Repairing File Permissionsįile Permissions are security settings that permit or restrict access to files and folders by different users. If you’re booted in Mac OS 9, restart the Mac while holding down the Command (Apple) and Option keys (Cmd-Opt) simultaneously until you are asked if you want to Rebuild the Desktop. For Classic Users running Mac OS X, use System Preferences –> Classic –> Advanced tab to rebuild the desktop. Rebuild the Desktop (Classic Mac OS)įor Mac OS 9 and Classic users, Apple’s Rebuild Desktop routine can help fix problems opening files in Mac OS 9 applications. Apple’s Disk Utility has a Repair Disk function that sometimes gets you going – you can restart from your Mac OS X Install CD/DVD and run Disk Utility to fix your startup drive.Īt a more sophisticated level, TechTool Pro and Drive Genius let you test for various hardware damage and try to repair errors both also come on a bootable CDs or DVDs. Other disk utilities are worth trying when DiskWarrior doesn’t help. Replace your existing directory when the process is complete, then restart normally to see if your problem is fixed. When DiskWarrior is ready, select your startup drive and click Rebuild Directory.

You will need to restart your Macintosh from the DiskWarrior CD to fix the internal hard drive. Directory Damage or Your Mac Won’t Boot Create a Fresh New DirectoryĭiskWarrior is my tool of choice to fix directory related problems.

Fixing the disk directory and boot blocks often helps resolve these kinds of problems.

Such errors can cause problems opening or saving files, and if severe enough they can prevent your Mac from starting up, instead displaying the flashing question mark. Directory errors build up slowly over time – or quickly after a crash. The disk directory is the table of contents for your hard drive.

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