Cleaning up old files on disk

What's the best method folks are using to clean up their hard drives, and get rid of obsolete files?

Doing an Erase and install.
The checking then reinstalling all Apps, setting everything up again and only bringing over personal folders, Mail boxes, backed up Address book and Safari bookmarks makes for a Spring Cleaned Computer.
It's probably quicker & safer than going through the HD folder by folder trashing stuff no longer needed ~ you hope
Note: I save all dmgs and registration numbers for reinstalls when upgrading computers or OS's.
Just my 2cents worth.

Similar Messages

BerkeleyDB not cleaning up old db files

Good morning.
We've been noticing a scenario where BerkeleyDB is retaining (not removing) old db files. These files are well outside the largest window for data retention (over a month old, where the longest window for data is 7 days). There should be no active data in these files. As they are starting to take up signifcant disk space, I'd like to investigate possible methods for manually removing them.
Note that modifications have been made to the pruning & cleaner thread settings and they are now keeping up with active data. I'm primarily concerned with removal of these old, inactive files.
As we see it, there's a few options.
1. Manually rm the files which are known to be outside the longest window
2. The old files can't be cleaned up by the cleaning/pruning threads for some reason, but there is a utility which can clean them up which we don't know about?
3. The old files can't be cleaned up by the cleaning/pruning thread, there is no utility, and we actually will need Oracle to investigate.
Any thoughts?
Many thanks!

Good morning.
We've been noticing a scenario where BerkeleyDB is retaining (not removing) old db files. These files are well outside the largest window for data retention (over a month old, where the longest window for data is 7 days). There should be no active data in these files. As they are starting to take up signifcant disk space, I'd like to investigate possible methods for manually removing them.
Note that modifications have been made to the pruning & cleaner thread settings and they are now keeping up with active data. I'm primarily concerned with removal of these old, inactive files.
As we see it, there's a few options.
1. Manually rm the files which are known to be outside the longest window
2. The old files can't be cleaned up by the cleaning/pruning threads for some reason, but there is a utility which can clean them up which we don't know about?
3. The old files can't be cleaned up by the cleaning/pruning thread, there is no utility, and we actually will need Oracle to investigate.
Any thoughts?
Many thanks!

How to delete "windows.old" file in local disk C:

At the begining of the system he ask for selecting operating system but I use only win 8 so want to delete other os.
What should I do ?

Hi,
To delete Windows.old file, you should use DISK cleanup in drive properties.
To delete the item during system boot option, WIN+R, open
Run, type msconfig, then Switch to boot. Delete the boot item which you want.
Roger Lu
TechNet Community Support

MS Word 2004 Macro viruses - how do I clean old files?

Hi,
We just got a new iMac and it's running Leopard. MS Office 2004 is installed and I transferred files from my old blueberry iMac about a week ago. Ever since, when I open a Word document from the old computer it asks if I would like to enable macros. If I disable, then the file opens as "read only." These are simple Word documents, though... I didn't put any macros in.
I suspect I have a macro virus on the files and now it's infiltrated my new computer. My university provides a copy of McAfee Virus Scan 8.5i but it won't launch.
What do I have to do to clean my new computer and these files? Once upon a time, during OS 10.3 or so, I had a similar problem but I ended up wiping the hard drive clean. I need these old files, though.
Thanks in advance.

*"What do I have to do to clean my new computer and these files?"*
You already know what you have to do...get antivirus software.
Try http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15850/clamxav

How to cleaning old files hidding?

My files not need and hidding on my OS Mac 10.6.7 .
My friend told me about Mackeeper. I say no way.
I just want to learn about utilities for cleaning old files on my programs that I not need.
Does Macbook Air have automatic unused files and ask me to clean up?

CleanMyMac gets the job done - removing e.g. cashed files and systemfiles. Have been using it for weeks and works like a charm - no files missing.

HT2487 how do I clean my mac mini and get rid of old files and clutter please

how do I clean my mac mini and get rid of old files and clutter lease

Try using one of these applications to see what is taking up your hard drive space.
File Scanner - OmniDiskSweeper Requires 10.8 or better
File Scanner – Whatsize

How can I clean virus infected files on my Time Machine disk?

I am running McAfee VirusScan and it locates and cleans virus infected files just fine on my computer, but when it finds infected files on my Time Machine backup drive it says "Repair Failed". Is there a way to clean infected files on my Time Machine backup drive?
Related question: Is this because the actual files are saved in a central hidden location and the files I see when I open the backup disk with finder are actually just alias links?

Schmactor,
First, it is unlikely that your software is actually finding a virus of any kind. Many supposed reports of a virus will, in fact, be perfectly legitimate (and harmless) files. While it is possible that you'll receive a virus, it is still unlikely. Most ISPs run anti-virus software on their email servers; if a virus is sent to you in an email, it is usually removed before you download it.
Even if you have downloaded an email, it is even less likely that you're going to send it to a Windows-using friend. Since any Windows virus is going to do absolutely nothing on your Mac, you most likely will just delete it. Are you in the habit of forwarding random emails that have unidentifiable attachments to your friends?
Keep in mind that it is always in the best interest of the developers of anti-virus software titles that the software constantly "finds" things, even when nothing exists. If you were to purchase anti-virus software, only to find that it does absolutely nothing for months at a time, you will not pay for further updates. I have been using a Mac for many, many years, and I have never run any kind of anti-virus software. I have also never sent a virus to someone else.
Scott

I want to erase my macbook files and reinstall the startup disk. I have backed up old files. whats the best approach?

i want to erase all my macbook files and OS and reinstall the startup disk. I have backed up old files on separate HD. Whats the best approach for a smooth reinstall.? I haven't done this in years.

I found a great short article by Aaron Sumner posted 02/02 which clearly explains the process. Thanks.

How to recover my backups?? i used migration assistant but none of my old files showed up. I backed up daily and did a full disk back up twice.

how to recover my backups?? i used migration assistant but none of my old files showed up. I backed up daily and did a full disk back up twice

Open System Preferences and select Users & Groups. Assuming the migration was successful, you now have a new account - it was migrated. Migration Assistant doesn't copy files, it copies accounts. To see your documents you'll need to log into the account you migrated. (It has the same password it did on the other computer.)

HT3680 How do I clean up my start up disk

How do I clean up my start up disk

If you mean that you want to free up space: move some large library to another disk (movies in particular), and move old files that you do not need (often) to another disk.
Using socalled "cleaners" is counter productive because they clean caches, and then they are filled again which costs speed: OSX has daily/weekly/monthly clean routines already.
Taking out languages that you do not need and the binary parts of apps, which can be done by some cleaners is not only counterproductive and often generating crashes, but this does not free up significant space.

How do I open old files without application extensions on them?

I have lots of 1995 or so files written from a mac on 3.5 diskets most of which I have read onto disk.
But they have no extensions and I can't seem to open them.
If I had to guess I would say they are canvas, possibly powerpoint but using powerpoint 98and canvas 7 I can"t seem to open them.
I have a G3 powerbook. a G3 tower both running OS9, a powerPC macmini running OS10 and OS9 in emulation, a PC portable running System10 and another PC portable running XP.
What are my options short of seppuku?
I need to get these files to teach a course.
Thanks

When I use OS 9 and previous Mac systems I use CanOpener for problems such as you present. It is still available too.
http://www.abbottsys.com/co.html
Use CanOpener to get into just about any file.
Powerful Mac data recovery software. Our famous universal file opener lets you read any file -- and extract what you need including text, icons, PICS and more. It's perfect for browsing all types of files, including old files, foreign files and files your Mac can't open, and it's indispensable for recovering text from damaged files - a lifesaver!
Plus, CanOpener lets you view virus infected files without launching the virus. So you can safely check suspect files and recover text from them - a powerful way to avoid virus infections!
CanOpener has special text filters that let you...
*Extract Names, Phone Numbers, URLs, Email, Web and IP Addresses.
*Strip HTML Coding. Remove extra Carriage Returns and blank spaces from email and Web text.
*Extract important sentences such as questions or anything containing $'s and numbers.
*Rapidly find clean text in files that contain huge amounts of 'garbage'
CanOpener Extractor.
Now you are not limited to opening files individually. You can drag and drop any file, or a folder full of files, to do bulk extraction using any of the special text extraction filters! A fantastic time saver!

Bringing all old files, etc. into new MacBook Pro?

I haven't gotten my new MacBook Pro, but I don't want to have to waste too much time getting things going when I do. I have my current PB G4 backed up to an external hard drive with Time Machine. How do I update the new MacBook Pro with all the files from the backup? Can I use Time Machine to do this? Does Time Machine know that there are old files from a previous machine that need to be brought into the new one?

If you have a TM backup then, yes, you can migrate files from the TM backup. This would be done using Migration Assistant. Since you will be migrating from a PPC machine please review the following:
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
If you are migrating a PowerPC system (G3, G4, or G5) to an Intel-Mac be careful what you migrate. Keep in mind that some items that may get transferred will not work on Intel machines and may end up causing your computer's operating system to malfunction.
Rosetta supports "software that runs on the PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor that are built for Mac OS X". This excludes the items that are not universal binaries or simply will not work in Rosetta:
Classic Environment, and subsequently any Mac OS 9 or earlier applications
Screensavers written for the PowerPC
System Preference add-ons
All Unsanity Haxies
Browser and other plug-ins
Contextual Menu Items
Applications which specifically require the PowerPC G5
Kernel extensions
Java applications with JNI (PowerPC) libraries
See also What Can Be Translated by Rosetta.
In addition to the above you could also have problems with migrated cache files and/or cache files containing code that is incompatible.
If you migrate a user folder that contains any of these items, you may find that your Intel-Mac is malfunctioning. It would be wise to take care when migrating your systems from a PowerPC platform to an Intel-Mac platform to assure that you do not migrate these incompatible items.
If you have problems with applications not working, then completely uninstall said application and reinstall it from scratch. Take great care with Java applications and Java-based Peer-to-Peer applications. Many Java apps will not work on Intel-Macs as they are currently compiled. As of this time Limewire, Cabos, and Acquisition are available as universal binaries. Do not install browser plug-ins such as Flash or Shockwave from downloaded installers unless they are universal binaries. The version of OS X installed on your Intel-Mac comes with special compatible versions of Flash and Shockwave plug-ins for use with your browser.
The same problem will exist for any hardware drivers such as mouse software unless the drivers have been compiled as universal binaries. For third-party mice the current choices are USB Overdrive or SteerMouse. Contact the developer or manufacturer of your third-party mouse software to find out when a universal binary version will be available.
Also be careful with some backup utilities and third-party disk repair utilities. Disk Warrior 4.1, TechTool Pro 4.6.1, SuperDuper 2.5, and Drive Genius 2.0.2 work properly on Intel-Macs with Leopard. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries. Leopard Cache Cleaner, Onyx, TinkerTool System, and Cocktail are now compatible with Leopard.
Before migrating or installing software on your Intel-Mac check MacFixit's Rosetta Compatibility Index.
Additional links that will be helpful to new Intel-Mac users:
Intel In Macs
Apple Guide to Universal Applications
MacInTouch List of Compatible Universal Binaries
MacInTouch List of Rosetta Compatible Applications
MacUpdate List of Intel-Compatible Software
Transferring data with Setup Assistant - Migration Assistant FAQ
Because Migration Assistant isn't the ideal way to migrate from PowerPC to Intel Macs, using Target Disk Mode, copying the critical contents to CD and DVD, an external hard drive, or networking
will work better when moving from PowerPC to Intel Macs. The initial section below discusses Target Disk Mode. It is then followed by a section which discusses networking with Macs that lack Firewire.
If both computers support the use of Firewire then you can use the following instructions:
1. Repair the hard drive and permissions using Disk Utility.
2. Backup your data. This is vitally important in case you make a mistake or there's some other problem.
3. Connect a Firewire cable between your old Mac and your new Intel Mac.
4. Startup your old Mac in Target Disk Mode.
5. Startup your new Mac for the first time, go through the setup and registration screens, but do NOT migrate data over. Get to your desktop on the new Mac without migrating any new data over.
If you are not able to use a Firewire connection (for example you have a Late 2008 MacBook that only supports USB:)
1. Set up a local home network: Creating a small Ethernet Network.
2. If you have a MacBook Air or Late 2008 MacBook see the following:
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)- Migration Tips and Tricks;
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)- What to do if migration is unsuccessful;
MacBook Air- Migration Tips and Tricks;
MacBook Air- Remote Disc, Migration, or Remote Install Mac OS X and wireless 802.11n networks.
Copy the following items from your old Mac to the new Mac:
In your /Home/ folder: Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Sites folders.
In your /Home/Library/ folder:
/Home/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder)
/Home/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in /Home/Library/Application Support (copy whatever else you need including folders for any third-party applications)
/Home/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder)
/Home/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder)
/Home/Library/Preferences/ (copy the whole folder)
/Home /Library/Calendars (copy the whole folder)
/Home /Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder)
/Home /Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
If you want cookies:
/Home/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist
/Home/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in /Home/Documents/Microsoft User Data
Also in /Home/Library/Preferences/Microsoft
Credit goes to Macjack for this information.
If you need to transfer data for other applications please ask the vendor or ask in the Discussions where specific applications store their data.
5. Once you have transferred what you need restart the new Mac and test to make sure the contents are there for each of the applications.
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.
Revised 1/6/2009

Steps to Transfer mail from Older MBP 10.6.8 to Newer MBP 10.8.5 for NON-tech person I really just need the simplest solution. I have cleaned out old folders on the OMBP, but there are folders I need for work

I really just need the simplest solution. I have cleaned out old folders on the OMBP, but there are folders I need for work.
I am not a technical person. I have gone online and read a gazillion "All Ya Gotta Do...." to the point where my head swims.
I backed up my older MBP onto WD Passport Studio via Time Machine.
I transferred all my files there and put them all onto the newer MBP.
I expected to see Mail but did not.
Someone said just use Migration Assistant, but I dont find that anywhere.
Please dont say iCloud because I dont even know what it is. Sorry, but I just dont use my Mac other than for work, meaning online access for research, and then typing reports of various kinds... and for emailing.
Can I just hook the firewire directly from OMBP to NMBP and copy them that way??
Sorry I am such a dolt, but I really just want easy step by step instructions, thank you.
Would the Genius Bar at my local store be able to help me???
Thank you,

Okey Dokey!
I followed the steps for the Target Disk thing, and was able to transfer everything on my old desktop, in my old pictures file... all the final transfers regarding my documents and photos.
BUT
there were no folders for Mail, and when I went to the only folder I could find that said "Mail" -- which was under "applications" it then told me that I could not transfer old "mail" to new "mail" since they were different versions...
Now THIS makes sense,,, and I was not looking to do that...
but how do I find all my mail folders????
Is there someplace I should be saving them in order to get them???
Do you mind helping me with instructions on how to do this?
Thanks!

I would like to reset my time capsule since there are old files which I don't need any more. How should I do it?

Everything is working fine, I just would like to delete the old files and buck up the new one.
What steps should I take?

This will make it fresh-from-the-factory clean.
If the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule isn't accessible from AirPort Utility, the Factory Default reset can be accomplished by using the reset button.
1. Unplug the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule from power.
2. Press and hold the reset button with a pen or pencil, then plug the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule back in while continuing to hold the button until you see the light (LED) flash rapidly. This should happen after a few seconds.
3. Release the button. This will factory default reset the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3728
I'm not sure if that affects files on AirDisk, but you can easily erase the disk in AirPort Utility after you do the above reset.

I have 3 older ext. hard drives that I've utilized many times. Today while searching for old files, one of the three is no longer recognized by my PowerMac. Any suggestions?

I have 3 older ext. hard drives that I've utilized many times. Today while searching for old files, one of the three is no longer recognized by my PowerMac. The drive is not listed in Disk Utility. Any suggestions?

Is the computer in you equipment line:
Dual Core Intel Xenon
(which is not a PowerMac but a Mac Pro) the one you are asking about, or do you have an older PowerMac?
If a Mac Pro, their forums are here:
Mac Pro
and, as Mac Pros have a totally different architecture from the pre-2005 Macs this forum covers, you may not have the same issues that can affect the older models. If someone didn't notice your equipment line, you could get advice that doesn't apply.
If you really have a pre-2005 PowerMac, read on.
If the stubborn external is USB and does not have its own power brick (i.e., it gets power only from the computer's UBS ports--"bus powered"), it may not be getting enough power. As electric motors age, they can demand more power than when new, and the power available on any USB port is limited.
The typical workabouts to making a computer recognize an aging, bus-powered USB drive are:
Get a powered USB hub (has its own power brick
Get a "Y" USB cable: 1 Meter USB 2.0 A to 5 Pin Mini B Cable - Auxiliary USB "Y" Power Design for external hard drives.
The second gets power from two USB ports on the computer and often that's enough.
Remember that the USB ports on your keyboard seldom provide enough power even for a thumb drive, so be sure to use the USB ports on the back of the computer.

Cleaning up old files on disk

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