Can I replace disk drivers without reformatting

K

kingdomroad

Registered
I've had this happen several times on different macs.:mad:
Currently I have a G4 with a 40 gb drive, running OS9.2.2. Won't boot up (getting flashing ?)
Norton Volume recover sees the drive, and initially said the disk drivers were bad. :confused:
My question is, is there any way to re-install the disk drivers without reformatting? I tried reinstalling the OS, but it's not seeing the drive due to the problem.:mad:

I know re-formating will work, but there's so much data to be lost and re-installed.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.:D
 
Using Disk Tools
The Disk Tools Disk or Startup CD that comes with the system software includes a System Folder, Disk First Aid, and, depending on your version of system software, one of these utilities:

Apple HD SC Setup
Apple Internal HD Format
Drive Setup

When you are having trouble starting up the Macintosh computer from the hard drive, first start up from the Disk Tools Disk or Startup CD. This way you can repair any issues on the hard drive (which you cannot do when it is the startup drive). The startup disk icon displays in the upper right corner, and the hard disk icon should display below it.

Disk First Aid
Use Disk First Aid to check the internal hard disk for directory issues. Simply launch Disk First Aid, highlight the drive icon for the applicable hard drive, and click Verify. (On older versions of Disk First Aid click Drive until the selected drive is your internal hard disk, then click Open and Start.) If Disk First Aid finds issues it cannot repair, you may want to try other third-party disk utilities to correct the issue. However, if you cannot repair the disk, you need to reformat it. Make sure you have a backup of your data before reformatting. If you don't have a backup, you may want to take your drive to a Service Provider that specializes in hard disk recovery.

Apple HD SC Setup
Apple HD SC Setup is a disk formatting utility for Apple hard disks. If you have a third-party hard disk in your Macintosh, you get the message that Drive Selection Failed when you launch Apple HD SC Setup. In this case, use the third-party disk formatting utility that came with your drive, or contact the vendor of the drive. To use Apple HD SC Setup on an Apple hard disk, launch the utility and click the Update button to reinstall the hard disk drivers. You can also use the Test button to test the hard disk, and Initialize to reformat.
 
Bobw,
Thanks, The OS discs that I have do not have the Apple HD SC Setup, only the Drive Setup program. When I start that it only sees the drive as unformatted, and does not give me the option to upgrade/install the drivers or test the drive, only reformat. What OS has the Apple HD SC Setup program? Is that an OS-X program?
Thanks!
 
It may not have come with, or be compatible with your machine. It's an older program, I think it works with systems 8.0 or older, not OS X.

I don't know of a way to update or install disk drivers without reformatting.
 
BobW,
Thanks,
Regarding the older version, that's what I thought, but wasn't sure.

I'm in the middle of reormatting now....::sleepy::

Thanks for the help!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top