[benbryce]

I cannot open disk utility. Every time I click on this application, the icon appears in my dock for about 2 seconds and then closes. No error message appears.
I also cannot install programs (such as the google video uploader). It simply won't mount.
I also cannot not change anything in my system preferences. As soon as I make a change, it freezes up and the application is not responding.
I tried to access my disk utility by booting from my OSX DVD. I was able to repair the permissions (it found some problems) but I couldn't repair disk.
I reset the PRAM.
I then tried to reinstall OSX and have my old version archived, but the process failed three times.
I assume the problems with my system preferences, my disk utility, and the installation of new files are related.
Can anybody help me?

[arkman]

Have you recently installed RAM? You could be bad RAM. Even if your RAM has been installed for a while it could need to be removed and reseated. You could also try to log in as a new user with administrative permission and try those programs again. That would eliminate a software issue in your old user folder.

[benbryce]

I installed RAM myself 2 years ago. But it hasn't been touched since then.

As for the changing user accounts, I tried but I can't create a new user because every time I enter into System Preferences, the System Preferences window freezes and I can't make any changes.

Is there any other way to create a new account to test if there are software configuaration problems?

Thanks,

Ben

[arkman]

Start your computer using your install/system disk and perform a disk scan using disk utility. You will find it in the menu bar under Utilities. Check your HD for errors and repair permissions

[benbryce]

Hi again,

Thanks for all your help. The problem has still not been solved.

I did a "verify disk" and it failed. I was told that the volume needs repair.

I did a "repair disk" but I was told that it could not be repaired because of an error.

I did a "repair disk permissions". The privileges were SUCCESSFULLY repaired on the selected volume.

I repeated the "repair disk" but it failed again.

I did a "verify disk permissions" and this was successful.

Does this mean I need a new hard drive or can this still be a software problem?

Thanks.

[arkman]

Sounds like a job for Disk Warrior. Find someone who has a copy and start up from the CD. That should repair the HD.

[benbryce]

Thanks. I will look into where I can find that. Does it boot from the CD or does the program need to be installed? With my current problems, I can't mount anything.

[Rcovell]

Disk Warrior boots from the CD.

Bob.

[arkman]

Put the Disk Warrior CD in your drive and restart with the “C” key pressed until the Apple symbol appears. This forces the computer to start up from the CD instead of the internal hard drive. This process will bypass your problem start up disk completely. You can then run the Disk Warrior program to rebuild your computer’s hard drive directory, hopefully fixing the problem.

[benbryce]

Turns out it was a dying hard drive. It just died. I took it to the Mac Store this afternoon before it died (what luck) and they are going to replace it for free (I don´t have an extended waranty) because it is a typical problem for 60 GB hard drives in MacBooks bought around July 2006.

Thank you Arkman for your help.

[arkman]

Soory it happened but glad the mystery is solved. Disk Warrior probably would have found the problem drive. You know about hard drives - you have one that has failed or one that is about to fail. Your motto should be - back up and then back up again.