MacBook failing- Segmentation fault? HELP!

[Dave00]

Okay, I'm really in bad shape, any help is greatly appreciated.

Shortly after running a bunch of software updates (upgrading iTunes, Quicktime, I think there was a point update to OSX) my Macbook started deteriorating, now I can do hardly anything. The first clue was when I tried running an app from the Dock, the icon disappeared from the dock, replaced by a blank space. Then, when I tried running applications from the finder, they would immediately crash. Console had each crash with either "error 1" or "exited with segmentation fault."

I ran Disk Utility off my MacOS install DVD; it found and corrected a couple of errors (Keys out of order, incorrect number of files & directories; maybe something else minor.) Repaired permissions. No help. Ran Hardware Test (extended) - no problems seen. Tried to boot in Safe Mode, but after I entered my password, never really loaded the finder (got the background screen, and the menu bar items appeared in the upper right corner, but the menu bar itself wouldn't load.)

I booted into single-user mode, ran fsck -fy, "no problems found."

So, I have two issues. One is, how do I fix this problem. Two, is there any way I can try and backup my files? The finder won't let me drag/drop files; the install disc doesn't seem to have any mechanism for backing up files. I tried cp -R from my home directory to an attached USB hard drive (when booted into single-user mode) but I just got a scrolling screen of errors.

Any ideas? (Help me Obi-wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.

 

[applefan69]

Well it seems during installation, some frameworks or system files became corrupted. I dont think i can give you much more detail then that cause im not positive whats going on myself.

Some help I can give tho:

judging from your intelligence to enter single-user mode, and use fsck -fy im going to assume you know how to use Unix quite well.

So for backing up your data, im willing to bet your files are unharmed, what IS harmed is the GUI (finder/dock/what you see in OS X) is what is damaged. This is good, because the unix core of OS X is most likely fine. You will be able to retrieve your files by using commands. Im not saying it'll be simple or easy. But if you have good computer skills you can enter single user mode and use unix commands to copy your files to an external drive.

Maybe a more experience unix user will give you the commands you'd need to enter... Im sorry I cant because im not confident enough with my knowledge on this stuff and would hate accidently make things worse.

One other option you have that may/may not work is do an archive and install of Leopard. This will let you keep your data, but also have a fresh install of leopard.

 

[Dave00]

One other option you have that may/may not work is do an archive and install of Leopard. This will let you keep your data, but also have a fresh install of leopard.

That's what the Apple Store recommends. Seems pretty crummy to me, but despite the fact the machine is still under warranty, they won't do it without a $75 charge. So, I get to go down to the Apple Store and they'll guide me through it, to avoid the charge. I didn't think it would work, but your post makes sense - perhaps it's the GUI that's corrupted, not the file system itself.

Dave

 

[AdiosVista]

I'm having similar issues, please read here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/575626/

The issue started last night and it was the night before that I install a bunch of Mac updates (I think they were all quick time, itunes, etc. but I can't remember if any were leopard specific). I really hope this is part of those updates and that the issue will be resolved. Very frustrating.

 

[scaredpoet]

That's what the Apple Store recommends. Seems pretty crummy to me, but despite the fact the machine is still under warranty, they won't do it without a $75 charge.

I think the $75 charge is more of a lazy tax than anything. An Archive and Install is exceedingly easy to do, it's a really a matter of following the instruction on the screen.

It's also the best option, as you'll get a fresh install of the OS, and it'll do what it can to rescue your files. If Archive & Install can't recover your files, then I doubt anything can.

 

[Dave00]

I think the $75 charge is more of a lazy tax than anything.

Oh, I realize it only takes a few clicks and a bunch of waiting time to try that option. However, it's not as if I didn't try a bunch of other steps first. And this forces me to come back, try something else, and then return yet again if it doesn't work. Meanwhile, they could simply do the steps themselves, plug it in and wait, saving me a trip. For an expensive item still under warranty, it would seem reasonable to expect them to fix it.

 

[Dave00]

Well, just an update, the archive & install did seem to fix the problem.

Dave