DiskWarrior for Mac

DiskWarrior is a classic that goes way back. However, I use another tool called Cocktail and TechToolPro so I never bought it. Now I see that it won't support APFS drives and that Apple is essentially pushing independent developers, repair shops and the like out of business with their SoC architecture, which essentially amounts to converting everything — even desktops and laptops — into a mostly unrepairabe, non-upgradeble device. If any part of the memory, SSD or graphics card fails, the entire device becomes a brick. So clearly with APFS and Apple Silicone the stakes are that much higher for a software solution that will resurrect them from the dead when their internal recovery functions fail, as can happen in the event of a hardware failure. But what is the answer for developers like DiskWarrior? Apple is clearly sending the message with their T2 security chips, signed certificates for software, System Integrity Protection and other moves that they absolutely do not want anyone modifying any aspect of the device! (Just like Big Government, Big Tech loves to micromanage their users, while calling it "safety and security"!) In conclusion, I thought I would download this software while it's still out there because I'm a curmudgeon and refuse to go with the subscription model for anything and everything. As a result, I intend to keep my old but working Intel Macs around for 32-bit app support and the simple fact that I OWN my copy of Microsoft Office 11, CS6, etc. But now I'm asking myself: Why should I pay over $100 for a utility that is essentially crippled under Apple Silicone/APFS? DiskWarrior ought to cut their prices in half and make it clear that users of M1/M2 Macs will not have the same options as their HFS+ counterparts. This software may be kneecapped, but I hope the developers will keep offering it because there will be thousands of people around the world keeping around Macs that no longer have Apple Care and can't be easily replaced. In that case, this product will be more useful than ever.

If you're still using DiskWarrior, you're using a relatively antiquated Mac formatted as HTF+. It was great for that. But DiskWarrior is DOA for modern APFS formatted Macs. The only repair option available for APFS is Apple's own Disk Utility. Period. There are essays online about why this is the case. Don't expect this situation to change. Apple isn't budging. - -> Thankfully, APFS has enough self-checking to rarely require repair. But YES, APFS can be damaged! It's not perfect. Regular (monthly maybe) checking with Disk Utility in Recovery Mode is useful. Just be sure to cull out old drive snapshots first, or you could be running Disk Utility for hours, and hours.

I updated to the latest version 5.3.1 but it will not scan any of my SSDs or hard drives stating that it does not support this version of APFS. What? I’m running macOS Ventura on a Mac Studio Max. I thought at first that it was because of File Vault, but my other volumes that are not encrypted by File Vault could not be tested either. What version of APFS is supported, and how do I get access to a copy of Disk Utility that formats drives in the version that they support? They don’t say.

5.3.1 - tech support recommendation was to remove 5.2.0 and reinstall 5.3.1. The update support site lists 5.3.0 but downloads 5.3.1 (small detail but feels like a beta fix). However, I requested "how to remove all installed remnants" and the reply was 'crickets'. Likewise with ‘stopping’ the nagging update notice if remaining with 5.2.0. Very disappointed with this current behavior!

Note to the developer: Thank you for continuing to make an application that works WITHOUT being connected to the internet! However, ‘phoning home’ for a paid, registered and as long as you have been in business ‘customer’ I do NOT want to be nagged about a new update especially when there’s more work to be done. If you need beta testers on the cheap then I understand the reasoning… A suggestion, if you’re tipping your toe in the water regarding a ‘subscription’ model of forced ‘internet connection’ for use then that would be the wrong answer moving forward… Suggestions: 1. A preference to eliminate the auto-check or notification for updates! 2. Continue functioning as an ‘off-line’ utility (i.e. if you’re having problems then you’re probably not on the internet). 3. Keep the faith and embrace your loyal customers because they will bring in new business. Best Regards,