Volume Bitmap needs minor repair?

[brentg33]

Hi all
tonight i decided to run Oynx, when it verified my startup volume, it indicated there was a problem, when i ran disk utility from the HD, and tried to verify the disk, it reported 2 issues. 1st was "Volume bitmap needs minor repair" and "invalid volume free block count". I followed the instrtuctions and restarted my c2d MBP from the OSX install disk, when to disc utlilty and did the repair disk function. I restarted, ran oynx again and now everything seems ok, oynx reports that the startup volume seems ok....my questions are these....1. i read on some other sites that this is a prelude to my HD failing and needing to be replaced? is this anywhere near being true? 2. what causes these errors, and should i be worried about this happening again? and what can i do to prevent it in the future?
thanks
brent

 

[onebloodonelife]

It's usually just corrupt files that need repairing. I had a Macbook from my old university that had Volume Header needs repair for basically the 8 months I had it, and I couldn't repair it because I didn't have the discs, but it worked perfectly fine.

Funnily enough, I just had to repair a few files on my current Macbook because of a Volume Header error and a Volume Bitmap error.

 

[brentg33]

thanks, but what usually causes the corrupt file? i mean i had no idea that anything was wrong with it...my macbook seemed perfectly fine....its only cause i ran onyx, did i find the problem. Anyways...is this something that will always occur or how can i find out what exactly caused it...? would it be from installing a certain app or something like that?

 

[Sun Baked]

Improper shutdowns can corrupt the drive and may mean it'll need some repair.

So if you run something (or have marginal memory) that is unstable and causes you to do a hard restart without a shutdown, it may cause some minor corruption.

If this corruption is compounded repeatedly, then you can wake to a flashing ? mark.

---

Keep an eye on it, if you aren't crashing a lot, and the drive is still getting corrupted -- and exhibits some of the other warning signs. Back up and prepare for failure.

Of course you should back the drive up and keep it relatively up-to-date anyhow.

 

[brentg33]

ok thanks....its just strange, i dont recall any improper shutdowns. or running any corrupt apps....i think one time recently the computer took a little longer than usual to shut down, and made, i think a beep noise while shutting down....i guess if there is something wrong with the physical HD, that would be covered by the warranty...(it was bought 3/2007) plus i have applecare.....how would you suggest i keep an eye on it? run onyx weekly or verify the HD via the disk utilities weekly?
thanks
brent

 

[IJ Reilly]

I would not get too paranoid about it. Disk directory errors are fairly common -- many people have them and don't even know. They are worth fixing, however. You did the right thing. If it makes you feel better, check the drive again in a few weeks. If Disk Utility finds nothing wrong, then don't worry.

All that being said, I do think it's worth having a copy of DiskWarrior or TechTool Pro around for those really nasty directory errors that Disk Utility can't fix. You may never need it, but if you do, you'll be really grateful to have it around.

 

[yellow]

Reinstall! Reinstall! Reinstall!

ha, I'm just kidding.

 

[IJ Reilly]

What a wiseguy.

 

[yanksfan17994]

ok so im cannot find my start up disks and i know that my computer shut off when trying to partion my disk for bootcamp, does anyone have a suggestion?
thhhanks!

It's usually just corrupt files that need repairing. I had a Macbook from my old university that had Volume Header needs repair for basically the 8 months I had it, and I couldn't repair it because I didn't have the discs, but it worked perfectly fine.

Funnily enough, I just had to repair a few files on my current Macbook because of a Volume Header error and a Volume Bitmap error.

which files did you have to delete which you found were corrupted?
thanks!

 

[yellow]

Google for "mac os x fsck"

 

[SYLVS]

I NEED TO REPAIR "VOLUME BITMAP I have a disk but do not know what key I must press

ok so im cannot find my start up disks and i know that my computer shut off when trying to partion my disk for bootcamp, does anyone have a suggestion?
thhhanks!


which files did you have to delete which you found were corrupted?
thanks!

Please advise. When I boot the disk do i need to hold down a key ? which one - What is command-C. I do not seem to have this on my key board. Please explain I am very new at this..