Disk Utility Restore Error: Cannot Allocate Memory

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Level 1

11 points

Disk Utility Restore Error: Cannot Allocate Memory

Well I made a backup copy of the Snow Leopard OS X DMG and put it on my computer. My sister borrowed the original disc, and well what do you know, she can't find it. Lately my Mac has been running a bit sluggish so I want to start fresh by reinstalling the OS.

When I go into Disk Utility and try to restore the disc image to my external hard drive partition (in GUID format; Mac OS Extended), I keep receiving the error: "Could not restore - cannot allocate memory".

Just to be sure it wasn't just the hard drive, I even tried restoring the disk image to an old iPod Video. I still receive the same error.

What's wrong and how do I fix it?

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.6.6), 1.83 GHz Intel core Duo, 120 HD, 2 GB RAM

Posted on Feb 24, 2011 9:18 PM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Feb 24, 2011 11:04 PM in response to JerichoX

When you created the disk image, did you scan it for restore? That's a necessary step. You can get a replacement disc from Apple, but do note that giving it to your sister is against the EULA terms of use. Launch Disk Utility and verify the image. If that passes, scan it for restore, then try restoring it. Once you sort things out, it's better to just restore an install disc to a 10 GB partition. That way you can immediately boot into it and use it.

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