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Macbook Cannot Boot: Harddisk Repair / Restore Error

S

serkelios

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 8, 2012
3
0
My MacBook is unable to boot. Whenever I try to boot, the spinning circle and the progress bar appears on the grey screen, but when the progress bar reaches about 40%, the computer shuts itself down.

I started in Verbose Mode and tried AppleJack, and it said my harddisk needs to be repaired; but AppleJack is unable to do that. (Error Messages: "Invalid node structure" and "Incorrect number of thread records)

I then tried to startup with both Recovery HD and Mac OS X Install DVD and ran the Disk Utility on both of the startups. At the First Aid tab, I selected my Hard Drive (not the Hitachi one, the Macintosh HD one) and clicked on Repair Disk. The error messages I got from Repair Disk were:
Invalid volume file count
Invalid node structure
The volume Macintosh HD could not be verified completely.
Error: Disk Utility can't repair this disk..disk, and restore your backed-up files.

And, lastly, the following popup message appeared:
Disk Utility stopped repairing "Macintosh HD"
Disk Utility can't repair this disk. Back up as many of your files as possible, reformat the disk, and restore your backed-up files.

Not being sure how to back-up my files using Disk Utility, I plugged in an external HDD to my USB port and clicked on the Restore tab in the Disk Utility. As the Source, I selected Macintosh HD and as the Destination, I selected one of the partitions I created on my external HDD. However, when I clicked on Restore, I got the following error message:
Restore Failure
Could not restore - Input/output error

I partitioned my external HDD by creating 2 partitions formatted in Mac OS Extended Journal - GPT.

Now, what can I do to save my files (and my MacBook's HardDisk)? Could anyone help me please?
 
Stop screwing around with the drive this instant. The longer you run it the less likely you will be able to recover anything.

Replace the failed hard drive with a new unit. These use 2.5" SATA hard drives (usually listed as laptop hard drives on websites rather than 2.5" internal). You can get them through many sources. I prefer Newegg.com myself or if you can't wait go to Microcenter or Fry's. Stick away from stores like Best Buy as the prices are usually a ripoff.

At this time also get a 2.5" USB enclosure for your old drive that is SATA compatible. So you can get data off it as an external.

Once it is replaced you can insert your OS X disc and install a fresh copy of Mac OS X. When setting it up I would avoid the restore mode as it likely will not be successful and unnecessarily strain the failing hard drive. Once OS X is ready to go connect the drive and start transferring your files from the old drive. If you're having problems you may need data recovery software. If that does not work then it is time for professional and very expensive recovery if it is at all possible.

On a side note you can take the opportunity to upgrade your computer. If you don't store many files you can boost your speed with a 64GB or 128GB SSD for a reasonable price. Alternatively you can at least get a 7,200RPM drive for some better performance. Mushkin, Crucial, Sandisk and OCZ all have SSD drives with good customer reviews and pricing.
 
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