New HD: DiskUtil says: "Partition Failed Input/Output Error"

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G&O Author

Level 1

8 points

New HD: DiskUtil says: "Partition Failed Input/Output Error"

Hey Gang...

I chimed in on this thread but I'm guessing folks have unsubscribed.

My issue is the same:

HD crashed, installed new, getting the Input/Output error when I try to format.

I got Kappy's reply -- and all makes sense -- but I'm hoping I can request a bit of follow up

So, yes, my HD died. I'm still sporting the iMac 7,1 -- 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 24" -- just yanked the old HD last night and installed a 500gb Seagate (ST3500312CS) -- can't imagine the possibility that I missed anything in the installation process -- not particularly rocket science...

I get the error when I use my original OS Install Discs which are installing OS 10.4.10 (Tiger?). I have the Snow Leopard Upgrade disc for 10.6.3 but I don't think that works as a boot disc -- just keeps telling me to restart the computer...

Is there something I need to do to this HD to jump it?
Do I need to get newer install discs?
Something else entirely?

Thanks!

Chris

iMac 7,1, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Feb 26, 2013 7:38 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 26, 2013 7:45 PM in response to G&O

Drive Partition and Format

1. Boot from your OS X Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.

2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.

3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.

4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.

5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.

6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.

7. When formatting is completed quit DU and return to the installer. Install OS X.

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Answer 2

G&O Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 26, 2013 8:10 PM in response to Kappy

Sorry -- MAJOR ommission!!

I'm failing at step 2 with the BRAND NEW HD:

SMART status not saying verified -- actually everything is grayed out

Also, DU is recognizing the drive with the correct mfgr ID but incorrect size -- says 128gb and should be 500

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 26, 2013 8:19 PM in response to G&O

What happens when you click on the Partition tab? Do you get a partition layout map? This requires you to select the topmost entry for the drive as displayed in the sidebar list. Follow the instructions starting with Step 3.

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Answer 4

G&O Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 26, 2013 10:44 PM in response to Kappy

Well, I'm not sure what you mean by "partition map," but it does give me partition options -- one partition, 2, 3, etc.

But then it fails due to the input output error.

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 27, 2013 11:51 AM in response to G&O

Then my guess is you may have a bad controller on the motherboard or that Seagate drive just won't work in your computer. You could try one of these instead:

500GB 2.5" HGST Travelstar Z7K500 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 7mm Notebook Drive 32MB Cache

500GB 2.5" Western Digital 'Scorpio BLACK' 7200RPM SATA 9.5mm Notebook HD 16MB Cache 5yr WD Warranty

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