Fatal hardware error to disk utility

Question

Fatal hardware error to disk utility

First of all, the computer is working fine.

I did a "Verify disk permission" and I had left a couple of applications on. After over an hour of testing, the computer froze. So, I had the brillint idea of turning the computer off. When I wnt to redo the test, both disks are now writen in red, and this message appears in the box: "This drive has reported a Fatal hardware error to disk utility.

If the drive has not failed completely, please back up as much data as you and replace it with a new one."

I seriously doubt I need a new drive, but I would love to erase this message nd be able to do a "verify disk permission".

macbook, Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Posted on Oct 1, 2006 10:53 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 1, 2006 11:08 AM in response to very fast ride

Verifying or repairing disk permissions shouldn't take more than two or three minutes at the very longest. It does sound like you have a problem. I would put in your Mac OS X install disk, restart the MacBook and hold down on the "d" key. This will bring you into the Apple Hardware Test. This tool can do a low level hardware check of your hard drive and any error that's reported can help Apple get your MacBook fixed for you. Unfortunately, if the hard drive has some kind of hardware failure, it will probably be replaced rather than repaired. I would, as the message suggested, backup as much of your files as possible and call AppleCare Support if the Hardware Test reports an error.

-Doug

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Answer 2

Mac-Medic

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17,301 points

Oct 1, 2006 11:12 AM in response to very fast ride

It's under warranty. Don't even mess with it. Get your files off it ASAP, call Apple and get it fixed.

- Bmer
Mac Owners Support Group
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Answer 3

Oct 1, 2006 11:42 AM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Thnks Doug,

I did the test, nothing is wrong.

I'll call Apple.

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Answer 4

Oct 1, 2006 12:00 PM in response to very fast ride

If you're started up again from the hard drive, in the Disk Utility what does it report for the "S.M.A.R.T. Status" of the drive? Are you still seeing the error message? If neither the Disk Utility nor the Apple Hardware Test give you an error or warning of some kind, you won't be able to call Apple and get it "fixed". But, if you can report an error like that to AppleCare Support, they should be able to send you a box to mail-in your MacBook for a repair/replacement. Again, if you can startup, I would backup as much as you can!

-Doug

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Answer 5

Oct 1, 2006 12:08 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

I am using the computer has we speak. it is fine. The reason why I wanted to do verify the disk was when I loaded the computer with music yesterday, it froze a few times. So, I wanted to make sure everyting was up to par.

Now, my S.M.R.T. Status says failing.

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Answer 6

Oct 1, 2006 6:08 PM in response to very fast ride

Now, my S.M.R.T. Status says failing.

Yikes! You need to backup your files as soon as possible and call AppleCare Support to get your MacBook serviced.

-Doug

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Answer 7

Oct 15, 2006 7:18 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Yep, it was the harddrive

As it turned out, it took over to weeks for them to fix my machine. I could not believe how loosy of a service I got. How does it get any simpler than replacing a hard drive? So, I bought an acer.

I love my mybook, but the service is mediocre at best. I'll keep it, but this might be my first and last apple.

Thanks for all the replies!

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