Disk Utility problem

freewrite278

Registered
Hello, this is my first time on a forum like this, so I'll try my best to be clear. To begin, I have a Tiger OS X 10.4.11.

The problem I have starts off when I ran Disk Utility, specifically I selected "Verify Disk" and got the following message:

Checking Extended Attributes file.
Checking volume bitmap.
Volume Bit Map needs minor repair
Checking volume information.
Invalid volume free block count
Invalid volume free block count
uld be %@ instead of %@)",2)
18376847
18376846
The volume Macintosh HD needs to be repaired.

Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit

and then I get the message "Diskmangement Tool requires that you type password" where I then get "Fist Aid failed"

So, the next step I figured was to select "Repair Disk" but the button is greyed out, so I can't select it.

I guess my first question is: is this something to even be concerned about? My computer hasn't really been acting weird at all, but personally, I'd like to get the disk repaired.

I don't have the installer disc to boot from, as I've been reading about online. I don't even recall my computer coming with a DVD for Tiger to do that.

Also, I saw that I could try go into Single User Mode, but for some reason I can't do it. I read that it's holding "shift" and turning on the computer, I've even read it's holding "s" or "command + s" to get into it, which will run an automatic repair.

But I've tried it and my computer just starts up normally, unless I'm doing it wrong? Thanks for any comments.
 
If you bought your computer new, it definitely came with an install disc. You can force your Mac to run first aid on startup by holding Shift until the gray apple and spinner appear. Then be patient. When you eventually get to the login screen (if your Mac doesn't automatically log in) you should see that you're in Safe Boot Mode.

Single User Mode requires holding Command+S at startup. Then, at the command prompt, you must run the repair disk utility manually.

Apple fully details all of these repair choices.
 
Hi, I'm not sure if it's just me or something else, but I've tried to go into single user mode but simply can't do it. I've held down the shift key while it turned on, but nothing comes up, just the log in screen. I often start to press the shift key when the light turns on indicating that the computer is now on, I've even held the shift before it turned on and continued to press once it was on...I know it's supposed to be a simple thing, but for some reason it's no simple for me : /
 
Again, Shift starts you in Safe Boot Mode, not Single User Mode. Are you not seeing Safe Boot in the login window header? The only way to start in Single User Mode is to hold Command+S at startup.
 
yea, i'm holding down the shift key, while the computer turns on (i'm also doing this many different ways cause they all seem not not work. i'm holding it before it turns on, a bit after it does, etc) and I do not see anything that says 'safe boot' it just says the name of my computer, thats all. It's surprising me as well, since it's supposed to be simple. Is it weird that my computer can't seem to even get into safe boot mode?

and thanks for the replies, i'm about out of my mind as to what to do for this, cause it just seems like i'm missing something.
 
I tried, held down the four keys after i turned it on, but it didn't do a double restart to indicate that it reset the pram, and i tried just doing the 'command + s' again after another shut down, but nothing. Might there be any reason I can't seem to go to these default settings? I feel like all my options are spent if i can't do these things, but thanks for the advice.
 
What kind of Mac is this? What model keyboard do you have? Is it wireless? Can you borrow or do you have an extra USB keyboard to test?
 
Are you using an Apple keyboard?
What is the result if you hold your Option (or alt) key as you restart?
You should get a boot-option screen showing all available boot partitions. A PPC (such as a G4 or G5) Mac will also show a straight arrow, and a curly arrow icon on that screen.
If _that_ works, shut off (just press the power button), then press the button once more to restart. Don't wait for anything else to happen, but immediately press the Option-Apple(command)-P and -R. You should hear the startup chime sound. Keep holding those same 4 keys until you hear the chime two more times, then release and let it boot normally.
OK so far?
Restart, and immediately press and hold the Apple(command) key, and the S. Don't wait for that boot chime to press the keys. That should get you into the (legendary) single-user mode....where you can now test your hard drive.

suggestion - discover an installer disk - you will find it helpful in these situations - really helpful :D
 
Well I tried both options. I held down the Alt/option key to see if any options came up but nothing did...and I did go to that link and update, and tried again to hold down "shift" for safe mode, and then tried again once that didn't work for the "command + S" but nothing...

I have a feeling it's simply going to be stuck as it is, but I appreciate all the help.
 
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