Only use Mac OS X 10.4-compatible disk utilities with Mac OS X 10.4 volumes

To avoid issues with a Mac OS X 10.4 volume, do not use disk utility software that was released before Tiger (late April, 2005) with it. If you do, the software might report false errors or attempt "repairs" that could lead to data loss.

Third-party disk utility software includes Alsoft DiskWarrior, Micromat Tech Tool, and Symantec Norton Disk Doctor. Consult third-party utility manufacturers to find out which software versions are compatible with Mac OS X 10.4.

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What about Mac OS X 10.3's Disk Utility?

You can use Disk Utility in Mac OS X 10.3.9—and only Mac OS X 10.3.9—to check or repair a Mac OS X 10.4 volume (Disk Utility version 10.4.4 v145.7). Don't use an earlier version of Disk Utility, such as when started from a Mac OS X 10.3.0 disc.

Of course, you can also use Disk Utility included with Mac OS X Tiger.

Why is this important?

Mac OS X 10.4 adds support for Extended Attributes. A disk repair application that's not Mac OS X 10.4-aware may incorrectly report Extended Attributes as directory damage. You may get an error message such as "Cannot be rebuilt. The original directory is too severely damaged" that is untrue.

To prevent these issues, make sure that you only use Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger-compatible disk utilities to verify or repair a volume that has Tiger installed on it.

Mac OS X 10.4: Don't use Tech Tool Deluxe 3.0.3's Volume Structure repair

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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