Disk Utility from external computer

[confused2]

My Macbook Pro's (OS 10.8) cd drive is dead. Disk Utility (DU) says the hard disk needs repairs and I need to run it off the install disks. Since the CD drive is dead, I can't run Disk Utility. (I don't expect DU to fix the CD, but I would like to run it to hopefully fix the hard drive.

I also have a working Macbook G4 (OS 10.4).

Can I connect the two in Target Mode and run DU off the G4 to fix the MPB?

Better yet, if possible, can I somehow install DU on a thumb drive off the MBP? If so, directions on how to accomplish this?

 

[chscag]

If you're running Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8) you can use Disk Utility from your Recovery partition. Just reboot holding down the Command plus R keys. Once in Recovery, you'll see a menu which has an option to initiate Disk Utility. You can attempt to repair your hard drive that way.

 

[confused2]

Thank you, but I am running OS 10.6.8. Tryed your reboot suggestion anyway. Nothing happened.

Other suggestions?

 

[bobtomay]

1. Shut down the MBP. Grab a can of air, attach the straw, insert it into the optical drive slot and shoot 3-4 quick bursts of air in various directions. Then try the 10.6 disc again.

2. FW target disk mode might work - never tried repairing a drive that way, but, if it acts like an external drive it may.

3. Buy an external optical drive.

4. Boot to your cloned backup and run DU from there (another reason everyone should have a bootable clone backup, not just Time Machine).

 

[pigoo3]

Thank you, but I am running OS 10.6.8.

Why did you say your MacBook Pro was running OS 10.8 in the first post then?? If it was a mistake...no problem. But at least tell us it was a mistake.

Other suggestions?

What OS install disks do you have? And let us know if they are the "gary" disks that came with the MacBook Pro...or if they are retail (store bought ) OS install disks.

- Nick