Input/Output Error

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Level 1

8 points

Input/Output Error

Help please. I have an iMac from mid 2009. Recently when restarting, it stopped booting all they way and only give me the disk utility option. Per reading online, I went through the process of verifying disk, after which, I learned the disk cannot be repaired. I get the message "Error: Disk Utility can't repair this disk... disk, and restore your backed up files." I am now attempting to create an image on an external hard drive but I get an error which says Input/Output error. Any ideas how I can back up my files? I don't think I ever did 😟.

Posted on May 16, 2015 2:26 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 16, 2015 2:40 PM in response to poonam316

That means the HDD is failing. You may need to try copying your data using Drag and Drop rather than trying to make a copy with Disk Utility. Note that you still may not be able to copy files because of the failing drive. You need to get that drive replaced. You can put it in an external enclosure and try recovering your data then.

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Answer 2

poonam316 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 16, 2015 2:45 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for the response, Kappy. How can I access the desktop to drag and drop the files? Sorry I'm not good with computers so is there step by step instructions I can find somewhere? Do I have to put it in an external enclosure to do this?

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 16, 2015 2:57 PM in response to poonam316

Are you able to startup the computer at all? If you can't, then there is nothing to do but replace the drive. Get an external SATA enclosure for notebook drives to hold the old drive. Once the computer is up and running you can see about recovering your files, but don't get your hopes up. Much depends on whether the drive is accessible and the data is not corrupted.

General File Recovery

If you stop using the drive it's possible to recover deleted files that have not been overwritten by using recovery software such as MAC Data Recovery, Data Rescue II, File Salvage or TechTool Pro. Each of the preceding come on bootable CDs to enable usage without risk of writing more data to the hard drive. Two free alternatives are Disk Drill and TestDisk. Look for them and demos at MacUpdate or CNET Downloads. Recovery software usually provide trial versions that enable you to determine if the software would help before actually paying for it. Beyond this or if the drive has completely failed, then you would need to send the drive to a recovery service which is very expensive.

The longer the hard drive remains in use and data are written to it, the greater the risk your deleted files will be overwritten.

Also visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on Data Recovery.

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Answer 4

poonam316 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 16, 2015 3:03 PM in response to Kappy

I am able to start up the computer, it goes directly to the OS X Utility screen. I also did a reboot and held down the option key which gave me my HDD or Recovery partition to boot from. When I click on HDD, nothing happens and I have to force restart.

As far as replacing goes and the enclosure, I am not quite sure how that works. If I am to replace the hard drive, how will the computer boot and when it does, how will it know to read from the enclosure?

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 16, 2015 3:22 PM in response to poonam316

Your computer originally came with two Software Restore DVDs. Disc 1 is the OS X installer disc. After installing a new drive you need to boot from that disc, partition and format the new drive, then install OS X. You can buy external notebook SATA enclosures from many vendors. Amazon and OWC are good sources as are Buy.com and Best Buy.com. They are not very expensive. For your computer they need to support USB and/or FW800.

You will need to take your iMac to an Apple Store or local Apple vendor or certified technician to get the drive replaced. This requires some major disassembly to accomplish. You will also need to arrange the purchase of the replacement drive if this is not done by Apple. Personally, I suggest letting Apple replace the drive. But, they will not return the old drive to you, so you should ask them to try and recover your files for you.

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