery -- Use Command (⌘)-R to see if you're able to reinstall the macOS that was installed on your Mac. If that option isn't available, use Shift-Option-⌘-R to start up in internet recovery to install the macOS that came with your Mac.


Let me know how that goes, and take care!

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 6, 2019 12:54 PM in response to TheHappyCloud486

Greetings, TheHappyCloud486.


I see that you deleted your old disk image on your Mac, and now you're unable to create a new one. You keep getting an error when you try, and I'm happy to help.


How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery -- Use Command (⌘)-R to see if you're able to reinstall the macOS that was installed on your Mac. If that option isn't available, use Shift-Option-⌘-R to start up in internet recovery to install the macOS that came with your Mac.


Let me know how that goes, and take care!

Feb 7, 2019 4:35 PM in response to TheHappyCloud486

Reinstall macOS

When you need to reinstall macOS on your Mac, you can install it from Apple using the Internet or you can install it from the recovery partition included on the hard drive or flash storage of every Mac. Both ways of reinstalling keep your files and user settings intact.

Important: You must be connected to the Internet to reinstall macOS.

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Restart.
  2. Immediately as your Mac restarts, do one of the following: 
  • Install the latest version of macOS from the Internet: Press and hold Option-Command-R until a spinning globe appears, then release the keys.
    • This option installs the latest version of macOS that is compatible with your computer.
  • Reinstall your computer’s original version of macOS from the Internet: Press and hold Shift-Option-Command-R until a spinning globe appears, then release the keys.
    • This option reinstalls the most recent version of macOS that came with your computer, including any available updates to that version.
  • Reinstall macOS from the built-in recovery disk on your computer: Press and hold Command-R until the Utilities window appears.
    • This option reinstalls the version of macOS stored on your computer’s built-in recovery disk, including any updates that you installed.
  1. Select Reinstall macOS, then click Continue.
  2. Follow the onscreen instructions. In the pane where you select a disk, select your current macOS disk (in most cases, it’s the only one available).


Feb 6, 2019 3:20 PM in response to TheHappyCloud486

  • rPermErr = -61, /*write permissions error*/

The followings are the main causes why your Mac gets error messages:

  • Improper operations on the system, application, process or service
  • Corrupted system files and directories, misconfigured system settings
  • Virus infection, malware or spyware attacks, suspicious file download
  • Incompatible or outdated software/hardware installed on the machine
  • Junk files filled with the startup drive or current user’s home directory


But none of those apply here, try the reinstall Chris_g1 mentions.


Feb 7, 2019 4:25 PM in response to TheHappyCloud486

Hello.

Thank you for assisting me. I have reinstalled my mac, and it seems to be working fine now. I am able to successfully log into my account without any problems. However, I seem to be stuck on an earlier version of mac (version 10.9.5) rather than the newer mojave version. Is there any possible way I can upgrade my mac and keep it updated?

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Unable to create disk image (error -61)

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