Disk utility mac os old version. MacBook won't boot (freezes on boot) - what to do
operating system OS X Mountain Lion very self-sufficient, and to solve the majority necessary tasks You can use system utilities.
After purchasing a new computer, hard drive or installing and reinstalling the operating system, most users may think about the need to split the drive into several partitions.
Why is this needed and how can this be done using standard means OS X Mountain Lion, read this guide.
Using Disk Utility in OS X Mountain Lion, you can perform the following tasks:
-copy disks;
- burn disk images;
- create images of new disks;
- format partitions and drives themselves;
- treat partitions in partitions with the HFS+ file system;
- resize existing sections V hard drives without formatting them, and much more.
When you first launch Disk Utility, you will see a standard main window with an extremely intuitive interface.
In the left column you need to select the one HDD or the image you want to work with this moment, after which you can begin to complete the task.
Deciding on the file system of the drive
Mac OS Extended is a standard file system for the OS X operating system. It is worth using such a file system on an external drive if you are going to use it exclusively in the OS X system, since on Windows recording it will be impossible. For use with Mac OS Extended Windows users will have to install special applications or driver. However, their use may eventually destroy the file system, after which formatting (deleting all files) from the drive will be required.
The main advantage of Mac OS Extended is its support key functions OS X, including Versions, as well as many others.
MS-DOS (FAT) - this file system is ideal for small flash drives, since it does not allow recording files larger than 4 GB. Remember this when formatting in MS-DOS (FAT).
Thanks to MS-DOS (FAT), you can use the drive in Windows, OS X, and even with such game consoles, like PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and also Wii.
ExFAT - this file system is an updated FAT and allows you to work with files larger than 4 GB. The only downside to using it is the lack of support system functions OS X
Once you have decided on the choice of file system, you can safely proceed to formatting or partitioning the drives. I would like to give advice - on external hard disks, use Mac OS Extended, as it is the most stable and ideal for working with OS X.
Creating partitions on a hard drive or external drive
First, let's figure out why you might need this. So, hard marking disk is extremely necessary when using external hard large capacity disk. Let's say, when buying hard disk with a capacity of 2 TB, it is possible to create two logical partitions, one of which can be used to create backup copies in Time Machine , while the second one can store a media library for iTunes.
Please note that the backup partition size is help Time Machine must be no less than that of systemic hard drive on which OS X Mountain Lion is installed. On average, if you do not back up your media library and other unnecessary multimedia files in Time Machine, for backup it is enough to use a logical drive partition with a capacity of 200-300 GB.
In order to divide the drive into several partitions, you need to select its main partition, as shown in the screenshot, and then go to the tab "Disk partition" .
At this point I have two partitions, since I previously divided the hard drive. You need to select the main section, you will only have one, and then click on the button «+» , which is marked in the screenshot.
After clicking, the drive will be automatically divided into two equal-sized partitions.
Attention! Do not exit the application and do not click “apply”!
After automatic layout, you need to set the correct size for each section.
To do this, click on the required section and type into the window "Size" the right volume for it. You can also adjust the section using the special slider marked in the screenshot.
After you have completed all these steps, you can safely click "Apply" and Disk Utility will begin partitioning the selected drive. In a similar way, you can create partitions in drives that contain some information.
When creating new partitions, do not forget to specify their correct size, and never disconnect the drive or turn off the Mac - this can lead to irretrievable loss data.
Checking and repairing the disk and access rights
Once every few months, especially if you are actively using your computer with OS X Mountain Lion and installing many applications, you should check your permissions as well as the hard drive itself.
To do this, you need to close all applications, open Disk Utility and select the system disk or partition, then open the tab "First aid" .
In this tab, click "Check access rights" and wait for the process to complete. If the window says that it is recommended to restore access rights, then click the button "Restore access rights" .
After this, check the disk by clicking on the appropriate button. If necessary and only if necessary, press the button "Fix Disk" .
What is it for? Some of the applications may change access rights to various system files, which leads to incorrect access to them. Restoring access rights allows you to avoid various operating system freezes, as well as some other problems.
Life-Hack - create a backup of the system disk using Disk Utility
Many people consider Time Machine to be the main backup method, but this is not at all surprising.
Time Machine lets you save copies of multiple versions identical files, has amazing functionality, great design and incredible user-friendly interface. Unfortunately, backup using Time Machine has one undeniable disadvantage - over time, the storage space begins to run out catastrophically.
That is why it makes sense to create a full backup using OS X Disk Utility.
To do this you need to select system partition or the entire hard drive, if you have only one partition on it, then go to the tab "Restore" .
Now just drag the system partition icon into the column "Source" , and in the graph "Destination" please indicate external storage in a similar way. Remember that the backup copy will be completely identical in size to the system partition.
Now, if your hard drive fails, you can always easily restore OS X on any other computer.
To avoid rapid wear and tear on your hard drive or SSD, try to adhere to the conditions under which it is used and stored. Don't forget that standard hard disks incredible sensitive to falls and shocks.
"Rifat, I bought new disk and I need to make it work on both Mac and Windows.” “Hi, I have a disk, but I can’t write anything to it on my Mac, what should I do?” “Listen, how to format Mac drive, so he ?".
My friends and clients ask me approximately these questions once a week, if not more often! So now, I will show you how to format a disk in disk utility, for different cases!
First, a short introduction to basic file systems (FS). If you don't want to bother with theoretical aspects, you can scroll below, directly to the formatting procedure.
To format a disk, you need to go to Disk Utility, which is located in the Programs - Utilities (Utilities) folder or find it through Spotlight. In the window that appears, on the left side, you need to select the disk to format - the disk itself, and not the volume name. In my case it is 160.04 GB Seagate TOSH..., not Extended HD. Next, we need to click on the Disk Partition button, at the top in the middle, and here we can see all the options for formatting the disk for different needs! So, now I will describe all the sections and what they give us:
1) Partition scheme - by clicking on “Current”, we can select the number of partitions on the disk. Someone may need to create a disk with 2 or more partitions for storage different files or for use on different computers.
2) Partition information - here you need to select the disk name and FS. For use on Mac and Win, select FAT or ExFAT. To use the disk for Time Machine, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
3) Options - by clicking on this button we select the type of bootloader - this is very important parameter, because It depends on it whether the disk will be detected on the computer or not!
— GUID Partition Scheme- no matter which FS you select, the disk will only be detected on a Mac with Intel processor(all modern poppies). Together with the HFS+ file system (Mac OS Extended), the disk will be available for creating backup copies via Time Machine! No other combination of the “Partition Scheme” and FS parameters will allow you to use the disk for copies!
— Apple partition scheme- Designed for use on older Mac computers with a PPC processor. We won't need it.
— Main boot record — when you select this item, the disk will be visible on computers with Win. But besides this, the format must be FAT or ExFAT.
ATTENTION! FORMATING A DISK ERASES ALL DATA FROM IT!!! BEFORE FORMATING A DISK, MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE NO IMPORTANT FILES ON IT OR SAVE THEM TO ANOTHER DATA STORAGE!!!
After selecting all the parameters, you can click on the “Apply” button in the lower right corner and this will appear:
The system will warn you that all data will be deleted from the disk, and if you agree, then click on the “Disk Partition” button. Formatting is quite fast - from 3 to 20 seconds, depending on the disk size.
If you have chosen the path for creation of Time Machine, then immediately after formatting a window may appear asking you to select this disk for backups.
Let me clarify once again which items you need to select for:
— Time Machine and disk operation only with Mac- file Mac system OS Extended and GUID Partition Scheme;
— Disc for Mac and Win- file ExFAT system and Master Boot Record.
So we figured out how to format a disk in a Mac, and what options you need to choose for different cases! This method suitable for disks, flash drives, regardless of the connection interface - USB, FireWare or Thunderbolt. If you have any questions or difficulties in the process of formatting a Mac disk, write about it in the comments :)
By the way, if you were interested in this article, then feel free to add to my groups at
Many people know about the existence of Disk Utility in OS X. Today we will talk about how to use it effectively, because it is necessary.
Regular system reinstallation is not an option for the user OS X. Let's leave this procedure to computer owners under Windows control. However, any mechanism needs prevention, the same applies to the operating system of our Mac computer. Today we'll start that process by performing preventative maintenance on your drive.
We don't need expensive third-party software to do this. No, everything you need can be done in " Disk Utility", included in standard programs OS X since time immemorial. It has a simple and understandable graphical interface and is aimed at the average user. You may not understand partition tables and types file systems, but at the same time keep your computer’s drive in good condition.
So, first, let's launch Disk Utility using Launchpad. If you can’t find it there, then from the right top corner and enter the name of the program you are looking for. The result will be as follows:
Okay, now let's talk about what we will do and, most importantly, why. Prevention system drive on a Mac computer is performed for a number of reasons, here are the most obvious:
- System performance increases.
- The drive status and errors are checked.
- Access rights are corrected.
Let's start with the last point. Within OS X access rights play a significant role. Putting them in order, while not a solution to all problems, can save you from certain problems with the operating system right now or in the future. It is recommended to perform the procedure regularly.
To do this, select the main hard drive or solid-state drive on the left side of the window. There we select the system partition - it will be located just below. Below the “Check access rights” button will be available - click it.
After waiting for the result of the check, after some time, feel free to click “Correct access rights” and again wait until the procedure is completed.
The first stage of prevention has been completed.
Now Let's check the drive for errors. To do this, click the “Check disk” button. Verification takes certain time: in the case of an SSD - less, with a regular HDD - longer.
Next, there are two possible options. The check may not find errors - this is good. If errors are found, then, without hesitation, click “Fix disk” and wait for the result. In my case, as you can see in the screenshot, there were no problems.
It remains to remember what was promised increase in productivity. In fact, you may not notice it when using an SSD. Although if the system is two or three years old and you run this procedure for the first time, then there should still be a result. As for the hard drive, regular maintenance is simply necessary: this directly affects the performance of both the drive itself and the entire system. If nothing can help the drive, and this sometimes happens, then the only way out becomes beforehand .
This is the end of the system drive prevention. Similar procedures can be organized for other drives that you have: external hard drives, solid state drives or flash drives. It definitely won't get any worse. Now let's look at a few others useful features"Disk Utility".
In the “Erase” section for the selected drive, you can not only completely format it, if we're talking about not about system disk, but also " Erase free space " This procedure can be useful if you have deleted some files and really do not want them to be restored. In the settings you can select the level of thoroughness of data deletion.
Using Disk Utility, you can burn discs and create images. It will show about any connected drive or image details. This program It will even create a RAID array or delete an unnecessary Windows partition. The usefulness of Disk Utility within OS X cannot be overstated, and we encourage you to simply run it as often as possible to keep your Mac's drive in order.
Don't wait to buy an imac at Siplaz.
In one of the previous articles, I wrote about what steps should be taken. I think it would be fair if a similar article appeared about the MacBook. After all, what could be worse than the situation, when your MacBook won't boot, and you clearly realize that all your information remains on it, the accumulation of which was spent hundreds of working hours. In this article, I will outline an emergency action plan when your MAC flatly refuses to start. It is not at all necessary to perform absolutely all of the above steps. But we still need to act.
If your MacBook won't boot or freezes on boot, it could be due to:
- problem with hardware (HDD, memory, controller, processor, etc.);
- problem with OS X (for example, upgrading to El Capitan)
- recently installed equipment(disconnect all USB devices)
As with the iPhone that won't turn on, the first thing to do is make sure that MacBook battery it simply did not discharge, and the charging did not fail. If something is still displayed on the screen or even the boot process begins (which ends up stuck on a spinning disk or even breaks down), you should try following the steps described below in the order they appear.
- If your MacBook is completely frozen and requires a reboot -
- Need to create bootable USB flash drive with OS X?-
- MAC stuck on white screen after updating OS X -
- Read more about different boot modes -
- You don’t know what the screen that appears when you boot your MAC means -
STEP 1: Boot into Safe Mode
First you should try booting your MacBook into safe mode, which limits the checks and downloadable functionality performed by the Mac at startup. I don’t guarantee that after starting in this mode, your MAC will suddenly start working as before, but it’s still worth a try.
Turn off your MacBook and then turn it on while holding down the shift button. Booting into Safe Mode may take a long time (if your computer boots at all), so be patient. If you want to know what exactly happens when you boot into Safe Mode, you can boot your MacBook by holding shift + Command + V, which in turn will launch Safe Mode + on your MAC verbose mode(verbose mode).
Verbose mode is an optional boot mode for the operating system (including OS X, Windows, Linux), in which the screen displays detailed information about downloadable drivers, software and processes occurring when the computer boots.
Be patient and attentive during MacBook downloads. If your computer does boot into safe mode, try simply rebooting it from top menu Apple. If the MacBook now boots into the usual way, we will assume that the situation has been corrected and now everything is fine. If the MacBook does not boot, proceed to the next step.
STEP 2: Download Disk Utility
There can be a lot of reasons why a MacBook freezes when loading. But let's check now and then discard or try to correct the reason associated with problems with hard drive of your MAC. The most the easy way hard checks disk is starting Disk Utility(Disk Utility).
The first step is to turn off your MAC. If MacBook stuck on gray (white, blue, pink...) screen with a spinning disk, you need to force it (the computer) to turn off. To do this, press and hold the power button for 5-8 seconds.
To launch Disk Utility, you need to get into OS X recovery mode. To do this, hold down Command + R when you turn on the computer. If everything went well, you will be taken to a screen with a title MAC OS X Utilities(see picture below). On this screen you need to click on “ Disk Utility» ( Disk Utility). Then click on the name of the built-in hard drive on the left side of Disk Utility and start the verification process by clicking on Verify Disk on the lower right side of the screen. Wait for the verification to complete.
If any problems are found, you will be prompted to correct them. Confirm your intentions by clicking on Repair Disk. After that try rebooting MacBook yet once.
STEP 3: Target Disk Mode
As the saying goes, “it’s better to have a bird in your hands than a pie in the sky.” How are you doing with backup copies data? Well, the data that was stored on your MacBook... And now it won’t start... Sadness! If data loss on your MacBook doesn’t particularly worry you, skip straight to the next step. But if you are now in a cold sweat trying to remember whether you copied anything valuable to other disks or flash drives, then here is another gift from Apple for you - EXTERNAL DRIVE MODE.
Target Disc Mode- a special boot mode unique to MAC computers, which allows you to access your computer’s hard drive without loading OS X. Using this mode, you can save data when your MacBook does not boot for any reason.
To launch external drive mode and gain access to the contents of the MacBook hard drive, do this:
1 Find another MAC computer. If you don't have one personally, ask your friends
2 Connect both Macs using a Thunderbolt cable
3 Turn off your MAC. If necessary, hold for more than 5 seconds POWER button
4 Press the T button immediately after turning on the MacBook and hold it until the blue screen Thunderbolt icons.
You just launched External Disk Mode. This mode, roughly speaking, turns your MAC into external hard disk. If everything went smoothly, your friend's MAC will show an additional external hard drive in Finder. Now copy and save everything you need.
When you're done with the drive, you'll need to eject it into the Finder like any other device. After that, disconnect the Thunderbolt cable and turn off your MAC computer(holding the power button for more than 5 seconds).
STEP 4: Reinstall OS X
If none of the previous steps brought “relief”, all that remains is to reinstall operating system OS X. To do this, you need to boot the computer again in recovery mode, well, remember as in step 2. To do this, turn on the computer while holding down Command + R.
Wait for OS X Utilities to load and select from the list Reinstall OS X. Follow the onscreen instructions until complete reinstallation operating system.
If your MAC has not mastered the installation of OS X or has been running on a fresh operating system for a short time, most likely there are some more serious problems with your MAC. Such problems may occur due to recently installed new hardware (memory, hard drive, etc.). Check your new hardware for compatibility with your computer.
If you haven't installed anything on your MAC, you need to check the existing modules ( hard controller disk, memory modules, etc.). But it is better to entrust such checks to service center specialists.
In this article we will tell you how to erase partitions and format a hard drive on a Mac using Disk Utility.
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Attention! Before performing the actions described below, take care of the safety of important data. Implement backup or use the utility.
What do you need to know about Disk Utility?
This free application Apple included with macOS. It is distinguished by its simplicity and functionality sufficient for ordinary users' needs. She works with hard drives, SSD drives and disk images. Disk Utility can erase, format, repair, partition disks, and even provide first aid.
The program works with disks and partitions. Disk is physical storage, and partition is a formatted section of the disk. Any disk contains at least one partition.
It is very important to know and understand the interaction between the disk and the partition(s). You can erase separate section without affecting the disk as a whole, but if you erase the disk, you will also destroy all the information located on each partition.
Interface Disk Utility consists of three main elements:
- toolbar ( top part programs, header);
- left side menu containing disks and partitions;
- Workspace.
How to erase a disk or partition using Disk Utility
Erasing a disk or partition is one of the most simple ways freeing up space. Fundamental difference There is no disk or partition cleaning between.
1 . In the left side menu, select the disk or partition of interest (the disk icon has priority in the tree. By clicking on the triangle next to the disk, a list of partitions that it contains will open).
2 . On the toolbar, click the " Erase».
3 . Enter a name for the new drive and select a format.
4 . Click the button Erase».
How to safely erase a disk or partition using Disk Utility
You can perform a secure erase if necessary. To do this, repeat steps 1-3 and click the “ Security Settings..." There are three types of secure erase. The higher the security level, the longer the erasing process will take. " Security Settings" include the following options, which will vary depending on the slider position:
1) Secure erase files, without overwriting information with zeros. There is a high probability that the data can be recovered. Erasing provides low level security.
2) Erasing files with an acceptable level of security, achieved by writing random data with a single-pass write of zeros over the entire disk.
3) US Department of Energy erasure (writes random data twice and writes zeros over the disk three times).
4) The most serious safety standard. This is how magnetic media is erased at the US Department of Defense. In addition to recording random data, it is rewritten seven times with zeros.
Then click the " OK" And " Erase».
We talked about how to install macOS on a formatted disk.