Can't delete Previous System File

Hi,
I did an archive and install and was left with a Previous System folder that is about 13G. I used "whatsize" app to move it to the trash where I then did a Secure empty trash. Trash can is empty, but when I run Whatsize again, the same previous system folder is still there, taking up 13G's of hard drive space. Any idea how to get rid of this file?
Thanks!

How To Fix Stubborn Trash and Why it Won't Delete
http://www.osxfaq.com/Tutorials/LearningCenter/HowTo/Trash/index.ws
Solving Trash Problems
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html
 Cheers, Tom

Similar Messages

Can I delete 'Previous Systems' folder?

I have re-installed Max OS X twice, first time 2 years ago, the last time was yesterday. This last time I noticed at some point a message that the previous system could not be used anymore for starting up (I hope I recollect this correctly).
When I look on the HD there is a folder with '2 previous systems' folders, and both folders have 7 items, and each folder has 7 sub-folders. (Applications, Library etc.)
I assume that this takes up space on the hard drive? Does the newly installed sw need these old items? If not, would it free space if I delete these old system folders?
Thank you in advance for any information.
Milli.

Some people keep them for a little while in case there is a plugin or settings file that they had in their old system that they want to put in their new one. Once you have decided you don't need any of those you can just trash them.

Can't Delete Previous Systems Folder

I did an archive and reinstall some time ago, and got what I needed from the Previous Systems folder. So I tried to delete it (Secure Delete), and got most of it gone. What is left is a "Previous Systems" folder, with an "Previous System 1" folder inside, which shows up in the window as empty. When I try and delete it, I get a message that I can't because "html" is in use. I went in via Terminal, and found a series of directories under my "empty" Previous System 1:
usr/X11R6/lib/X11/doc/html, with a ton of ".html" files in the "html" folder. I got rid of all those files, then tried to get rid of "html", but it tells me that it isn't empty. I used sudo rmdir, and sudo rm -rf, and I get the same message. What gives, and what can I do about it?

Just to follow up on my problem, I finally had to backup my drive onto another drive, reformat the disk, and copy everything back. The unempty-able Trash was then empty. I still have one other problem that I hoped all that would fix, but I'll post it as a separate question. Just in case someone's curious, the problem (which I had before) is that sometimes upon waking from sleep, I get no response from the machine in that:
1.) The battery/power meter doesn't update.
2.) Once I try and click the cursor on anything on the screen (Locations, a window, the Airport menu bar), I get a spinning beachball that goes on for minutes. When it goes away, I try clicking again, and back it comes. Eventually, the machine "catches up" and works, but it's very inconvenient. Usually, this happens after the machine has slept over night. It could be a network issue (i.e., it's looking for the network it saw the night before), but it doesn't happen everytime. It's enough to make me wonder why I bought a Mac.

Can I delete previous system?

Hey all.... I've tried to look up the answer, but haven't completely understood posts. So:
I upgraded to Leopard (not Snow Leopard) about a year ago.
I am trying to clear up some space on my hard drive. What issues might I face if I delete the previous systems folder on my hard drive? I have everything backed up on an external. I am running some CS2 programs (soon to upgrade to CS4).
Thank you!

If you are referring to a folder called Previous System then yes you can delete it. It is a dysfunctional appendage of an Archive & Install installation. Other than that please be more specific with titles of folders.

OK to delete "Previous Systems" file?

I noticed that after installing 10.5 (or maybe 10.5.1, because of the date), I have a folder called "Previous Systems" with a folder inside that called 2008-01-27_1835. Is it okay to delete this? It's taking 15 GB of space on my disk. Everything is working fine.

Hi J Micael;
If the Previous Systems folder was from either 10.5 or 10.5.1, then the chances of it being of any use are really slim. I think that deleting it will be a good thing.
Allan

Removing previous system files

Will I gain space on my HD by deleting previous system files.

You won't gain any space until you empty the trash, and that may take quite a long time. The last time I did it, I deleted one top-level folder at a time, then emptied the trash, to reduce the impact. Several of those sub-folders took quite a while.

Can anyone tell me how to delete previous "keep file" files? Im trying to free up some space on my mac.

Can anyone tell me how to delete previous "keep file" files? Im trying to free up some space on my mac.

You can upgrade to Mavericks free, just run the App Store program and search for Mavericks. But before you do upgrade I recommend the following:
1) make sure you have a recent backup. TimeMachine is fine.
2) Mavericks is somewhat more memory hungry than 10.7 was. You will need 4 GB of RAM and I strongly recommend 8 GB.
Go back to the Apple menu and select About this Mac - look under the OS info you just looked at. You'll see how much RAM your computer has now. Then click on the More Info button. There you will see your computer info listed as in: iMac, 21.5" mid 2010, for example. Return back with that information and we can tell you how far the computer can be upgraded.
If you decide to procede and you have enough RAM upgrading to Mavericks is quite simple. Click on the download button and let it do its job.

Won't boot from install discs after deleting some system files

I've been looking through the forum and haven't found an answer to my problem - maybe someone can help me out.
I have an aluminum Powerbook G4, 1.67, 1.5 RAM, 10.4.11. I was experiencing the problem with FCE capturing video for about 5 minutes and then freezing, and I read some threads here about how this can be fixed by returning to Quicktime 7.2 and installing it with Pacifist. I did this, but first tried to delete my previous Quicktime version files, and obviously I deleted some system files in the process. That's how my new problem started.
Programs now that do not open - Preview, iTunes, iMovie, FCE, Yahoo, Mail, and Microsoft Messenger. I no longer have my date/time/battery level/airport/bluetooth indicators in my toolbar. The Spotlight icon flashes, but will not open. Also, when opening the System Preferences pane, it opens just for a second or two and then crashes and closes. Safari, airport, and Word all work, though, and I still can access internet.
I tried to re-install OS 10.4 from my black install disc. The computer reads the disc, but after I click the installer icon and then "restart," the computer fails to completely reboot. The disc spins in the drive, I get the Apple, the indicator, and then the screen goes to blue and the disc soon stops spinning. Nothing happens after that. I've tried rebooting by holding down the C key but the same happens. When I hold down the option key, I get to the point where I can choose to boot from the install disc, and then the same thing happens - the blue screen and nothing more. Booting with the shift key held down doesn't work either.
I did just have a repair by Apple - my adaptor plug sparked when inserting it into the outlet, and I had to have the logic board replaced. But the computer seemed to be working fine when I got it back, except for the FCE issue first mentioned. Looks like my good intentions have done me in.
The install disc is about three years old, and is in good condition. It's been in the garage, so could heat or cold affect the readability of the disc?
Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can boot from my install disc and get a fresh install of my OS?

Hi bboross,
Tough without a Tiger Disk, but try fsck...
To use fsck, you must run it from the command line. Unlike using your mouse to open an application to do something, you'll need to type a text command at the prompt (#) to tell fsck what to do. The Terminal application (/Applications/Utilities) and single-user mode are two examples of command-line interfaces in which you can type such commands. To use fsck:
1. Start up your computer in single-user mode to reach the command line. Hold CMD+s keys down at bootup. Note: If necessary, perform a forced restart as described in the Emergency Troubleshooting Handbook that came with your computer. On desktop computers, you can do this by pressing the reset/interrupt button (if there is one) or holding down the power button for several seconds. On portable computers, simultaneously press the Command-Control-power keys. If your portable computer doesn't restart with this method, you may need to reset the Power Manager.
2. At the command-line prompt, type /sbin/fsck -fy
(space between fsck and -fy important)
3. Press Return. fsck will go through five "phases" and then return information about your disk's use and fragmentation. Once it finishes, it'll display this message if no issue is found: ** The volume (nameofvolume) appears to be OK  If fsck found issues and has altered, repaired, or fixed anything, it will display this message: *** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED ***   Important: If this message appears, repeat the fsck command you typed in step 2 until fsck tells you that your volume appears to be OK (first-pass repairs may uncover additional issues, so this is a normal thing to do).
4. When fsck reports that your volume is OK, type reboot at the prompt and then press Return.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then Safe Boot , (holding Shift key down at bootup), & use Disk Utility from there to Repair Permissions, reboot once more.

Previous system file

Since installing Tiger, I note that a "Previous System" file has appeared. Do I need this? Also, do I need OS9 file? Not sure if I'm operating any programs with OS9. It was on this iMac when I purchased it new.

Previous System folder is created during an Archive and Install. If you're certain you'll never need any of these files (thousands) you can delete it.
The same with OS 9.

I accidentally deleted hidden system files! Please help!

Hi guys.
Well after purchasing a mint MBP today running Mountain Lion, I wanted to "tidy up" the desktop and Finder. I saw many hidden files and thought it was very peculiar as my iMac hasn't got anything of the kind. I thought it could have been some files from a USB that were left there from previous usage. Anyway, I've ended up deleting key system files which now causes the MacBook to fail boot and keep restarting.
I've attempted the highly recommended "Command R" function which gave me a choice of Time Machine Restore (system comes up with no backups), re-installation of Lion (which won't work because the system is running Mountain Lion) and a Disk Utility repair (which does its job but makes no difference on start up). I feel really upset and annoyed. The system had great installations of key apps I needed. I'd be sad to loose them but would be happy to just get the system rebooted and running from scratch.
The system is a late 15" 2011 MACBOOK PRO with an i7 Quad 2.44 (or 2.66) processor, 4GB memory and a 750GB hard drive.
What can I do? Is it just a case of take it to Apple so they can reboot it for you? And if that's the case will I be charged?
Many thanks for the advice.
Apologies if this is something you have heard before, it's a horrible feeling and I just want it fixed.
Thanks.
Hal.

To install Lion that belongs to you will require you to repartition the drive first. You cannot do a simple reinstall of Lion over a Mountain Lion system. You will need to follow this guide instead:
Install Lion/Mountain Lion on a New HDD/SDD
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
Boot to the Internet Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND-OPTION- R keys until a globe appears on the screen. Wait patiently - 15-20 minutes - until the Recovery main menu appears.
Partition and Format the hard drive:
1. Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
2. After DU loads select your external hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed. Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Install button. Be sure to select the correct drive to use if you have more than one.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
This is the procedure you must go through because your hard drive does not have a Lion version of the Recovery HD.

I try to open I photo and I get the message, your iPhoto library is damaged...please restore from backup. But i din't made backup copy. How can i delete previous library and work wrom the new one?

I try to open I photo and I get the message, your iPhoto library is damaged...please restore from backup. But i din't made backup copy. How can i delete previous library and work wrom the new one?

Try this (assuming you're using iPhoto 12): make a temporary, duplicate copy of the library and try the three fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your Home/Library/Preferences folder.
delete iPhoto's cache files that are located in your Home/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder.
reboot, launch iPhoto and try again.
NOTE: If you're moved your library from its default location in your Home/Pictures folder you will have to point iPhoto to its new location when you next open iPhoto by holding the the Option key. You'll also have to reset the iPhoto's various preferences.
Fix #2
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library.
Select options #1, #2 and #6.
Fix #3
Rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager as follows:
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
Click on the Create button.
Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments but not books, calendars or slideshows. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

Getting Iphoto files out of Previous System file

I upgraded to Leopard using the Archive choice. My iphoto and iweb files are in the Previous System file under User and won't load when I load the programs. How do I get them to load. How much free disk space do I need on my HD

axk2
You're going to have to change the permissions on that path to get access to the files there.
You can do this using the Get Info Window, just make yourself the owner of the folders in turn. When you get to your Home Folder, drag the foldes you want to the desktop. When you've that done post back and we can get you the rest of the way there.
Regards
TD

I accidentally deleted the systems file on my macbook.

In preparation for upgrading from Leopard 5.8 to Snow Leopard I backed up my entire macbook system to an external hard drive. Then I deleted some files prior to installing Snow Leopard but I accidentally deleted the systems files. I can't boot the system now. How do I resolve the situation?

Thanks for the reply.
The backup was via Time Machine.
No, I have not tried booting from the SL 6.0 disc using the c key or Option/alt key. When do I push the option/alt key?

How can I delete an old file from my library on iTunes

Occasionally I have to replace PDF manuals with ones that have been updated. But after I sync the new file the old one remains on my Mac itunes library. How can I delete the old file? So far all I do is deselect the old file but it's still there. Sooner or later there will be more old files then current ones making it hard to manage.
Thanks in advance.

You can do this with or without the iPad connected to your Mac.
Launch iTunes on the Mac. Click on Books under the Library heading. Click on the PDFs. Then click on the PDF that you want to delete in order to select it, and go to Edit>Delete and follow the on screen prompts.
if you are using iTunes 11 and do not have the sidebar enabled, and wish to do so, go to View>Show sidebar or use the keyboard shortcut OPTION+Command+S.
If you do not want to enable the sidebar, the library items can be accessed in the button in the upper left corner of the iTunes window.

Trying to use a new, larger external hard drive for my Time Machine backup. However, every time I start the backup, it gets started then fails. And, I can't delete the few files that did save on the external. Sort of a catch 22. Any ideas?

Trying to use a new, larger external hard drive for my Time Machine backup. However, every time I start the backup, it gets started then fails. And, I can't delete the few files that did save on the external. Sort of a catch 22. Any ideas?

Is it a USB hard drive? USB hard drives have the problem of not giving full speed if they are hooked up on the same bus as keyboards and mice. Double check your profiler to make sure that is not a problem. If it is Firewire, make sure there aren't other firewire devices in use at the same time. I recommend not only keeping a Time Machine backup, but also a clone, and if you do use Time Machine, to make sure the Time Machine drive or partition is at least twice the size of the original drive.

Can't delete Previous System File

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