Disk Permissions

[johngaulbert]

When I attempt to verify or repair disk permissions the process starts and then stops. The following message appears in a drop down message box:
First Aid failed. Disk Utility stopped verifying (repairing) on G4HD because the
following error was encountered: no valid packages.

My disk verifies in working order. I have used DU from the installer disk and obtained the same resulting error message. I have run Tech Tool Pro's optimization and maintenance sequences. I reinstalled Security Update 2008-003 PPC thinking it might have been the problem. This permissions verification/repair problem and a problem with my firewire external HD and iPod failing to mount started after I installed the security update. (I am not asking for help with the firewire drive problems here - that is for another forum)

I am running 10.4.11 on a G4. I guess my next step is to reinstall 10.4.6, the version I bought

Any suggestions? Thanks

MRW

[DeltaMac]

This is a common situation. You may have tried to clean up your drive, and perhaps emptied the /Library/Receipts folder? Those receipt files are used by the Disk Utility to verify the permissions on your system. If those receipt files are gone, then the repair permissions can't proceed. The only fix is to replace those files by reinstalling. An Archive & install with your 10.4.6, then update again to 10.4.11 plus the other apps that may get updated will then allow your Disk Utility to repair permissions again.
I suggest that you leave that receipts folder untouched next time.

[Hughvane]

Originally Posted by johngaulbert

When I attempt to verify or repair disk permissions the process starts and then stops. Any suggestions?

Other than what DeltaMac has advised, try using Onyx, a very good, free permission repair utility. It may get past the block where the Disk Utility has stalled.
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11582
Scroll down the page for the earlier version ie. 1.8.5, which matches your version of OS X.

[VirtualTracy]

Apple has an article about this Disc Utility error:

Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4: Disk Utility shows a "No Valid Packages" alert

Apple's suggestion is that before reinstalling you should try:

If the file has been deleted, replace it by copying it from a different computer that uses Mac OS X 10.3 or 10.4

I compressed the required .pkg file and you can download it from here:

megaupload.com



I am running Mac OS 10.4.11 and hopefully you can unzip and place my BaseSystem.pkg in your:

MacintoshHD ~> Library ~> Receipts directory,

then successfully run Disc Utilities without the error showing and carry on regardless without needing to reinstalling your System.


.

[johngaulbert]

Thanks to all of you for your help. I did remove and trash the file BaseSystem.pkg. Several people sent me a file download link. The file is back in the Receipts folder and disk permissions runs as it should. This support site is a fabulous resource.