Disk image files, such as DMG and ISO, are commonly used to distribute software and other files on the Mac operating system. These files are essentially virtual copies of a physical disk and can be used to install programs, restore a backup, or even run a different operating system within a virtual machine.

However, just like any other type of data, disk image files can become corrupted or accidentally deleted, making the contents inaccessible. In such cases, it may be necessary to perform data recovery on the disk image in order to regain access to the files it contains.

Data Recovery Methods

There are a few different methods for recovering data from a corrupted or deleted disk image on a Mac, depending on the specific situation.

1. Using Disk Utility: The built-in Disk Utility program on the Mac can be used to repair disk image files that have become corrupted. To do this, open Disk Utility, select the disk image file in question and click the “Repair Disk” button. This will scan the file for errors and attempt to fix any that are found.

2. Mounting the Disk Image in Read-only Mode: If the disk image file is still present on the computer but cannot be opened or the contents are corrupted, the file can be mounted in read-only mode. This allows the contents to be read without making any changes to the original file, which can help to prevent further damage.

To mount a disk image in read-only mode:

  1. Right-click on the disk image file and select “Open.”
  2. Hold down the “Command” key while clicking the “Open” button.
  3. Select the “Read-only” checkbox and click “Open.”


3. Data recovery software: There are several third-party data recovery software available for Mac that can recover lost or deleted files from disk image files, including DMG and ISO. These programs can scan the disk image and attempt to recover any files that have been deleted or lost due to corruption.

It is important to note that the success of data recovery on a disk image will depend on the specific situation and the severity of the corruption or deletion. In some cases, it may not be possible to recover all the data. Additionally, it’s highly recommended to stop using the device or disk image file immediately and avoid installing or running any software on it, as it could overwrite the deleted or lost files and make them unrecoverable.

Preventing Data Loss

Preventing data loss in disk image files on the Mac can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including regular backups, using disk image software with built-in data protection features, and being mindful of potential risks.

  1. Regular Backups: One of the most effective ways to prevent data loss is to regularly back up important files and disk image files. This can be done using Time Machine, a built-in backup feature on the Mac, or by manually copying the files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. Regularly backing up files ensures that a recent copy of the data is available in the event that the original becomes corrupted or deleted.
  2. Disk Image Software with Data Protection Features: Some disk image software, such as Carbon Copy Cloner and SuperDuper, offer built-in data protection features. These features can include versioning, which keeps multiple copies of a disk image file, and incremental backups, which only back up the changes made since the last backup. Using disk image software with these features can help to prevent data loss by keeping multiple copies of the data and allowing for easy restoration in case of data loss.
  3. Being Mindful of Potential Risks: Disk image files can become corrupted or deleted due to a variety of reasons, such as a power outage, a software crash, or even a virus or malware. Being mindful of potential risks and taking precautions can help to prevent data loss. This can include shutting down the computer properly to avoid power outages, running anti-virus software, and being cautious when downloading or installing software from unknown sources.
  4. Keep a copy of the disk image in another location: Keeping a copy of the disk image in another location such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service can provide an extra layer of security. This will ensure that even if the original disk image is lost or damaged, you will still have a copy in another location.

So, preventing data loss in disk image files on the Mac requires a combination of regular backups, using disk image software with built-in data protection features, being mindful of potential risks, and keeping a copy of the disk image in another location. By taking these steps, you can protect your important files and disk image files and ensure that they are available in the event of data loss.

Additional Tips

  • If you are unable to recover data from a corrupted or deleted disk image using the methods described above, you may need to consult with a data recovery professional.
  • If you are using data recovery software, be sure to scan the disk image before restoring any files. This will help to ensure that the files are not further corrupted during the recovery process.
  • Once you have recovered the files from the disk image, be sure to back them up to a safe location.