My storage is almost used up by 40gigs of'Other'. What is this and how do I reduce it?
Can anyone help on this storage problem? On a PC you just run disk clean up routine but what do you do on a Mac?
For information about the Other category in the Storage display, see this support article.
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 reboot. 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 asBackups. 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. Reboot and it should go away.
See this support article for some simple ways to free up storage space.
You can more effectively use a tool such as OmniDiskSweeper (ODS) 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.
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 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 ODS in the Applications folder as usual. Quit it if it's running.
Triple-click anywhere in the 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
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 (command-V). You'll be prompted for your login password, which won't be displayed when you type it. 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.
The application window will open, eventually showing all files in all folders, sorted by size with the largest at the top. It may take a few minutes for ODS to finish scanning.
I don't recommend that you make a habit of doing this. Don't delete anything while running ODS 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 ODS, quit it and also quit Terminal.
Similar Messages
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My iPhone is 16gb and i have no music, 500ish photos, and about 10 apps I had to delete everything off it because i couldn't take any photos because i had no space! How do i get rid of the storage other is taking up?
I would probably suggest backing up them photos to your computer and then performing a restore on the phone which will wipe everything off and start again.
Instructions for restore can be found here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1414 -
I am trying to delete info on my phone and I have 1.6GB of other storage. What is this and how can I get rid of it?
That is a normal size for others.. anything over 2.0 GB is consider corrupted data. you can't completely others
http://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-5142 -
I get a notice when trying to sync my iPad. "this iPad cannot be used because the Apple Mobile Device Service is not started".....What is this and how can I fix it? Help please
Here is a YouTube video which should guide you through a solution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLFAo-FWLxE
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Every once in awhile while using safari my bookmarks list disappears. Later it just shows up again. Anyone know what causes this and how to fix it?
I have had exactly the same problem now with two mini iPads. Everything was tried; 1) restarting; 2) restoring factory settings etc. NONE worked. Eventually Apple agreed to replace it. I have had the replacement now for two to three months and exactly the same thing is happening again. So off to Apple tomorrow to get another replacement.
I am quite a heavy user of the iPad so wonder if this is something to do with the fault.
It is so frustrating as sometimes reset works, and then after 10/20/30/40 minutes (you pick) it goes unstable again. -
When using compressor voice is not sync with video. What causes this and how to fix it, please?
Although you say you have let the battery drain, was it for long enough? Since nothing else that you've tried so far has worked, I suggest that you leave the iPod unplugged for at least four days, preferably a week. That way, if something is stopping the iPod from turning the screen on, then whatever it is will drain the battrey. However, since the screen isn't on, that may take longer than if the screen was on.
Then, after that time, plug the iPod into a power source and leave it alone for at least thirty minutes. Only after thirty minutes will it show any signs of life, but you should leave it until it is fully charged before trying to use it.
If you get to this stage, the fact that the battery has drained will cause the iPod to reset when it springs back to life.
Let us know how you get on. -
when opening safari i get a message that says major security issue please contact apple immediately suspicious activity might have been detected. what is this and how do i get rid of it so i can use my internet?
A misleading and malicious popup. Launch Safari with the Shift key held down; if that doesn't work, temporarily disconnect the computer from the Internet.
(121307) -
Hi. I tried using Pinterest tonight and got a message that I have a bot in my network..what is this, and how do I get rid of it? My phone has been running really slow too on Safari (but not on Google Chrome)
Google changed their menu bar. Firefox hasn't used Google for the default homepage since the Firefox 3.6 versions. Firefox 4+ versions use '''about:home'''.<br />
http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/29/2598717/google-bar-redesign-rethinks-the-navigation-bar -
My mac air is using 55 GB of "other" What is that? How do I reduce it?
My MacBook Air is using 55 GB of "other". What is that and how can I reduce it?
See here for answer about the OTHER which is taking up space:
http://pondini.org/TM/30.html
and here:
http://pondini.org/OSX/DiskSpace.html
See Kappys excellent note on the rest of “other” files taking up your space:
What is "Other" and What Can I Do About It? -
SLOW MACBOOKPRO G4 === due to only 25 GB of storage available. BUT...most of what's on the HD is labelled as "other". What is this, and how can I make more space? THANK YOU!
I apologize for not knowing how or where to post the etre report, so I just copy&paste it here.
My system is slow o
Hardware Information:
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro6,2
1 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 2 cores
4 GB RAM
Video Information:
Intel HD Graphics - VRAM: 288 MB
NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M - VRAM: 256 MB
System Software:
OS X 10.9.1 (13B42) - Uptime: 0 days 16:57:32
Disk Information:
Hitachi HTS545032B9SA02 disk0 : (320.07 GB)
EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB
Macintosh HD (disk0s2) /: 319.21 GB (143.12 GB free)
Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB
MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898
USB Information:
Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
Apple Internal Memory Card Reader
Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
FireWire Information:
Thunderbolt Information:
Kernel Extensions:
com.symantec.kext.internetSecurity (1.3.2f5)
com.symantec.kext.pf (4.2.1f7)
com.symantec.kext.ips (3.2f8)
com.symantec.kext.SymAPComm (11.2.2f3)
com.symantec.kext.fw (1.0.3f5)
Problem System Launch Daemons:
Problem System Launch Agents:
Launch Daemons:
[System] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.avscandaemon.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.deepsight-extractor.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.diskMountNotify.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.MissedTasks.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.navapd.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.navapdaemonsl.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.Sched501-1.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.sharedsettings.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.symdaemon.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.symSchedDaemon.plist 3rd-Party support link
Launch Agents:
[System] com.conduit.loader.agent.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.google.keystone.agent.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.hp.help.tocgenerator.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.mga.updater.plist 3rd-Party support link
[System] com.symantec.uiagent.application.plist 3rd-Party support link
User Launch Agents:
User Login Items:
Garmin Lifetime Map Updater
Steam
iTunesHelper
Skype
Steam
Mail
GamePadCompanionLauncher
Mac Game Store Helper
HPEventHandler
SymSecondaryLaunch
Internet Plug-ins:
JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Outdated! Update
FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 12.0.0.38 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
Flash Player: Version: 12.0.0.38 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
o1dbrowserplugin: Version: 4.9.1.16010 3rd-Party support link
npgtpo3dautoplugin: Version: 0.1.44.29 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
GarminGpsControl: Version: 3.0.1.0 Release - SDK 10.4 3rd-Party support link
googletalkbrowserplugin: Version: 4.9.1.16010 3rd-Party support link
iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0 - SDK 10.8
Audio Plug-ins:
BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9
AirPlay: Version: 1.9 - SDK 10.9
AppleAVBAudio: Version: 2.0.0 - SDK 10.9
iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9
User Internet Plug-ins:
BrowserPlus_2.9.8: Version: 2.9.8 3rd-Party support link
LogitechDeviceDetection: Version: 1.0.0.76 - SDK 10.7 3rd-Party support link
3rd Party Preference Panes:
BrowserPlus 3rd-Party support link
Flash Player 3rd-Party support link
GamePadCompanionPrefPanel 3rd-Party support link
Norton\nQuickMenu 3rd-Party support link
Bad Fonts:
None
Old Applications:
/Applications/iWork '09
/Users/[redacted]/Downloads
Mystery Case Files Dire Grove CE: Version: 1.0.8 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Mystery Case Files Escape from Ravenhearst CE: Version: 1.0.8 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Weird Park Broken Tune Collectors Edition: Version: 1.2 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare-1: Version: 1.2 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Anna-1: Version: 1.0.8 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare: Version: 1.0.8 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Drawn The Painted Tower: Version: 1.0.7 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Mayan Prophecies - Ship of Spirits CE: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
/Applications/MacGameStore/Demos/Mayan Prophecies Ship of Spirits CE/Mayan Prophecies - Ship of Spirits CE.app
Garmin Lifetime Map Updater: Version: 2.1 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
Google Chrome: Version: 20.0.1132.47 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
FacebookVideoCalling: Version: 1.2.0.157 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
/Users/[redacted]/Library/Application Support/Facebook/video/1.2.0.158/FacebookVideoCalling.app
Time Machine:
Time Machine not configured!
Top Processes by CPU:
8% WindowServer
2% HP Utility
1% EtreCheck
1% NortonAutoProtect
0% mds
Top Processes by Memory:
315 MB SymAVScanDaemon
111 MB DashboardClient
102 MB WindowServer
94 MB mds_stores
90 MB Mail
Virtual Memory Information:
36 MB Free RAM
1.23 GB Active RAM
1.18 GB Inactive RAM
758 MB Wired RAM
1.27 GB Page-ins
21 MB Page-outs
Thank-You -
My mac has just started making a sound similar to an old fashioned typewriter while I an on line using the mouse. It does not seem to make this sound while I am using the keyboard. It is likely electrical because it continues even when I have turned the speaker volume down. Does anyone know what may be causing this and how it can be stopped.
ThanksOpen your mac pro and listen carfully. It could be coming from a failing hard drive or a bad fan. If you have more than one drive you could remove the ones you are not currently using and add them back one by one to try to localize or eliminate the sound. Caution though, only remove drives when your machine is off. You cannot hot swap the drive bays.
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VPN. What's this and how to use it?
Hello,
Recently I started to work from home and not the office. To connect to my work server my company's sysadmin sent me the requisites to connect to VPN (I need to ssh to my work server but it's allowed to the limited set of IPs). But I have no idea what to do next. How to set up the connection and how to use it?
ThanksThanks! I've tried to follow the steps described in the wiki article but unfortunately stucked on 'Making Your Connection' section:
# pon tunnel debug dump logfd 2 nodetach
pppd options in effect:
debug # (from command line)
nodetach # (from command line)
logfd 2 # (from command line)
dump # (from command line)
noauth # (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
refuse-pap # (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
refuse-chap # (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
refuse-mschap # (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
refuse-eap # (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
name pshevtsov # (from /etc/ppp/peers/tunnel)
remotename PPTP # (from /etc/ppp/peers/tunnel)
# (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
pty pptp xx.xx.xx.xx --nolaunchpppd # (from /etc/ppp/peers/tunnel)
crtscts # (from /etc/ppp/options)
# (from /etc/ppp/options)
asyncmap 0 # (from /etc/ppp/options)
lcp-echo-failure 4 # (from /etc/ppp/options)
lcp-echo-interval 30 # (from /etc/ppp/options)
hide-password # (from /etc/ppp/options)
ipparam tunnel # (from /etc/ppp/peers/tunnel)
proxyarp # (from /etc/ppp/options)
nobsdcomp # (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
nodeflate # (from /etc/ppp/options.pptp)
require-mppe-128 # (from /etc/ppp/peers/tunnel)
noipx # (from /etc/ppp/options)
using channel 28
Using interface ppp0
Connect: ppp0 <--> /dev/pts/3
sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <asyncmap 0x0> <magic 0x3541a215> <pcomp> <accomp>]
sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <asyncmap 0x0> <magic 0x3541a215> <pcomp> <accomp>]
sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <asyncmap 0x0> <magic 0x3541a215> <pcomp> <accomp>]
sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <asyncmap 0x0> <magic 0x3541a215> <pcomp> <accomp>]
sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <asyncmap 0x0> <magic 0x3541a215> <pcomp> <accomp>]
sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <asyncmap 0x0> <magic 0x3541a215> <pcomp> <accomp>]
sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <asyncmap 0x0> <magic 0x3541a215> <pcomp> <accomp>]
Script pptp xx.xx.xx.xx --nolaunchpppd finished (pid 26089), status = 0x0
Modem hangup
Connection terminated.
I don't know what to do -
Is anyone else having this problem and how to fix it?
There are no preferences for Quicktime 10, only for QT 7.
Mac OS X 10.6 includes QuickTime versions 10.0 and 7.6.3. The QuickTime 7 player will only be present if a QuickTime Pro key was present at the time of installation, or if specified as part of a custom install, or individually downloaded:
http://support.apple.com/kb/dl923
Snow Leopard update 10.6.4 included an update to 7.6.6 (if installed). You can install it from the above link even though it says for 10.6.3. It's the same version of QuickTime Player 7.6.6.
(Only QuickTime Player 7.6.3 or 7.6.6 can be updated to "Pro".)
For anything like Flash videos you should use QT 7. -
Hi,
When I open my Mozilla brower it opens up on the Mozilla Firefox Start Page but when I open a new tab it opens using Babylon search. This is something that has only just started happening and I don't like it and I don't want it on my machine. what can I do to get rid of it and revert back to all tabs opening with Mozilla?
Thanks for your help.
PatSee:
*http://www.babylon.com/support/faq/usage.html#22
*[[/questions/746530]] How do I fully remove Babylon -
I type something into the Google or MSN search engine and as soon as I hit search, Firefox crashes. Hotmail still works fine, as do every other website I have tried, including other search engines. What is the problem?
I got the same issue to and crashes in the same exact manner. Been using IE in the mean time, thought it was just me. I tried reinstalling Firefox and everything, even rolled back windows.
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