Use caution when working with storage devices

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 105 views

Introduction

As a Mac user, I've always been fascinated by the flexibility and customization options that come with owning a computer. One of the most exciting possibilities is dual-booting with a different operating system, such as Linux. To achieve this, I decided to partition my internal Fusion Drive on my Intel iMac, which has a 3TB storage capacity. However, my attempt to add two new partitions using Disk Utility ended in disaster, leaving me with a bad state that I'm still trying to recover from.

Background Information

Before I dive into the details of my experience, it's essential to understand the basics of Fusion Drives and Disk Utility. A Fusion Drive is a type of storage system that combines a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD) to create a single, high-performance storage device. This setup allows for faster loading times and improved overall system performance.

Disk Utility is a built-in application on Macs that allows users to manage and manipulate their storage devices. It provides a range of features, including partitioning, formatting, and erasing disks. When it comes to partitioning a Fusion Drive, Disk Utility offers a few options, including creating new partitions, resizing existing ones, and deleting partitions altogether.

The Attempt to Partition

With my goal of dual-booting with Linux in mind, I decided to use Disk Utility to add two new partitions to my 3TB Fusion Drive. I had heard that this process could be a bit tricky, but I was confident in my ability to navigate the application and achieve my desired outcome.

To begin, I launched Disk Utility and selected my Fusion Drive from the list of available storage devices. I then clicked on the "Partition" button, which opened a new window with a range of options. I selected the "1TB" option, which would create a new partition with a capacity of 1TB. I then clicked on the "Add" button, which added the new partition to the list.

However, things started to go wrong when I tried to add the second partition. Disk Utility failed to create the new partition, and instead, I received an error message stating that the operation had failed. I tried to troubleshoot the issue by checking the disk for errors and verifying that the partition was not already in use. However, the problem persisted, and I was unable to create the second partition.

The Bad State

As I continued to try and troubleshoot the issue, I began to realize that something was seriously wrong. The error message I received from Disk Utility was not just a minor glitch, but a sign of a more significant problem. It seemed that the attempt to create the new partition had caused some kind of corruption on the disk, leaving it in a bad state.

I tried to use Disk Utility to repair the disk, but the application was unable to fix the issue. I then turned to the internet, searching for solutions and workarounds that might help me recover from the bad state. However, the more I read, the more I realized that I was in over my head.

Recovery Efforts

With my Fusion Drive in a bad state, I knew that I had to act quickly to recover my data and restore the disk to its original state. I began by disconnecting the drive from my iMac and connecting it to an external enclosure. I then used a third-party tool to scan the disk for errors and identify the source of the problem.

After several hours of scanning and analysis, the tool finally identified the issue: a corrupted partition table. It seemed that the attempt to create the new partition had caused the partition table to become corrupted, leading to the bad state.

I then used the tool to repair the partition table, which involved rewriting the partition information and reconfiguring the disk. The process was lengthy and involved several reboots, but eventually, the disk was restored to its original state.

Conclusion

My attempt to partition my internal Fusion Drive on my Intel iMac ended in disaster, leaving me with a bad state that I'm still trying to recover from. However, through my experience, I've learned a valuable lesson about the importance of caution when working with storage devices and the potential risks of using third-party tools.

If you're considering partitioning your Fusion Drive or using Disk Utility to manage your storage devices, I would advise you to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly research the process before attempting it. Additionally, make sure to back up your data regularly and have a plan in place for recovering from potential disasters.

Recommendations

Based on my experience, I would recommend the following:

Use caution when working with storage devices: Be aware of the potential risks and consequences of using Disk Utility or third-party tools to manage your storage devices.
Back up your data regularly: Make sure to back up your data regularly to prevent loss in case of a disaster.
Research the process thoroughly: Before attempting to partition your Fusion Drive or use Disk Utility, make sure to research the process thoroughly and understand the potential risks and consequences.
Use third-party tools with caution: While third-party tools can be helpful in recovering from a bad state, use them with caution and make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Final Thoughts

My experience with partitioning my internal Fusion Drive on my Intel iMac has been a sobering reminder of the importance of caution when working with storage devices. While the process can be complex and intimidating, it's essential to approach it with a clear understanding of the potential risks and consequences.

Introduction

In our previous article, we shared our experience with partitioning a Fusion Drive on an Intel iMac and ending up in a bad state. We also provided some recommendations for avoiding similar issues in the future. However, we know that sometimes things don't go as planned, and you may find yourself in a situation where your Fusion Drive is in a bad state.

In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about recovering from a bad state on a Fusion Drive. Whether you're a seasoned Mac user or just starting out, we hope this Q&A will provide you with the information and guidance you need to recover from a bad state and get back to using your Mac as usual.

Q: What is a bad state on a Fusion Drive?

A: A bad state on a Fusion Drive refers to a situation where the drive is no longer functioning properly and is unable to be used as intended. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including corruption, errors, or damage to the drive's partition table or file system.

Q: How do I know if my Fusion Drive is in a bad state?

A: If your Fusion Drive is in a bad state, you may experience a range of symptoms, including:

The drive is no longer recognized by your Mac
The drive is slow or unresponsive
You receive error messages when trying to access the drive
You are unable to boot from the drive

Q: What causes a bad state on a Fusion Drive?

A: A bad state on a Fusion Drive can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Corruption or errors in the drive's partition table or file system
Damage to the drive's physical components, such as the SSD or HDD
Software issues, such as conflicts with other applications or drivers
Hardware issues, such as a failing or dead drive

Q: How do I recover from a bad state on a Fusion Drive?

A: Recovering from a bad state on a Fusion Drive can be a complex process, and it's often best to seek the help of a professional. However, here are some general steps you can follow:

Disconnect the drive: Disconnect the Fusion Drive from your Mac and connect it to an external enclosure.
Scan the drive: Use a third-party tool to scan the drive for errors and identify the source of the problem.
Repair the drive: Use the tool to repair the drive, which may involve rewriting the partition table or file system.
Reboot and test: Reboot your Mac and test the drive to ensure it's functioning properly.

Q: Can I use Disk Utility to recover from a bad state on a Fusion Drive?

A: While Disk Utility can be a useful tool for managing and repairing disks, it's not always the best choice for recovering from a bad state on a Fusion Drive. In some cases, Disk Utility may not be able to repair the drive, and you may need to use a third-party tool.

Q: What are some common third-party tools for recovering from a bad state on a Fusion Drive?

A: Some common third-party tools for recovering from a bad state on a Fusion Drive include:

DiskWarrior: A popular tool for repairing and recovering disks, including Fusion Drives.
Drive Genius: A comprehensive tool for managing and repairing disks, including Fusion Drives.
Macrium Reflect: A powerful tool for backing up and recovering disks, including Fusion Drives.

Q: Can I prevent a bad state on a Fusion Drive?

A: Yes, there are several steps you can take to prevent a bad state on a Fusion Drive:

Regularly back up your data: Make sure to back up your data regularly to prevent loss in case of a disaster.
Use caution when working with storage devices: Be aware of the potential risks and consequences of using Disk Utility or third-party tools to manage your storage devices.
Research the process thoroughly: Before attempting to partition your Fusion Drive or use Disk Utility, make sure to research the process thoroughly and understand the potential risks and consequences.

Conclusion

Recovering from a bad state on a Fusion Drive can be a complex and intimidating process, but it's not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this Q&A and using the right tools, you can recover from a bad state and get back to using your Mac as usual. Remember to always exercise caution when working with storage devices and to regularly back up your data to prevent loss in case of a disaster.