Disk Utility won't allow me to delete and resize partitions

I'm running OS X 10.9, and I had a linux partition when I updated from 10.8. Since I updated I can't boot on linux, which is no big deal for me. However, I would like to delete the partition that is left (Linux swap) and merge the free space that was created during the update with my mac partition.

But Disk Utility won't let me delete the Linux Swap and it won't let me change the number of partitions. I'm stuck with this configuration:

Disk Utility

I haven't found a solution for this issue browsing the web and I don't want to "break" my disk, so thanks for your help!


i would try this:

first boot up you mac with a linux live cd. then use gparted to remove those un needed partitions. (without resizing just delete what you don't need anymore).

now reboot into os x and now you schould be able to resize the os x partition case there is only free space no other partition formats wich os x can't handle.


  1. Use the recovery disk assistant to create a bootable USB
  2. Restart holding down the option key
  3. Boot from the USB
  4. Choose Disk Utility
  5. Delete the 04 partition then re-size your main partition

Disk Utility does not work if you do not boot from USB as the computer is then still using your 04 partition