How to Fix File System Check Exit Code is 8: Common Problems

File System Check Exit Code 8 is a common error that can lead to losing data in today’s digital-heavy world. This error might show up during regular checks or when your computer has trouble getting to or handling stored data.

As we depend more and more on digital storage, it’s important to know about and fix these errors to keep our data safe. This blog will explain what this error is, what problems it can cause, and how to solve it.

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What is the File System Exit Code 8 on a Mac?

A Mac’s “file system exit code 8” problem typically indicates that your hard disk contains corrupted files. This error might show up when you use Disk Utility’s First Aid to check your files. It could happen because of a few different reasons, such as:

The file system might be damaged or not compatible.
There could be mistakes in how your system is set up.
The drivers for your Mac’s storage drive might be old or not match well.
Viruses or malware might have attacked your computer.
There might be bad spots or blocks on your hard drive, whether it uses HDD or SSD technology.

Common Problems with “File System Check Exit Code is 8” on Macs

Users may have several problems when they run into the “File System Check Exit Code Is 8” error on a Mac, such as:

The inability to mount the internal startup drive, SSD, memory cards, or external hard drives.
Damage to the system directory or file system volume, potentially from a virus attack.
Access to the Mac’s file system is restricted, files are corrupted and errors are shown.
Failure of Disk Utility’s First Aid to fix the hard drive, displaying the error code “File System Check Exit Code Is 8.”
While one partition on a segmented hard drive may function correctly, another may present the “File System Check Exit Code Is 8” error.
Problems with force erasing the disk, despite having the necessary permissions set in system settings.
The “Erase” and “First Aid” options are unavailable (greyed out) in the Mac Disk Utility.

Resolve My Mac’s File System Check Exit Code of 8

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Your Mac’s “file system check exit code 8” error suggests a possible hard disk issue that can cause data loss. To protect your data, first back it up to an external device using a reliable backup program like Acronis Backup.

After securing your data, try a simple restart of your Mac as it might fix the issue. If the error persists after restarting, you’ll need to follow more detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.

Method 1: Use the Disk Utility in Recovery Mode to run First Aid

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Disk Utility is a tool on your Mac that helps manage all the drives on your MacBook. One of its key features is First Aid, which scans your disk for errors and can even repair it. You can use First Aid in Recovery Mode to check and fix disk issues.

Run the Fsck Command in Single User Mode

Run the fsck command in Single User Mode or use First Aid in recovery mode to fix the “file system exit check code 8” on your Mac. This is how you do it:

First Aid in Recovery Mode:

For Intel-based Macs: Restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold CMD + R until the Apple logo appears.
For Apple Silicon Macs: After turning off your Mac, hold down the power button until the startup menu displays. Click the gear icon labelled “Options” and then “Continue.”
Login using an administrator account and enter its password.
Click “Continue” after choosing “Disk Utility” in the macOS Utilities window.
In the sidebar of Disk Utility, choose your main disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”).
At the top of the window, click the “First Aid” button.
In the dialogue that appears, click “Run” to start the First Aid process.
After First Aid completes, close the utility by clicking the red “X,” and restart your Mac.

Running the Fsck Command in Single User Mode:

Power on your Mac and immediately press and hold CMD + S until you see white text on a black screen, indicating Single User Mode.
For newer Mac models, boot into recovery mode, then go to Utilities > Terminal.
In the Terminal, enter the command /sbin/fsck -fy and press Return to start the file system check. If fsck finds problems, it will try to fix them. Keep running this command until you get a message saying the disk is okay.
Once finished, type “reboot” and press return to restart your Mac.

Single User Mode is distinct from both safe mode and recovery mode, utilizing a command line interface for deeper system troubleshooting.

Make A Hard Drive Format

If you can’t fix your Mac’s issues, you might need to format your hard drive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it, but remember, this will delete all data, so ensure you’ve backed everything up first.

Turn off Your Mac: Start with your Mac turned off.
Enter Recovery Mode: Holding down the power button will bring up the startup options.
Access Utilities: Select “Continue” after clicking the “Options” gear icon.
Login: Choose an administrator account and input the password.
Open Disk Utility: Click “Continue” after selecting “Disk Utility” in the macOS Utilities window.
Prepare to Erase: Choose your startup disk (often named “Macintosh HD”) from the sidebar.
Erase the Disk: Click “Erase” once more after choosing a file system format and, if available, a scheme.
Unlock if Needed: If your Mac uses FileVault, you may need to type in your FileVault password to proceed.
Reinstall macOS: Choose “Reinstall macOS” in the macOS Utilities window once the disk has been erased.
Follow Setup: Complete the installation by following the on-screen prompts.

Conclusion

The “File System Check Exit Code 8” error is a dangerous condition that may indicate a hard drive issue with your Mac. We’ve gone over several ways to try and fix this, from using the First Aid tool in Recovery Mode to running the fsck command in Single User Mode.

If these steps don’t work, you might need to format your hard drive. Always make sure to back up your data first so you don’t lose any important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exit Status 8 in Fsck?

This status appears when the system finds a damaged filesystem during a check, or it’s unable to fix errors successfully.

What is Exit Code 8 in SSH?

This error occurs during an SSH file transfer when there isn’t enough storage space on the server or network space to complete the upload of your file.

Is Exit Code 8 a Serious Issue for my Computer?

Yes, it can be serious because it indicates problems with your filesystem that might prevent your computer from accessing data correctly.

Does Exit Code 8 Mean I will Lose my Data?

Not necessarily, but there is a risk of data loss if the filesystem issues are not resolved. Backing up important data as soon as possible is advisable.

What Should I Do if I Receive an Exit Code 8 During a Filesystem Check?

You should try to repair the filesystem using appropriate tools or software. Seeking advice from a specialist could be prudent if the issue continues.