Macintosh: Disk Image File Does Not Open With Disk Copy

Symptom

A disk image file will not open. This may occur immediately after you download it.

Note: Disk image files usually have a filename extension of ".img".

Solution

Mac OS X 10.2.8 or earlier

1. Open Disk Copy (/Applications/Utilities/).
2. Drag the disk image file icon into the Disk Copy window.

With Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.2.8, this can happen when an earlier version of Mac OS X is installed over a newer one with an Archive and Install installation. Use Software Update preferences to update your Mac OS X installation after you perform an Archive and Install installation.

If the disk image file still does not open, users of Mac OS X 10.2 (Note 1) may follow these additional steps:

1. Open Disk Utility (/Applications/Utilities/).
2. Select the Mac OS X startup disk in the left-hand column.
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Click Repair Disk Permissions.

After repairing permissions, try opening the disk image file again.


Notes:

1. If you have Mac OS X 10.1.5, you may use the Repair Privileges Utility, which is available from Apple Software Downloads (http://www.apple.com/swupdates/). If you have Mac OS X 10.1 through 10.1.4, you must update to version 10.1.5 to use the utility.

2. If you use Aladdin StuffIt Expander, note that Aladdin recommends using Disk Copy to open disk image files in Mac OS X (http://www.aladdinsys.com/support/techsupport/mac/) .

3. If an alert appears after you download a disk image file, you may need to configure your web browser to open disk image files with Disk Copy. See technical document 106171, "Mac OS X: Double-Clicking a File Opens the Wrong Application".

Mac OS 8 and 9

1. Open Disk Copy.
2. Drag the disk image file into the window that appears, as instructed.

If you use Aladdin StuffIt Expander, verify that a current, compatible version is installed (http://www.aladdinsys.com/support/techsupport/mac/).

To keep a web browser "helper application" from opening a downloaded disk image file, Control-click the link to the file in your browser's window, then select "Download File to Disk" or "Save Link Target As..." (the exact choice depends on which browser you use). You may wish to review the helper applications (if any) that are used for disk image files in your web browser's preferences.

If a repeating, non-dismissable "-127" alert message appears immediately after downloading a disk image file, you may regain control of your computer by following these steps:

1. Press the power button on the keyboard after dismissing one of the alert messages. A dialog box appears asking if you wish to Shut Down, Restart, or Sleep. You may need to dismiss a few more alert boxes before seeing this dialog box.
2. Click Restart or Shut Down.
3. You may need to dismiss a few more alert boxes before the computer restarts or shuts down.

Note: If these steps to not work, force quit the Finder by press Command-Option-Escape. If you are able to force quit, immediately restart your computer.

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.

Document 17159, "Locating Vendor Information" can help you search for a particular vendor's address and phone number.