Disk Utility can't repair disk

Question

Disk Utility can't repair disk

Hi, I just saw that the amount of memory left on my HD just dropped around 60GB, so I used the "Verify Disk" option on Disk Utility, and the output was:

Verifying volume “Macintosh HD”

Performing live verification.

Checking Journaled HFS Plus volume.

Checking extents overflow file.

Checking catalog file.

Checking multi-linked files.

Checking catalog hierarchy.

Checking extended attributes file.

Checking volume bitmap.

Checking volume information.

Volume header needs minor repair

The volume Macintosh HD was found corrupt and needs to be repaired.

Error: This disk needs to be repaired. Start up your computer with another disk (such as your Mac OS X installation disc), and then use Disk Utility to repair this disk.

I don't have the disk right now, so is there some other way I can repair it, get another install disk, or anything else? I've been thinking of booting up with a Linux livecd, but can it access the HFS+ filesystem?

Thanks.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 12, 2012 2:30 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

741,845 points

Mar 12, 2012 2:35 PM in response to Abroscrinewtaislavaint

Restart with the Shift key held down. This quietly runs a repair utility.

(64777)

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

155,738 points

Mar 12, 2012 2:37 PM in response to Abroscrinewtaislavaint

Try this: from http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1417

Start up your computer in single-user mode to reach the command line.
Note: If necessary, perform a forced restart as described in the Emergency Troubleshooting Handbook that came with your computer. On desktop computers, you can do this by pressing the reset/interrupt button (if there is one) or holding down the power button for several seconds. On portable computers, simultaneously press the Command-Control-power keys. If your portable computer doesn't restart with this method, you may need to reset the Power Manager.
At the command-line prompt type:
/sbin/fsck -fy
Press Return. fsck will go through five "phases" and then return information about your disk's use and fragmentation. Once it finishes, it'll display this message if no issue is found:

** The volume (name_of_volume) appears to be OK
If fsck found issues and has altered, repaired, or fixed anything, it will display this message:

***** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED *****
Important: If this message appears, repeat the fsck command you typed in step 2 until fsck tells you that your volume appears to be OK (first-pass repairs may uncover additional issues, so this is a normal thing to do).
When fsck reports that your volume is OK, typerebootat the prompt and then press Return.

Your computer should start up normally and allow you to log in.

If you can't find your original install disk, you could always buy another Snow Leopard disk. It's only $29.

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