Ticket Options

Question Details

TICKET ARCHIVE -> Disk Repair

rejc - Sep 13, 2005 - 10:34 pm

I would like to repair my G3 iBook hard disk (it is doing very strange things). I'm not sure if the logic board has failed again (4th time), if the hard drive is cactus or if the directories are just mixed up. Someone suggested to repair the disk and see if that helps.

I am now running 10.3.9, but the iBook originally came with 10.1.5. Which install disk should I use - the 10.1.5 that came with the machine or the 10.3 Panther install disk (of which there are 3)?

Someone also said that disk warrior might be helpful.

I hope you can help.

Rebecca

DeltaMac - Sep 13, 2005 - 11:14 pm

Use the Panther install CD (disc #1 is the only one that can boot your iBook) as the Disk Utility is more capable on that one. You can find it in the Installer menu after booting to that installer.
If that doesn't help then use a third party disk repair utility (yes, Disk Warrior is very good.)

- Dale

rejc - Sep 13, 2005 - 11:41 pm

Thanks for the help. I will try it tonight - fingers crossed.
Rebecca

rejc - Sep 14, 2005 - 8:14 pm

Hi Dale,

I tried the Panther disk, found that the HD could not be verified (key order error) so attempted a repair. I got a message to say that the repair could not be completed and that I should try a third party product (e.g. disk warrior) or to erase and re-install.

Is there a preferred order for undertaking these steps? If I erase and re-install and it does not work, can I then use disk warrior? Or do I need to try disk warrior first and if that fails then try the erase and re-install?

Thanks,
Rebecca

DeltaMac - Sep 14, 2005 - 9:36 pm

If the disk directory is just damaged, then Disk Warrior can do wonderful things. Sometimes, the repair with Disk Warrior can take an extended time - I have had a couple that needed more than 24 hours to complete - and was successful, so be prepared to wait, and find other things to do - but monitor the progress from time to time.
As for the sequence - which to try first? - I try the Disk Utility first, then go to more capable disk repair apps.
Also, you may consider getting the hard drive replaced. The disk repair utilities are good, but problems sometimes return. A similar failure within a week or two is not a good sign, and might signal a complete failure of the hard drive.