Partition update failed

Question

Level 1

11 points

Partition update failed

Hello,

So I used a BOOTCAMP partition to run Windows 7 for a while, but I didn't need it anymore, so I deleted it with Disk Utility.

This partition is about 50 gb and I needed some extra space on my disk.

Now when I tried to make my Macintosh HD larger by drag the current box downside and apply it, it says, translated, that 'the partition has failed' and that it is because of 'the partition table cannot be changed because the control of the file system has failed'.

What should I do?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Nov 17, 2012 11:31 AM

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Answer 1

mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Nov 17, 2012 11:34 AM in response to 1tio1

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

Boot Camp volumes can only be deleted with Boot Camp Assistant. Macs use a hybrid GPT/MBR partition table when you use Boot Camp that must be deleted with Boot Camp Assistant, so maybe this is the reason of that problem. Open Boot Camp Assistant, create a new Boot Camp partition and delete it

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Answer 2

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Nov 17, 2012 11:39 AM in response to 1tio1

Clone your disk, repartition your disk, restore your clone. Then run Boot Camp again and read the directions this time.

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Answer 3

1tio1 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2012 11:46 AM in response to 1tio1

I have to select that I want to install a version of Windows 7 and that I wanna download the drivers for Windows.

And when i go further I have to drag which amount of space I want for my partition.

I apparently can't delete anything.

Or am I doing something wrong?

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Answer 4

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Nov 17, 2012 11:48 AM in response to 1tio1

Clone your disk, repartition your disk, restore your clone.

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Answer 5

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Nov 17, 2012 11:51 AM in response to 1tio1

As Csound1 pointed out (and before feathers get ruffled) BCA altered the partition map in ways only it can undo. You unsettled that tweak and you are in limbo needing deep-layered fix to the partition map.

Csound1 is very experienced and I listen to him, not try to find workarounds.

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Answer 6

1tio1 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2012 11:55 AM in response to 1tio1

Okay

I've already made a complete back-up with Time Machine.

Could you please tell me step by step what I have to do.

I don't wanna do anything wrong.

Thanks in advance.

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Answer 7

1tio1 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2012 11:55 AM in response to 1tio1

And I know you explained it already, but I need more detail 🙂

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Answer 8

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:09 PM in response to 1tio1

Download CarbonCopyClone (http://www.bombich.com/, $40) and make a bootable clone of your OSX on an external drive. SuperDuper! (http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/13803/superduper!, $28)is also popular in this forum.

Ensure your external clone is proven bootable (hold the "option" key at startup to boot the clone. Boot from the clone and use DiskUtility to partition the internal driv, then clone back to internal from clone.

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Answer 9

1tio1 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:15 PM in response to 1tio1

Okay. And is there a free option 😕

Like when I do a clean install of Mountain Lion firstand then restore my Time Machine back-up?

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Answer 10

1tio1 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:16 PM in response to 1tio1

I also have one external hard drive...

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Answer 11

1tio1 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:19 PM in response to 1tio1

Superduper seems for free, but then I probably have to erase everything on my current external time machine drive, before I'm able to using it for Superduper?

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Answer 12

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:21 PM in response to 1tio1

Bootable clones are good for when the main system dies (HDs will die eventually). $40 for a cloning tool that makes incremental backups as well as still being bootable is a bargain if your data is *that* important IMHO.

While not recommended, you can partition your external drive to 1/2 TM and 1/2 CCC. But you lose both backups if youe lose that one drive.

I keep 2 backup externals, one CCC and one TM. Some people keep 2 CCCs and rotate one to a friend's house in case of fire or theft.

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Answer 13

1tio1 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:26 PM in response to 1tio1

Okay, I'm going to try what you've said. Fingers crossed 🙂

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Answer 14

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:27 PM in response to 1tio1

Your external will be erased, use CCC not SuperDuper (CCC can transfer the recovery partition, SD can not),

I suggest that you get another external rather than erasing the TM drive for this procedure.

You will not be restoring from TM you will be restoring the clone.

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Answer 15

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Nov 17, 2012 12:28 PM in response to 1tio1

Ask if something starts acting quirky during the clone/cloneback. As you have recognized, it should work fine but cutting corners is one thing you do not to do for this.

Others will answer questions if I do not.

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