Mac book air. its startup disk is jammed full. frozen
my assistant has a mac book air. its startup disk is jammed full. I was able to access iphoto so she could delete some files. The computer wont load the dock so i can empty the trash. what can I do to free up space and get the machine running again
Then you're in luck. Start the MBA in target disk mode and connect it to the MBP with a Thunderbolt cable. The internal drive of the MBA will mount on the MBP as if it were an external drive. Copy some of the files, then delete the originals. You should have at least 9 GB of free space when you're done, preferably much more to allow for expansion.
How to enable Target Disk Mode via Thunderbolt | Macworld
Similar Messages
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My MacBook air's startup disk is almost full, what do I do?
A message has been popping up that my startup disk is almost full and that I need to delete files. I've deleted items in my trash but I only have 8.66 GB available. I have gone through a lot of my files and when I go into my Macintosh hd it has those lines for what is taking up the most space and it is other. The blue audio says 3.48 GB the purple movies says 3.65 GB the orange (photos) says 780.5 MB the green (apps) says 4.29 GB and it says zero KB for back ups. So this other thing is taking up the most room how do I delete stuff from the other column. I would like to update my software but I need to free up space.
For information about the Other category in the Storage display, see this support article. If the Storage display seems to be inaccurate, try rebuilding the Spotlight index.
Empty the Trash if you haven't already done so. If you use iPhoto, empty its internal Trash first:
iPhoto ▹ Empty Trash
Do the same in other applications, such as Aperture, that have an internal Trash feature. Then restart the computer. That will temporarily free up some space.
According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of available space on the startup volume (as shown in the Finder Info window) for normal operation. You also need enough space left over to allow for growth of the data. There is little or no performance advantage to having more available space than the minimum Apple recommends. Available storage space that you'll never use is wasted space.
When Time Machine backs up a portable Mac, some of the free space will be used to make local snapshots, which are backup copies of recently deleted files. The space occupied by local snapshots is reported as available by the Finder, and should be considered as such. In the Storage display of System Information, local snapshots are shown as Backups. The snapshots are automatically deleted when they expire or when free space falls below a certain level. You ordinarily don't need to, and should not, delete local snapshots yourself. If you followed bad advice to disable local snapshots by running a shell command, you may have ended up with a lot of data in the Other category. Ask for instructions in that case.
See this support article for some simple ways to free up storage space.
You can more effectively use a tool such as OmniDiskSweeper (ODS) or GrandPerspective (GP) to explore the volume and find out what's taking up the space. You can also delete files with it, but don't do that unless you're sure that you know what you're deleting and that all data is safely backed up. That means you have multiple backups, not just one. Note that ODS only works with OS X 10.8 or later. If you're running an older OS version, use GP.
Deleting files inside an iPhoto or Aperture library will corrupt the library. Any changes to a photo library must be made from within the application that created it. The same goes for Mail files.
Proceed further only if the problem isn't solved by the above steps.
ODS or GP can't see the whole filesystem when you run it just by double-clicking; it only sees files that you have permission to read. To see everything, you have to run it as root.
Back up all data now.
If you have more than one user account, make sure you're logged in as an administrator. The administrator account is the one that was created automatically when you first set up the computer.
Install the app you downloaded in the Applications folder as usual. Quit it if it's running.
Triple-click anywhere in the corresponding line of text below on this page to select it, then copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C:
sudo /Applications/OmniDiskSweeper.app/Contents/MacOS/OmniDiskSweeper
sudo /Applications/GrandPerspective.app/Contents/MacOS/GrandPerspective
Launch the built-in Terminal application in any of the following ways:
☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.
Paste into the Terminal window by pressing command-V. You'll be prompted for your login password, which won't be displayed when you type it. Type carefully and then press return. You may get a one-time warning to be careful. If you see a message that your username "is not in the sudoers file," then you're not logged in as an administrator. Ignore any other messages that appear in the Terminal window.
The application window will open, eventually showing all files in all folders, sorted by size. It may take a few minutes for the app to finish scanning.
I don't recommend that you make a habit of doing this. Don't delete anything as root. If something needs to be deleted, make sure you know what it is and how it got there, and then delete it by other, safer, means. When in doubt, leave it alone or ask for guidance.
When you're done with the app, quit it and also quit Terminal. -
My MAC book air keeps shutting down alone, what could I do?
since yesterday my mac book air keep shuting down alone with full battery, why is that? what could I do? Im working on my thesis so I really need my computer.
If this is a new Macbook Air - return it and ask for a replacement. You seem to be having this issue (the one which I described) which is still ongoing and occurring with new Machines. Apple has (in the US) a <14 day return policy do not let it expire. Especially if it occurs while plugged into mains power.
If it is not a new machine one other sometime/part-time cure is an SMC reset or a PRAM/NVRAM reset.
Resetting NVRAM / PRAM
Shut down your Mac.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.
There is also a Facebook Page about the problem -
Hello, How do I make more space available on my startup disk by deleting files on my Mac Book Air?.
Hello,
How do I make more space available on my startup disk by deleting files. Thanks, Teresa
Mac Book Air OSX 10.8.5 -
I have a 2nd Gen MAc book Air with Lion . The 60GB hard disc has quickly filled up despite me keeping most of my data on a portable hard drive . I used disk inspector to locate the problem but found that it was was in 20 GB of hidden files in my user directory . Is this correct and is there anything i can do about it ? Using disk inspector you can not see individual hudden diretories or files. I did unhide them but there is a mass of diretories etc and so no way i could see if this is one or multiple files using the space. Library System and Applications are at 4 3 and 3 GB respectvely. The data I actually keep on there is 9GB Thanks for any help
I think the problem is Quick Time Player. I am using OS 10.6.8 by the way.
I tried it out again.
I had about 26 GB of space before I played an .avi video.
After the movie started to play (it was slow to load), I got a warning message that my startup disk was full. I opened Disk Utility and it told me I had no space left (about 20 MB or something like that was left).
I watched to the end of the movie.
Then I quit Quicktime Player.
And I shut down the computer.
I turned on the computer and checked Disk Utility. I have about 26 GB of space.
I think for some reason Quicktime Player uses up a lot of the disk space when it runs movies that are problematic. This movie I was watching did not open with vlc.
I normally use vlc to watch movies.
Probably it doesn't use up this much space when the movie is OK.
I think there's a problem with this particular movie. It is about 50 MB so it's not that big a file. I watch .smi subtitles with it. The Quicktime Player automatically loads the subtitle file in this case because the subtitle file has the same name as the movie file.
I watched about 10 movie files from the same series that I downloaded together and did not have any problem watching them. I watched them on vlc. But this latest movie had problems I think (as I repeat). It did not load on vlc even though I waited for a minute, and normally movies load instantly on vlc.
So I think that movie file caused problems. It made QT player use up a lot of hard disk space.
I had better avoid watching that movie in the future. I don't want it to wreck my hard drive.
So to sum up, everything is back to normal. I have the hard disk space that I should have. However, I am scared of damaging my hard drive due to shonky movie files that eat up all the space when they are played using QT player, and so I will not watch those files in the future, as I do not know why the files do that. -
I am having mac book air 2012model i had installed mavericks and use it, i long press command and power button at a same time and i saw the command prompt, from that i had formated the total hard disk. how to i want to install the OS again ?
i tryed with download mavericks but finally its saying a error message like cant conect to istore like that its saying and every thing is clear like internet and other stuf i tryed with 3times no progress same error pls help.. i bought this lap for my bro with his apple id only we use it now he got a new mac book pro so he gave to me so i formated and use it i use my apple id is that problem come because of changing apple id ? pls eplainFirstly, what is the source of the 10.6.4 disc? Is it the original installation disc for your MacBook, or one 'borrowed' from another computer?
It isn't the retail version, because that's 10.6.3.
Assuming it's the correct disc (i.e. the one that shipped with your Mac), you need to boot from it again.
OK the language page.
From the installer screen, ignore the continue button, go to the menu bar and choose Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
In DU, select your internal drive in the sidebar (the top item with the makers name and serial no.).
Run Repair Disk. If that comes up as disk OK, click the partition tab. Select the partiton from the drop-down above the graphic; 1 partiton is all you need.
Go to the options button and ensure that the partition scheme is GUID and the file system to Mac OS Extended (Journalled). Name the partiton (usually Macintosh HD), click Apply.
When the Macintosh HD volume appears below the drive name, quit DU and see if you can then install.
If the screen after the language screen doesn't show the menu bar, it may be necessary to use another Mac to do the job with the MB in Firewire Target Disc Mode. If it won't boot in TDM, or the MB doesn't have FireWire then it's getting very difficult. -
How to run disk utility mac book air
how to run disk utility mac book air it is very slow on boot up
Here's a general article about slow startup: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10929
It suggests there may be a third party hardware issue.
Otherwise, you can boot from your recovery disk as shown here: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10603
Your recovery disk was automatically created when Lion was installed. You'll have it as a separate partition and be able to boot from it as if it were a separate disk. -
i have mac book air os x 10.8.2 i create a photo library on iPhoto and i moved it to my time capsule disk now i try to access library from my wife mac book running on mac os x 10.5.8 i always receive library locked on locked disk
Unless you can set the Time Capsule's drive to have it's ownership ignored
you won't be able to use the library on the same volume as the Time Machine backups.
OT -
-1007f cannot get the Mac book air to reinstall, no drive. For disk and no connection
-1007f cannot get the Mac book air to reinstall, no drive. For disk and no connection please help!!
You can download the product from this link:
<Download Photoshop Elements products | 13, 12, 11, 10>
Your redemption code/Serial number will work with these downloaded products.
Make sure you download the correct version for your operating system - Windows or Apple MAC
Good luck. -
I have the mac book air and when I turn it on its a light blue screen with a flashing folder with question mark on it. Any one know how to get past it?
The MBA is trying to tell you that it is not able to find a bootable system
Either the file is corrupt or access to the storrage has failed
I would start by seeing if it will boot with Command + R depressed -
i was trying to download windows 7 on mac book air 10.8.2.seems like i didnt copy my windos disk on the usb properly at the begining,so after the boot camp steps the screen is black and telle me to put the write disk.
eventually i made a coorect usb windows 7 and put it back to continue as it was saying so,but there is no change and the screen still is dark and says no bootable disk ,insert.
how to solve the problem?Right now I have 6 different systems installed. Windows XP, 7, and 8 plus Linux Mint, Commodore, and OS X Snow Leopard (for old times sake), all running on Mountain Lion.
I recommend reading the user manual as it greatly helps getting through the steps, however an intuitive person should pick it up fairly easily.
Thanks to BobTheFisherman for the link.
There are other ways to get Windows on a Mac but I'm a big fan of open-source software.
Give it a try. You might like it or it may not be your cup of tea. -
I have lightroom 5 on my i mac. I want to download it on my mac book air that doesn't have a disk drive. I want to use the same license. How do i do this?
Downloads available:
Suites and Programs: CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4 | CS3
Acrobat: XI, X | 9,8 | 9 standard
Premiere Elements: 12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7
Photoshop Elements: 12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7
Lightroom: 5.6| 5 | 4 | 3
Captivate: 8 | 7 | 6 | 5
Contribute: CS5 | CS4, CS3
Download and installation help for Adobe links
Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages. They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3. If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'. -
ollowing problem: I have around 600 contacts on my iphone and Ipad and would like to sync with contact list on my mac book air but its not working and whatever I do I get stuck on the 44 contacts I have on my mac contact-list. Please Help!!!! thanks
First, be sure that the contacts on the devices are in the "icloud" section and not the "On my iPhone" (or iPad) section of the contact listings/groups.
Missing contacts:
Here's a test to perform - using a computer's browser, log into icloud.com and go to the Contacts page. If most of them are gone, then they are gone.
If they show up, then the problem is that your device is not connecting to the Contacts database on icloud.
On the device, go to Settings>icloud. Be sure icloud is on and using the right ID. If not, scroll to the bottom of the page and tap Delete Account - this just disconnects the device from that account, no data is lost. Then log back in using the correct ID. ALSO - be sure the Contacts are turned on (on the same screen).
Note: Contacts are not part of an iCloud backup, since they are part of contacts database on iCloud's servers. So performing a restore will not help.
Contacts are gone from icloud.com.
Then they have been deleted. There are many reasons for this. One possibility is that someone else is using the same iCloud account (family member, etc.) and they deleted contacts, thinking they did want them on THEIR device. How to get them back? Unfortunately, an iCloud backup does not include any of the sync databases, like contacts, notes, calendars, reminders, etc. because the data is already stored in these databases. Your only hope for restoring the data is if you had that data on a computer (like a mac's Contacts, Calendars, etc.) and that data was backed up using whatever backup software you typically use (e.g. Time Machine on a mac). Just restore the data files back to the computer. Other than that, I'm afraid the data is gone. -
Mac Book Air Backlight Turns Off
A few times the backlight for the display of my Mac Book Air has gone off (for seemingly usual reasons) but then does not come back on in response to keyboard input.
The display works because you can sort of see silouettes of movement on the dark screen, but no display back light.
Has anybody encountered this problem?
The laptop works great 99.9% of the time, so mostly I'm wondering if the backlight problem is something others have experienced that might get worse and that I should have somebody look at.
Moving the power cable around at its connection point or pulling it out and snapping it back seems to fix the problem, maybe because the change in power clues the software to change the intensity (or maybe there's a loose wire near the power connection?).
While a bit anecdotal, it seems more likely to happen when there is a light breeze blowing down on laptop from an Air Conditioning vent about 8 feet up on the ceiling (as is one of the tables I work at occasionally, and the vent is the only difference I notice from other areas where I work... maybe just coincidence).
I would take it to the store for an opionion except I cannot reproduce it on demand yet, it just occasionally happens.
Thanks for any info!OS X version?
Startup in Safe mode
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14204?viewlocale=en_US
Repair Disk
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5836 -
Mac book air keeps freezing on youtube?!
Its a new mac book air bought 1 week ago. 4gb ram 256 hdd. When I watch a video on youtube it loads then all of a sudden the white circle which shows the progress is at the beginning and the clip is still playing then shortly after the loading symbol appears and doesn't play anymore. Anybody know what the problem is?
Tried emptying history and all that other cookies and internet content. Tried the permission thingy.Let me explain.
You can't ask a drive partition to "repair itself".
So, you have to be booted to a different drive, than the drive that is causing the problem.
In this case, your problem disk is your startup disk. The "startup disk" is the drive that you boot to every day. So in this case, we need to boot to a different disk. On your system, you have the main startup drive on one partiton, and the Recovery Disk on a separate partition. Both of these partitions physically reside on your computer's hard drive, or SSD, but appear to be two independent drives to the system.
You are going to boot to the Recovery Disk, or more accurately sometimes called, the "Recovery Partition". To do this, we use the "option boot". This means holding down the OPTION key, while booting. After a few moments, you will be presented by a display of avaialble boot disks. You choose the one marked "recovery". Once booted up, you will chose Disk Utility. This is an App that is built-in to the Recovery Partiton for the sole purpose of managing drives, disks, and partitions without having to be booted to the main startup disk.
From here, you can select the starup drive, usually called "Macintosh HD", by default. After you select the drive, you can perform actions on that drive. One button will "repair permissions", another will "verify disk", and still another with "repair disk". By running "repair disk", Disk utility will attempt to repair certain software errors on the drive that might be preventing a good read of critical files needed to boot to the startup drive.
As well, "Repair Permissions" can also fix certain problems that may make the system unusable, or difficult.
You can also exit Disk Utility to perform a reinstalltion of the operating system, or recovery from a Time Machine backup.
As a last ditch, you can use disk Utility to completely erase your startup disk, in preparation for reinstallation of the OS. (this is after ALL ELSE fails)
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