Problem with iBook disc space calculation

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Level 1

30 points

Problem with iBook disc space calculation

All of sudden my old iBook G4 12" 1.33 doesn't seem to know current date and time. I guess the CMOS-battery is empty, but I can get the online time.

However the system also doesn't know how much disc space is remaining. (I know though, more than 14GB is still free on my 40GB drive).

This is resulting in the unability to save files on the hard drive, and even on a pendrive.

I tried resetting the PRAM (cmd-alt-PR), but this has no effect.

Does anybody know how to resolve this problem?

By the way: I would rather not install a new CMOS-battery, since I consider it a bit scary to open my dear iBook.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

iBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jul 20, 2013 2:58 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

BDAqua

Level 10

239,219 points

Jul 20, 2013 12:20 PM in response to ErikDM

Hello,

Could be many things, we should start with this...

"Try Disk Utility

1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.

2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu at top of the screen. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)

*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*

3. Click the First Aid tab.

4. Select your Mac OS X volume.

5. Click Repair Disk, (not Repair Permissions). Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214

Then try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.

(Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive & clear caches.)

If perchance you can't find your install Disc, at least try it from the Safe Boot part onward.

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Answer 2

ErikDM Author

Level 1

30 points

Jul 20, 2013 10:48 PM in response to BDAqua

I did this and indeed a lot of permissions had to be repaired. My drive is reacting even faster now. Thanks!

As for the calculating of the disk space: it seems to work only if the time is correct (either put it in manually or connect to the internet).

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

239,219 points

Jul 20, 2013 10:55 PM in response to ErikDM

Gret news thanks! 🙂

At this point I think you should get Applejack...

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15667/applejack

After installing, reboot holding down CMD+s, (+s), then when the DOS like prompt shows, type in...

applejack AUTO

Then let it do all 6 of it's things.

At least it'll eliminate some questions if it doesn't fix it.

The 6 things it does are...

Correct any Disk problems.

Repair Permissions.

Clear out Cache Files.

Repair/check several plist files.

Dump the VM files for a fresh start.

Trash old Log files.

First reboot will be slower, sometimes 2 or 3 restarts will be required for full benefit... my guess is files relying upon other files relying upon other files! :-)

Disconnect the USB cable from any Uninterruptible Power Supply so the system doesn't shut down in the middle of the process.

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