DiskSalv · Support

Help, FAQ, and contact information for DiskSalv users.

Need help?

Email:

When reporting a bug, please include:

  • DiskSalv version (see DiskSalv menu → About)
  • macOS version (Apple menu → About This Mac)
  • Steps to reproduce the problem
  • If relevant, the tail of ~/Library/Logs/DiskSalv/audit.log

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download DiskSalv?

There is no public download yet. The development source includes an MIT license; distribution and any purchase terms will be confirmed before release.

What macOS version do I need?

macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. The app is a Universal Binary, so it runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Why isn't DiskSalv on the Mac App Store?

DiskSalv uses system disk utilities for partition operations. A public distribution channel has not been announced. Signing and notarization status will be stated with the release.

macOS says the app "cannot be opened", what do I do?

There is no public build to install yet. Installation and troubleshooting instructions will be published with the signed release.

Why does it need Full Disk Access?

Raw block-level features (the ext4 reader, the hex viewer, and image restore) read and write devices directly, which macOS gates behind Full Disk Access. Grant it under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access. The app works for most disk and partition tasks without it.

How does DiskSalv protect the startup disk?

The app checks the selected target against the startup disk before destructive disk operations and refuses the operation when it cannot verify the target. Destructive dialogs also require typed confirmation. Keep a separate backup before changing disks or partitions.

Does S.M.A.R.T. monitoring need anything extra?

Basic health comes from diskutil and needs nothing. For detailed attributes (temperature, power-on hours, NVMe wear, critical warnings), install smartmontools, DiskSalv can do it for you via Homebrew from Settings → Optional Features, or you can run brew install smartmontools yourself.

Can it read Linux (ext4) partitions?

Yes, read-only. The built-in native ext4 reader browses directories and extracts files without mounting, and understands modern ext4 (extent trees, 64-bit filesystems). Writing to ext4 is intentionally not supported, to avoid corruption.

Can it write to NTFS?

Reading NTFS works through macOS. Writing requires a third-party driver (Paragon, Tuxera, or NTFS-3G/macFUSE). DiskSalv detects installed drivers and links you to them, but does not bundle one.

Is secure erase effective on an SSD?

Multi-pass overwriting is designed for spinning disks; on SSDs, wear-leveling means extra passes don't reliably reach the original cells (and add write wear). For SSDs, a single pass (or cryptographic erase via FileVault / reformatting an encrypted volume) is the appropriate approach.

Where is the audit log?

Disk operations are logged locally under ~/Library/Logs/DiskSalv/. The app also has an Operations Log view.

How do I uninstall DiskSalv?

Drag DiskSalv.app from Applications to the Trash. Optionally also remove ~/Library/Logs/DiskSalv/. If you granted Full Disk Access, revoke it under System Settings → Privacy & Security.

How do I report a bug or request a feature?

Email with a clear description, the steps to reproduce, your macOS and DiskSalv versions, and (if relevant) the tail of the audit log. Screenshots help a lot.

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