[SOLVED] No Mountable File Systems in DMG File on macOS Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur

Mac operating systems are renowned for their steadfast reliability and stability, which is a key reason they are predominantly utilized in productivity and work-oriented settings. Nevertheless, despite their inherent stability, they are not immune to errors or issues.

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One issue that Mac users often encounter is when they attempt to open DMG files. Behold, the unwelcome no mountable file systems error makes its appearance. This frustrating issue is not new to macOS, fortunately, there are methods to bypass it.

This article will guide you in examining some of those reasons and assist you in diagnosing the underlying causes. Let's delve right into it.

"What Are No Mountable File Systems on macOS"

DMG files are quite common in macOS and are necessary whenever a Mac user wants to install something or utilize new software. However, the circumstances can vary depending on the specific file. Nonetheless, one constant is that the "no mountable file systems" error can occur at any time.

But, the underlying issues behind this error can convey the same message in various ways, such as:

• No mountable file systems error
• Unable to locate the DMG file
• File not found
• Access denied

Either of these errors typically signifies the same issue concerning DMG files on a Mac. Hence, it's crucial to identify the root cause and apply the appropriate solution. Let's delve into both possibilities to find the answer.

What Causes the "No Mountable File System" Error?

No single issue triggers error messages when attempting to open DMG files on macOS, and there can be numerous reasons for this occurrence. Hence, as previously emphasized, understanding the causes is as vital as implementing the solutions.

In this section, we'll delve into several common reasons why a DMG file might be unreadable on macOS. Let's examine each of these reasons in detail:

Reason 1: The DMG File Format Is Corrupted

One of the primary reasons DMG files are unreadable is that the file might be corrupted. Users often download compromised files and assume there is no issue. Therefore, sometimes, the most obvious issue is the problem, and in this case, it's a corrupted DMG file.

Reason 2: The DMG File Format Is Not Compatible with Your macOS

It's crucial to comprehend that although macOS appearances might be alike, they are not all identical. This is why the DMG file format you're utilizing might not be compatible with your specific macOS version. A straightforward solution is to check the compatibility of the file with your macOS and download the appropriate one.

Reason 3: Malware Issue on the File System

Malware on a Mac is not uncommon and could be one reason the DMG file is unreadable. Another possible explanation is that your DMG file is infected with a virus or malware, causing the Mac to refuse to read it.

Reason 4: Virus Attack on the File System

Viruses are yet another reason why your operating system might not be able to read any DMG files. Hence, it's crucial to ensure that your Mac computer is free from such issues before attempting to mount a DMG file.

Reason 5: Bad Sectors on the Hard Drive

Another rare but possible reason is that your hard drive might contain a bad sector. Hence, it might not be an issue with your operating system or the DMG file itself. Instead, it could be a hardware problem, and the primary culprit is typically the hard drive.

These are some of the most common reasons why any macOS might fail to read a DMG file. Hence, it's essential to identify and address these issues before attempting the solutions. You can refer here to learn how to fix a corrupted hard drive on Mac.

"Recovering Mac Data When the File System Becomes Corrupted"

Before attempting to resolve the DMG issue, it's essential to perform a preliminary check on your macOS computer's health. You need to make sure your data is safe, especially if there's a possibility of malware or viruses on your device.

The reason behind this is that when you use Terminal Command Line or other methods to repair DMG files, there's a risk of losing important data.

In this scenario, utilize a professional tool such as Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. This exceptional file-recovery software enables you to restore, repair, or retrieve lost files in various situations when they go missing.

In other words, this utility enables you to salvage your files under any circumstances that lead to loss - be it while attempting to retrieve a DMG file or making it functional again. Furthermore, it offers numerous compelling reasons to adopt it as your go-to recovery solution, including:

1. A potential recovery or restoration utility for retrieving vital data. 2. Safeguards files from operational errors, hard disk damage, or improper partitioning. 3. Enables the retrieval of photos, videos, and other personal data. 4. Exhibits steadfast capability in restoring lost files, enabling comprehensive restoration.

Following these steps may help you operate it more effectively:

Note: You can first create a backup by clicking "Disk Backup" on the left. The software will recover the document from the backup image. This can prevent further damage to your disk and data, making the process safer and more reliable.

Step 1. Search for missing documents

Choose the location where your crucial Word/Excel/PPT/Numbers/Pages documents went missing and click "Search for lost files."

Step 2. Locate Lost Documents on Mac

Upon launching the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, it will promptly initiate a scan on the chosen disk volume. The scanning results will be displayed in the left pane. By selecting "Documents," you can swiftly filter and locate the lost DOC/PDF/PPT/XLS files.

Step 3. Recover Lost/Deleted Documents

Select the target files and preview them by double-clicking. Then, click "Recover" to retrieve lost documents immediately.

How to fix the "No Mountable File Systems" error on macOS?

In this section, we'll examine a few straightforward solutions for addressing "unmountable file system" errors specifically related to DMG files. It's crucial to note that these remedies have been tested and proven effective; however, if one doesn't resolve the issue for you, another might do the trick.

So let's explore each fix, from the simplest to the most complicated.

Method 1: Restart Your Mac

A simple solution to try is restarting your Mac. Occasionally, caches and NVRAM (Non-volatile Random-Access Memory) accumulate unnecessary data. By restarting your Mac, you refresh its state, which can resolve the issue. Hence, attempt to restart your Mac and then run the DMG file again.

Method 2: Download the DMG Again

Another solution you can attempt is to download the DMG file again. As previously stated, often in macOS, the most obvious problem is the one you should address. In this instance, if the DMG file is corrupted, you should attempt to download it anew.

For a full download, you can try using the Terminal. Here's how:

Step 1. Open Terminal on your macOS

Step 2. Type curl -O URL (replace "URL" with the download link) and press enter

Step 3. Wait for the download to complete

As you can see in the image above, the download URL follows the 'curl' command. Hence, after entering the Mac terminal command, copy and paste the URL to initiate the download.

Method 3: Check the File System Format

The third approach is to examine the file system format and ensure its compatibility with your macOS. This is a significant reason why DMG files fail to mount on macOS, as the file might not be compatible with the version of macOS installed on the device.

To put it simply, older versions of macOS do not support the APFS file system. The alternative file system is HFS. To determine which one your system is using, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Terminal on your Mac device

Step 2. Type "diskutil info /" and press enter

Step 3. Check the file system personality

Once you do this, make sure the DMG file you download is compatible with this file system personality.

Method 4: Mount the DMG using the Terminal

If your file system is compatible with your DMG version, you can mount the DMG using the Terminal. To do this, you'll need to employ a few commands. Follow these steps: 1. Open the Terminal application on your Mac. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, or simply search for "Terminal" using Spotlight (press Command + Space). 2. Once the Terminal window is open, type the following command and press Enter: ``` hdiutil attach /path/to/your/dmg/file.dmg ``` Replace "/path/to/your/dmg/file.dmg" with the actual path to your DMG file. If the file is in your Downloads folder, for example, the command would be: ``` hdiutil attach ~/Downloads/myfile.dmg ``` 3. The Terminal will process the command and, if successful, display the mount point of the DMG file. It should look something like `/Volumes/DMGFileName`. 4. To check the contents of the mounted DMG, you can use the `cd` (change directory) and `ls` (list) commands. For instance, if the DMG mounted at `/Volumes/MyDMG`, type: ``` cd /Volumes/MyDMG ls ``` This will change your current directory to the DMG's mount point and list the files and folders inside. 5. When you're done with the DMG, you can unmount it using the following command: ``` hdiutil detach /Volumes/DMGFileName ``` Replace "DMGFileName" with the actual name of your DMG volume. Remember to be cautious when working with the Terminal, as incorrect commands can potentially cause issues. If you're not comfortable with the command line, consider using the graphical methods mentioned earlier.

Step 1. Open the Terminal on your Mac

Step 2. Open the folder containing the DMG file.

Step 3. Type the command "hdiutil attach -verbose," but do not press enter yet.

Step 4. Drag and drop the DMG file from the folder into the Terminal window.

Step 5. Once finished, press Enter to mount the DMG file.

Step 6. You will notice the DMG file appearing on your desktop or within the Finder utility.

This will mount the DMG and allow you to explore it or use the installed application once the terminal mounts it.

Method 5: Repair Corrupted DMG File in Recovery Mode

This method will assist you in utilizing the DMG file in Recovery Mode. However, to proceed, you'll need to shut down your computer first. Hence, you'll have to determine whether your Mac is unable to boot into Recovery Mode using either the Intel or Apple approach. After that, follow these steps:

Step 1. Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode

Step 2. Select Disk Utility from the Recovery menu

Click on Disk Utility.

Step 3. In the Disk Utility, open the toolbar options and click on "Show All Devices."

Step 4. Navigate to the location of your DMG file

Step 5. Open the DMG file and choose First Aid

Step 6. Confirm when prompted

Step 7. Please wait until it is completed.

This will run a repair on the file and anything contained within it. Once finished, restart your Mac and attempt to run the DMG again.

To conclude

Here are some of the most effective methods to assist you in running a DMG file and successfully mounting it on your Mac device. It's crucial to understand that not all DMG files are compatible with every version of macOS. Therefore, it's advisable to address each issue individually as needed.

Aside from that, you'll also need to ensure a complete backup before employing these methods. You'll have to utilize a reliable professional tool – like the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac – to recover or repair any lost files during the process.

"No Mountable File Systems" FAQs

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that might assist you in addressing any further inquiries.

1. What is a DMG file? A DMG file, short for Disk Image File, is a type of disk file format used primarily on Apple macOS and iOS systems. It is essentially an image of a disc or volume that can be mounted as a virtual drive on these platforms. DMG files are commonly used to distribute software, allowing users to easily install applications without needing to physically insert a CD or DVD. They can also store data, documents, and other types of files. When you download software from the internet that's intended for macOS, it often comes in a DMG package. Users can open DMG files using the built-in utility "Disk Utility" or simply double-clicking the file, which will then mount the image and allow access to its contents.

A DMG file is an Apple Disk Image file that enables users to install or utilize new software on their Mac devices. In layman's terms, a DMG file serves a similar purpose to an EXE file in the Windows ecosystem.

2. How do I mount a DMG file on a Mac? To mount a DMG (Disk Image) file on a Mac, follow these steps: 1. **Locate the DMG file**: First, find the DMG file you want to mount. It typically has a ".dmg" extension and can be located in your Downloads folder or any other location where you saved it. 2. **Double-click the DMG file**: Once you've found the DMG file, simply double-click on it. This will initiate the mounting process. 3. **Wait for the file to mount**: Your Mac will then mount the DMG file as a virtual disk. You'll see a new icon appear on your desktop or in the Finder's "Devices" section, representing the mounted disk image. 4. **Access the contents**: Now you can access the contents of the DMG file by clicking on the mounted disk image. You can copy, move, or install files as needed. 5. **Eject the DMG file**: When you're done with the DMG file, right-click (or Control-click) on the mounted disk image and select "Eject" from the context menu, or drag the icon to the Trash to safely remove it. Remember that some DMG files may require administrative privileges (sudo) to mount or contain software that needs to be installed before use. If prompted, provide your Mac's username and password to proceed.

You can double-click the DMG file to open it on your Mac. However, if you encounter issues with mounting, you can utilize the troubleshooting steps and techniques outlined in this article to ensure smoother operation.

3. How to install DMG files on Ubuntu?

In Ubuntu's Terminal, you can use several commands, but the recommended one for this purpose is: dmg2dmg /path/to/name.dmg /path/to/name.img Make sure to replace the paths and the DMG file name with the correct ones.

4. Why can't I open a mountable file in Linux?

Similar to macOS, the file might be corrupted or unsupported by your version of Linux. Therefore, ensure you address these requirements before attempting again.