"convert failed - image/device is too large" error creating a DMG (Image)

[dnanian]

Due to a bug in OS X 10.3.9's image conversion, backups "directly" to DMGs is failing at the end of the process with the message:

hdiutil: convert failed - image/device is too large

We've reported this new problem in "hdiutil" (part of OS X) to Apple, and hope they'll be fixing it shortly -- it's new to 10.3.9.

In the meantime, we'd suggest using a "Sparse Image" as explained in this FAQ.

Our apologies for the difficulty: alas, in this situation, we're at the mercy of Apple's own tools.

[Mark]

Hi David

I ran into the bug plus loads more. Currently I cannot get SD to even clone my 10.4 from one partition to another - the usual way I work when beta testing OS versions. This is under 10.3.9 and 10.4.0.

But then, I had the same problem with CCC and Apple Disk Utilities, the latter only running from 10.4 to achieve the task of imaging my 10.3.9 reference system.

Mark

[dnanian]

I don't know why that would be, Mark -- please provide me with more details about your clone error, but let's do it via support. Thanks.