Files disappearing! *Need help*

[MacNoobGuy]

Hi all, I just had a really weird problem a few minutes ago. I mounted my Truecrypt container because I do all my work within Truecrypt. Once I had mounted the Truecrypt partition I could see all of the folders and files in Finder, but when I clicked on folders there was nothing inside the folders! Earlier I had opened an OpenOffice .doc file and I was still able to work in the file itself. I tried dismounting the Truecrypt partition multiple times and re-mounting, but the problem didn't resolve itself.

I then tried to reboot my Mac Mini and it got stuck on the grey screen. I then rebooted my Mac by holding the power switch and it rebooted and I was able to access my files like normal. I have a feeling the problem was with the 'Finder'.

What does this all mean? Does it mean my HDD is about to die?

Thank you!

Edit: If my HDD is about to die is there any way I check its health? I've been using this Mac Mini as my main system since May 2012 and I've never defragged it.

 

[old-wiz]

I hope you have backups, preferably multiple backups, since it sounds as if your HDD is going south slowly and horribly.

 

[Weaselboy]

What does this all mean? Does it mean my HDD is about to die?

Thank you!

Edit: If my HDD is about to die is there any way I check its health? I've been using this Mac Mini as my main system since May 2012 and I've never defragged it.

That does kind of sound like a drive on the way to a dirt nap.

A defrag is not needed and won't help. Start up Disk Utility from /Applications/Utilities and select the drive and do a "verify disk" and tell us what if any errors come up.

 

[MacNoobGuy]

That does kind of sound like a drive on the way to a dirt nap.

A defrag is not needed and won't help. Start up Disk Utility from /Applications/Utilities and select the drive and do a "verify disk" and tell us what if any errors come up.

Alright, thanks!

 

[chown33]

The symptoms described are characteristic of file-system integrity errors. That is, a "Verify Disk" in Disk Utility.app will likely show multiple errors. This is what happens when you keep using a disk that has integrity errors: the errors propagate and get worse.

See your other thread for precautions and possible corrective actions. However, it may be too late to save your data.

 

[MacNoobGuy]

I ran 'Verify Disk' and it said there were no errors!