Invalid Node Structure

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Level 1

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Invalid Node Structure

Anyone know how to fix “invalid node structure” error on a 2012 13 inch retina mbp? I can boot into network recovery, but mouse clicks aren’t recognized and using tab key is limited to the window with the four recovery options, but you can’t click the continue button even if you manage to highlight one of the options - tab key will select continue, but even hitting enter key won’t execute “continue”. Same issues when booting from a flash drive and trying to reinstall from there. Can’t select anything except language preference when it first comes up on the screen. I can’t access disk utility or terminal because of the mouse click issue. I’m stumped on how to fix this…

MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on Jun 20, 2022 9:20 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

68,426 points

Jun 21, 2022 7:00 PM in response to gpoae

If you are having trackpad issues while booted into Recovery Mode especially Internet Recovery Mode (Command + Option + R), then you likely have some sort of hardware issue with the laptop. Have you tried using a USB mouse. Trackpad issues are caused by a bad Trackpad, liquid or crumbs getting stuck beneath the trackpad, or from a swollen battery. A corrupt file system will not cause trackpad issues while booted to external media.

"invalid node structure" should only affect the file system and data on the drive although some file system issues can sometimes cause issues while booted to external media if the OS is trying to access the corrupt file system. This is extremely rare though.

If your using the APFS file system (default for macOS 10.13+), then Disk Warrior will not help you since Apple has not released the necessary APFS documentation so that third party developers can develop apps to repair an APFS file system. If you are using APFS and First Aid is unable to repair the file system, then you will need to erase the whole physical drive. If you are using the HFS+ (aka MacOS Extended) file system, then Disk Warrior is your best option to repair the file system.

Have you tried running the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected.

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Answer 2

ku4hx

Level 7

23,688 points

Jun 21, 2022 3:59 AM in response to gpoae

Web search reveals: how-to-fix-invalid-node-structure-error-on-mac

If that's not helpful, there were many more hits to choose from.

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Answer 3

gpoae Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 21, 2022 9:54 AM in response to ku4hx

While I’m sure I haven’t read every single web result produced by googling “how to fix invalid node structure error”, the ones that I HAVE read seem to ignore the glaring fact THAT THE MAC WONT BOOT WITH THAT ERROR which renders most of their “solutions” of installing software and/or cloning the drive with a utility useless. There’s also the added bonus that because of the corruption on the drive, this machine’s mouse cursor will move but it completely ignores any clicks you make so even if you manage to get to recovery mode, you can’t even select the “continue” button to proceed with reinstalling the OS. I do not care about the data on the drive and I can get to single user mode so if someone knows the commands to repair an invalid node or a command that will erase the volume and then one to install the OS from a flash drive in single user mode, I would be grateful for that info. Other than that, I’m thinking I’m going to have no choice but to either replace the SSD or spend $120 on DiskWarrior - I was hoping to avoid those things.

Thanks for trying tho…

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Invalid Node Structure

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