Disk Utility fails to create image

Question

Level 1

18 points

Disk Utility fails to create image

I am trying to create a new encrypted disk image to store my sensitive files that I only mount when I need to use them/it.

I cannot get Disk utility to create a new image. I use "File" > "New Image" > "Blank Image..." If I leave all the settings in the pop up defaulted I get the error: "Operation failed with status -5000"

Ideally, I want to create an image that I will eventually burn to DVD; if I change the settings:

"Image format" = "DVD/CD Master"

"size:" = "4.6GB (DVD-R /DVD-RAM)"

"encryption:" = "128-bit AES encryption (recommended)"

I get the error: "Operation failed with status 13"

Does anyone know what these errors mean?

The volume that I am trying to create the image in is using file vault.

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), 2TB SSD and 16GB Ram

Posted on Aug 11, 2016 1:30 PM

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Answer 1

cdhw

Level 4

3,594 points

Aug 12, 2016 9:41 AM in response to mmmosher

AFAIK, -5000 is the OS X value for an access permissions error. Check that the location where you are trying to store your image is writeable and also there is enough spare space. Try creating a smaller image to see if free space is the problem. It might be worth trying 'First Aid' on the target disk just in case.

C.

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Answer 2

mmmosher Author

Level 1

18 points

Aug 12, 2016 9:43 AM in response to cdhw

Thank you!

I was trying to create the disk on the root of the drive, no native permissions (OS X would not prompt to authenticate). When I created it in my users folder it worked and then I moved it to the root of the drive after authenticating (OS X prompted me when moving it).

Thank you.

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Answer 3

Aug 4, 2017 6:23 PM in response to cdhw

I was able to fix this issue on an external HDD by granting the Administrators group Read/Write access to the root

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