[ckrupsha]

I am a new "switcher" running OS 10.3.5 on a 1Ghz eMac. I have recently encountered an issue where after trying to download a program using Safari 1.2.3, I get an error message "DMG failed to mount". It does not matter what file/program I try to download, the error message comes up each time.
I realize this is kind of shooting in the dcark, and I DID do a 5 min. search of the archives here, but does anyone have any ideas? Software update works just fine by the way, and I had this problem before upgrading to 10.3.5
Thanks for your time.

[ALG]

What version of Stuffit are you running? If you are not running ver. 8 try upgrading to it and see if that helps.

[pcbrown5931]

Find Disk Copy and drag the .dmg file onto it. See if that works.
Though I think that was for a different error message, "disk copy helper..." something.
Definitely get Stuffit 8. But I think it uses a .dmg too! It installs things all over the place, you really need to use the installer, not just copy files.

[car1son]

Try "Repair Disk Permission" with Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.

[ckrupsha]

Well, I tried repairing permissions, which apparently fixed a couple of things, but not this issue. I went ahead and downloaded version 8.0.? of Stuffit, but unfortunately I could not install it because once again, 'DMG failed to mount."
I suppose I could buy a hard copy version of stuffit, but I was hoping to solve the problem in a different (read cheaper-faster) way.
If you have any other ideas, I'm all ears, because I am really hung up now!

[Grant_G]

It looks like something's missing from your System that the DMGs need. Kinda drastic, but you could drag out your Panther CDs and reinstall, using the Option to "Archive and Install" making sure the "Retain user settings" check box is checked. Doing so will replace your System with an entirely new one, keep your internet and other settings, save your iTunes and iPhoto libraries, etc. And chances are, the DMGs all over your desktop will work. Once you're happy with things, you can simply trash the "Previous System(s)" folder that will be created.
If you choose to do this, you will have to go through Software Updates a few times to get everything back up-to-date. Hope this is helpful (if you want to go this route -- it might be simplest in the long run). [Edit] Repair permissions after the first installation, and again once the updaters are done. Intermittently too, if anything acts up on you. Permissions are weird.
G

[ckrupsha]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. I had been afraid of doing that because I thought I might lose everything (photos, songs, etc) but I forgot about the archive option. Just the same I think I'll get one of those firewire backup drives first!

[ALG]

Did you get an error message that DMG failed to mount or could you just not find it on your desktop?

Try this download a file and change the download location from desktop to anywhere else then open a terminal window and type locate <filename> and hit enter. If it finds the .dmg file then you have a desktop problem and most likely can run the .dmg file from the new location.
Then if this works you need to repair the plist for your desktop.

[arkman]

I have had this problem with some .dmg files. I get a message that file system (or some other component) is not present. I have tried most of the suggestions but no luck.