Strange error when Bootcamp attempts to create partition for Windows

Question

I get a strange error when I tell Bootcamp to create a partition for Windows. I get to the Create a Partition stage. I select 20GB for Windows leaving 91GB (39GB free) for OS X. I then click Partition and it gives me the following error

The disk cannot be partitioned because some files cannot be moved.

Back up the disk and use Disk Utility to format it as a single Mac OS Extended (Journaled) volume. Restore your information to the disk and try using Boot Camp Assistant again.

My disk is formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled), I have closed all applications (besides Bootcamp Assistant) and I have even restarted and tried again to see if that might help. Nothing. I can't get it to partition.

I also tried to create the partition using Disk Utility and I got the following error

Partition failed

Partition failed with the error:

Could not modify partition map because filesystem verification failed

Any ideas?

BTW - I am running OS X 10.6.2

Solution 1

I encountered this error a few months ago when I attempted to create a partition. I followed bootcamp's instructions (ie used time machine to backup the entire disk and reformat) and all worked fine.

Took a while to perform the backup and restore though :(

Solution 2

Some unmovable system files have been placed in areas on the disk that prevent Boot Camp from repartitioning it as necessary. This is especially common if the disk is rather full, or was rather full then emptied to make space. The advice given by the Boot Camp Assistant is the best way to fix the issue.

Comments

[Burgi]

This answer from our sister site may also help. apple.stackexchange.com/questions/30686/…

[mozillalives]

Yeah, I was hoping to avoid it though.

[JT.WK]

yeah I must admit I put it off for months. Not something I really like doing!