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TICKET ARCHIVE -> mass storage error 2stf/8/3:a(upper)

IMAGEFACTORY - Jun 21, 2006 - 6:59 am

I have recieved a mass storage error and do not want to wipe out my system. I ran nortons and now I cannot even start my computer. I also ran the first aid disk. That is where I found the error code. This happened in Feb. of this year and I lost everthing and had to reinstall all my software. I do not want to have to keep doing this. Is my hard drive junk? Or is it just a little bad luck? I have two G5's and they are only 2 years old. What should I do? No one in my area really works on Mac's much. Please help??

philippe99 - Jun 21, 2006 - 9:35 am

Hi and welcome to macosx.com

Yes, I think something going wrong with your drive, specifically the one on top which is master drive.("upper")

Could you run the AppleHardwareTest CD that came with your machine to see if it prompts an error: post this Apple error.
See your doc for how booting on this test CD and how to perform tests

But, plz, do not run Norton; Norton is the worst tool on MacOsx Panther and Tiger; it can destroy the disk Catalog
So bad that Symantec has discontinued it.
So, except Norton Antivirus, avoid any Norton defrag or repair tool

Best tool for trying to solve most common hard drive problems is DiskWarrior (from Alsoft) and TechToolPro (from Micromat)
But, in you case, do not hurry on your CreditCard; your problem is purely hardware based : a gaping error, which means a disk slowly dying
Is your G5 still under warrantee/do you have AppleCare?

Regards
Philippe