rossogattovino
Level 1 (8 points)
Notebooks

Q: macbook pro issue - repair disk message for os x mavericks

Hello,

 

I received the below messsage / multi -instructions yesterday for os x mavericks (sorry, I don't know the version).

 

If you have issues - or saw OSX utilities pane, you may need to repair your computers disk.

 

My computer had been running a little slow as sophos anti virus was checking for updates.  Basically, for me, nothing too unusual with the speed.  I closed it, went away for maybe 20-30 minutes and when I came back, my computer was acting strange (not letting me log in as usual) and so I forced a shutdown. Then I got an apple screen with the messages on how to deal with the issues.

 

I ran the disk utility, but it said it could'nt repair the mac HD disk.

 

I don't have a back-up.  Didn't know about time machine.

My questions are:

- how do I get some of my info onto an external usb, so I don't lose all my files?  I can't see how to get to them.

- what is the best way then to fix the machine?

 

I'm currently travelling for awhile, and I can make a stop to an apple store to fix, but I need to know how many working days it will take to get it fixed, that is, if it can be fixed.  And id you have any idea of cost, that would be helpful too.

 

Your advice is appreciated.

 

Best.

rossogattovino

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Jul 12, 2016 1:59 PM

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rossogattovino

Q: macbook pro issue - repair disk message for os x mavericks

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  • by leroydouglas,

    leroydouglas leroydouglas Jul 12, 2016 5:24 PM in response to rossogattovino
    Level 7 (22,873 points)
    Notebooks
    Jul 12, 2016 5:24 PM in response to rossogattovino

    Make a backup while you can How to create a boot clone

  • by Drew Reece,

    Drew Reece Drew Reece Jul 12, 2016 6:13 PM in response to rossogattovino
    Level 5 (7,485 points)
    Notebooks
    Jul 12, 2016 6:13 PM in response to rossogattovino

    If your disk is failing/ failed there is little an Apple store can do to get your data back. You will need to consult with a third party data recovery company for that (or use tools to attempt the complex process yourself).

     

    If you have access to another Mac you can try using target disk mode to try to either repair the disk or copy the data from it. How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode - Apple Support

    That requires a suitable cable to connect the 2 Macs together. You will also need another disk to clone your data onto if you can mount the disk.

     

    Another option is to try to backup in recovery mode using Disk Utility. Basically you boot to recovery & choose the 'restore' tab in Disk Utility. You set your source to your boot disk & the external disk as the destination. It may allow you to get a copy of the data because the main OS is not running, only the recovery system is active at that point.

     

    Disk Utility may be able to repair the disk in recovery mode, in which case get a backup after that completes.

     

    It really depends on why your disk is having issues & whether that issue is fatal or not. If you really need the data you should stop using it ASAP & request help from a third party data specialist, because your attempts to recover data can cause more damage to a failing disk making recovery harder. That can be expensive.

     

    Are there any strange new noises coming from the Mac? That can indicate a disk that is getting stuck, clicking etc - it depends if you have an SSD (normally quiet) or an old style spinning disk (noisier).

     

    I don't think Apple stores do data recovery - they may be able to run repairs or replace the internal disk for you but getting the data back will be your responsibility. Frankly if you do not backup you will lose data one day, lets just hope that time is not now.

     

    You will need to consult with the Apple store to see how long it may take for them to repair, the turnaround can vary per region, book a Genius bar appointment before you go in.

    https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

  • by kaz-k,

    kaz-k kaz-k Jul 12, 2016 7:21 PM in response to rossogattovino
    Level 5 (5,593 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 12, 2016 7:21 PM in response to rossogattovino

    Anyway you should back up data before repairing HDD.