Fix Disk Utility Error: Problems Were Found With the Partition Map

Facing thе еrror "Problеms wеrе found with thе partition map" can be confusing due to its various potential causes. Whilе rеsolving thе issuе is gеnеrally straightforward, it's еssеntial to takе prеcautions to safеguard your data. This post will guide you through thе likеly rеasons for this еrror, еffеctivе solutions, and tips to protеct your data during thе procеss. Keep reading!

Part 1. First Aid: Save Your Data Lost From an Unmountable External Hard Drive

If an еxtеrnal hard drivе bеcomеs inaccеssiblе on your Mac via Disk Utility, thе issuе is likely with thе dеvicе rathеr than thе mounting procеss. Thе bеst approach is to usе profеssional Mac hard drivе data rеcovеry softwarе to quickly rеtriеvе your savеd filеs. 

EasеUS Data Rеcovеry Wizard for Mac еffеctivеly scans your еxtеrnal hard drivе and rеcovеr all еxisting data, including lost filеs. Thе tool hеlps rеcovеr data lost through accidеntal dеlеtion, еmptiеd trash bin, and othеr data loss scеnarios.    

Here are the detailed steps you need to follow to recover your lost data on Mac during the partition map error:

Step 1. Search for lost files

Select the disk location to search for lost files (it can be an internal HDD/SSD or a removable storage device) on macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and the latest Sonoma. Click the "Search for lost files" button.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from the Mac backup, and your computer can wirte new data again.

Step 2. Go through the scanning results

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results.

Step 3. Select the file(s) and recover

In the scan results, select the file(s) to preview and click the "Recover" button to have them back.

You may share this post with your friends in need to solve this error:

Part 2. How to Fix Problem Found With Partition Map on System Drives

Here are some easy ways to fix the "problems were found with the partition map" issue.

Fix 1. Repair the Drive Using Fsck in Single User Mode 

If First Aid in Disk Utility fails to resolve the issue, the fsck (file system consistency check) tool in Single User Mode may help. 

This command-line tool can provide a more thorough repair of your file system.

Step 1. Restart your Mac and long-press "Command + S" during startup to enter "Single User Mode," which allows command-line operations for system maintenance.

Step 2. In the command prompt, input /sbin/fsck -fy and press "Enter." This command will check the file system and attempt to repair any detected issues.

Step 3. Wait for fsck to complete. If it reports that the drive was modified, run the command again until it indicates that the volume appears to be "OK."

Step 4. Once fsck completes its repairs and reports that the volume is "OK," type reboot and press "Enter" to restart your Mac.

Using fsck in Single User Mode offers a deeper level of disk repair and can resolve issues that Disk Utility's First Aid cannot fix. 

If fsck indicates that repairs were made, run the command multiple times to ensure all issues are addressed.

Fix 2. Repair Partition Map in macOS Recovery Mode 

If the error details indicate "Problems were found with the partition map," you should run First Aid from macOS Recovery as advised.

Step 1. Boot into Mac Recovery Mode:

• For Intеl Macs: Rеstart your Mac, thеn immеdiatеly prеss and hold "Command + R" until thе startup scrееn appеars.

• For M1 & M2 Macs: Shut down your Mac, long-prеss thе powеr button until thе "Loading startup options" scrееn appеars, thеn click "Options" > "Continuе." 

Step 2. From the pop-up menu, click "Disk Utility" > "Continue."

Step 3. Click "View" > "Show All Devices."

Step 4. Select your startup disk (the topmost one) and click "First Aid."

Step 5. Wait for the scan to complete. If the issue persists, run First Aid on the volumes under the disk one by one to check for issues. 

If Disk Utility reports no errors on the internal volumes and your Mac boots up well, you need not worry further. Remember to share this post with your friends or colleagues who are facing this Disk Utility error:

Fix 3. Format the Startup Disk Again in Internet Recovery

If fsck cannot fix the partition map, reformatting the drive can create a new one. Erase the entire disk, not just its volumes, to address the partition map error.

Step 1. Ensure you've backed up your files using Time Machine or recovered lost data from the Mac. After that, restart your Mac in Internet Recovery Mode.

Step 2. When the Utilities menu appears, select "Disk Utility" > "Continue."

Step 3. Select " View" > "Show All Devices" to reveal the disk.

Step 4. Select the startup disk and click "Erase."

Step 5. Enter a name for the drive or keep the original, and set the Scheme to "GUID Partition Map."

Step 6. Set your Format to APFS for macOS 10.13 or later, and Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for macOS 10.12 or earlier. Lastly, click "Apply" > "Done."

After erasing the startup disk, run First Aid again to check if the error is resolved. Erasing the disk should fix partition map problems. 

To reinstall macOS, exit Disk Utility and choose "Reinstall macOS" to launch the latest version of the previously installed macOS.

Part 3. How to Fix Problems Found With the Partition Map on External Hard Drive

If the drive cannot be mounted, reformatting it with a new file system might be the best solution.

Erasing the disk at the drive level reformats the area containing the partition map and directory, effectively removing any damaged or faulty partition maps. 

Remember to back up your data to another storage device before reformatting, as this process will delete all data on the drive.

Final Words

In summary, we've discussed how to address partition map issues on external hard drives and highlighted essential recovery steps. If you encounter the "problems were found with the partition map" error, using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can be a reliable solution. This software effectively scans your drive and retrieves lost files, ensuring your important data is safe and accessible.

FAQs

If you're still looking for ways to solve the "problems were found with the partition map" error, don't worry. Here are some more details to help resolve the issue.

1. What is a damaged partition map?

A damaged partition map refers to a corrupted or compromised structure on a storage device that defines how data is organized into partitions. This can lead to data inaccessibility, system boot failures, and potential data loss.

2. Why can't I partition my SD card on my Mac?

If the Partition button is grayed out after choosing your SD card, USB drive, or hard drive on a Mac, it indicates that Disk Utility does not permit partitioning the disk. Possible reasons include:

• You selected the volume instead of the disk.
• The disk is being used for Time Machine backups.
• The disk uses the MBR (Master Boot Record) partition table.

3. How to fix unable to write to the last block of the device?

This error may be due to communication or connection problems. Switching ports and cables can often resolve this issue. If your SSD is connected externally, try using a different USB port and replacing the USB cable or enclosure. If possible, connect the device internally to your system.