Need more room! Internal HDs vs. External HDs

Hi, I own a late 2005 Dual core 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 running OS Tiger 10.4.11.
I would like to upgrade to Leopard as well as needing more space for my music and photos.
I was looking into additional 1 Tb external storage options (just bought a 1 Tb Western Digital MyBook Home Edition last month) but am getting turned off by so many conflicting reviews of the various brands out there. I don't even trust the MyBook, to be honest (**** you Costco) although it's been fine so far. I know a drive is a drive and should be treated as though it WILL fail, possibly/probably unpredictably, at any point. But I am wondering if I am better off upgrading my internal drives. Are they generally more stable than external drives? I currently have both internal bays occupied with Hitachi Deskstar 500G drives; the second being a clone/backup of the primary drive. Bearing in mind that I will probably upgrade my computer sometime in late 2010, is it more convenient/economical to just get externals and hope for the best rather than swapping out the two internals?
If I go for internal drives, does my machine safely support sizes over 500 gigs? If so, do you recommend sticking with Hitachi Deskstar brand?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!!

Hi, yes, MyBooks are terrible, return it if you can & get one without any "Front Button Touch" feature.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10376611&#10376611
http://x704.net/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3219&p=42023&hilit=western+digital#p420 23
http://x704.net/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2939&p=34120&hilit=western+digital#p3412 0
For internal Storage options see this...
http://tinyurl.com/ygtbaan
For external get FW/800...
http://eshop.macsales.com/Search/Search.cfm?Ntt=firewire%20800

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Mac Mini Needs more room

Hello, This is my first post.
Can someone advise me on the best course of action? My Mini keeps telling me that I need more room on my startup disk. What should I do?
I keep deleating files (podcasts, pictures, etc.) but it does it again within a few more days. This is also making my mini slow down. I thought about getting an external hard drive, but was not sure if that would take care of the problem.
Any Suggestions?
Thank you in advance.

I ran the Mac Janitor --
When I click on the HD in my finder, it says 19.98gb available.
This is the information from my system profiler:
Hardware Overview:
Machine Name: Mac mini
Machine Model: PowerMac10,2
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.2)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.33 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 512 MB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.9.4f0
Memory --
DIMM0/J11:
Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK
System Power Settings:
AC Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 30
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 30
Sleep On Power Button: Yes
Automatic Restart On Power Loss: No
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On LAN: Yes
Wake On Modem Ring: Yes
ATA Bus:
ST9402115A:
Capacity: 37.26 GB
Model: ST9402115A
Revision: 3.01
Serial Number: 3NV00LKN
Removable Media: No
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk0
Protocol: ATA
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
OS9 Drivers: No
S.M.A.R.T. status: Verified
Volumes:
Macintosh HD:
Capacity: 37.13 GB
Available: 16.98 GB
Writable: Yes
File System: Journaled HFS+
BSD Name: disk0s3
Mount Point: /
MATSHITACD-RW CW-8124:
Model: MATSHITACD-RW CW-8124
Revision: DACD
Serial Number:
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 1
Socket Type: Internal
Again, thank you for your help.

My time machine says it need more room to complete back up, how do i make more room? up

My time machine says it need more room to complete back up, how do i make more room?

Delete the old backups..
There is a reason though for this to happen. Tell us what model Time Capsule you are using and what size disk it has .. how much free space is available and how much is now required. If you upgraded to Mavericks it probably needs to do a whole new backup and simply doesn't have the space .. nor can it delete the old backup.
Please read Pondini FAQ for details of these issues.. deleting backups for example Q12
http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html
There is also info on how much space is required for backups.
eg Q9

I need more room to add apps

I know it sounds like a lot but I have filled up all 9 of my sections with apps and would like more room. I use most of them regularly and would like to add some more. Too bad we cannot create folders to categorize and store applications. So, is there a way to get more storage areas since there is so much extra space on the hard drive? I have a 16GB phone and over 1/2 of it is not used.

I have spent hours in the app store over the past weeks and only found 65 apps in total that I "kept", including the ones that come with the iPhone, after downloading and trying 100's of them.
Many of them are nonsense IMO or more than I want to pay and many dupes that do the same thing so you only need one out of the 10-25+ that are there.

There's a maximum size for the header-I need more room

This is a weird one for me. I am making a worksheet for my students and I'm making them in sets of four so they can work together. About 2/3rds of each page is the same, with a list of different words at the bottom. So I want to put the top 2/3rds of each page into the header, since I need to make 10 sets of these.
But I can't. Pages won't let me make a header that goes more than about a third of the way down the page. Anything entered lower than that is cut off.
What's the point of this restriction? Forget that—is there any way around it?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Peter,
Don't use a header. Place the fixed text into a floating text box in a Pages word processing document.
Resize the box to fit within the document margins, and place it where you want it on the page.
Apply Wrap to prevent 'regular' text from sliding over or under the text box.
With the box selected, go Format > Advanced > Move Object to Section Master.
The text box (and its text) will appear on each page until you enter a Section Break. The rest of the page will contain whatever text you enter in that area.
Regards,
Barry

Need More Room

I have a 500 GB disk that I am using for Time Machine and it is full. Time Machine is deleting the oldest backup every time it runs. I do understand that this is normal in order to make room for the newest backup. Can I get a larger HD and transfer all of my old backups to the new disk?

Yes. You must clone your existing backup drive to a newly prepared drive:
Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your 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. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.
Clone using Restore Option of Disk Utility
1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
2. Select the destination volume from the left side list.
3. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
4.Check the box labeled Erase destination.
5. Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
6. Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
7. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the new external backup drive.
Source means the old external backup drive.
For additional help with the process check out User Tips for Time Machine for help with TM problems. Also you can select Mac Help from the Finder's Help menu and search for "time machine" to locate articles on how to use TM. See also Mac 101- Time Machine.

Need more room in the browser name column

I'm using markers on my clips with extensive notes which because of their length run off the column because I can't drag it any further to the right. Is there a way to expand the width of the name column to accommodate this so I can read the entire note?

No, but you could keep the marker 'Name' a little more succinct and type the rest of your notes into the 'Comments' box. Then drag the Browser's Comments column next to the Name column.
Hope that helps,
K

I may need more room on start up disc. How do I do that?

While watching a long video forwarded to me I got a message that I have little space left on my "start up" disc. What is that? How do I make more space on it?

If you're talking about formatting your hard drive it will erase everything on the partition your format. Try installing Lion first, or removing some software, photos, applications, etc.

XServe G5 - Need to replace all three internal HDs - Hitachi Ultrastar OK?

XServe G5 DP 2.3 GHz PowerPC OS 10.4.11
I want to replace all three internal HDs, currently Hitachi HDS725050KLA360, with new Hitachi Ultrastar A7K2000 drives.
Anyone know if they would could should work?
Am I really limited to 500GB per drive?
Thanks.

There are several threads about drives which are known to work in the G5 Xserves but you'll have to search to see if those specific drives have been tested and reported by anyone. The G5 is pretty liberal about what it will accept although some people report having to jumper the speeds down because they shipped with an early version of the SATA spec and some newer faster ones have issues. The only drives I can personally vouch for are the Seagate Constellation ES 7200RPM SATA 2.0 drives. I put in a several 500GB and the worked immediately, I created RAID 1s and they've been humming along since then.
You're not limited to 500GB although I'm pretty sure you're limited to 2GB and maybe there are further limits on the 10.4 version of the OS. (I don't think so but it's been a long time so I can't be certain.) I only chose the 500GB because it was big enough (replacing 80GB drives) and I had to buy many so I went for the cost savings over the larger drives.
If you're really set on those drives and no one's reported on them you might consider getting one and testing it out before you commit to buying all of them. Otherwise opt for one of the reported known good drives and move on.
Good luck and report back with your results,
=Tod

How many internal HDs can I add to my G4 AGP tower?

Hi all,
How many internal HDs can I add into my G4 tower? I want to buy and use a SATA controller PCI card to break the 137 mb barrier and add 3 or more hds for my graphics art files, video and music files. Sort like a server right?
Thanks
web dude

Hi, Web dude -
What do you mean by this? They have power packs plugged to them and they're plugged in a strip?
Yes.
The firewire bus is designed to be able to provide power for use by an attached device, in addition to providing a data pathway. There is a limit as to how much power can be provided by that bus. Such power is used by the device to operate its mechanics - in the case of a firewire hard drive, to run the motor that spins the platter(s) in the drive.
Many, if not most, firewire devices can also be powered by using a separate power supply, often an external transformer although some may have that transformer built in. This necessitates a separate connection to line power, typically to an outlet on a power strip or surge suppressor strip.
When I ordered each of my firewire drives, I also ordered the optional power supply for it. This makes each drive non-dependent on the Mac for operating power.
How should I prevent over heating my G4?
As far as keeping a Mac from overheating, the primary defense is to keep it clean inside. Dust is both an insulator and a restrictor of airflow. Using canned air regularly to blow dust out of the inside of the Mac, and to clean its fans, goes a long way to keeping it from overheating. Using a vacuum cleaner is not recommended - it's too easy for the nozzle to bang into something, and the airflow going into a plastic nozzle can create static electricity, which you do not want around any printed circuit board.
Keep the machine itself adequately ventilated - it needs a reasonably unrestricted supply of fresh air. If you place the tower on the floor or under a desk, make sure there are several inches of free space between the case and any obstructions. Usually, keeping it on a desktop reduces the amout of dust it will ingest.
In addition, whenever possible use external power for a device - this applies to firewire and USB devices.
Hard drives generate a fair amount of heat. G4 desktop models are designed to accommodate up to four internal hard drives, though it is possible to install more than that. If you go beyond four internal drives in a G4, consider replacing the fans with ones with a larger capacity to handle the increased heat load.
If you replace the CPU, be sure you follow the instructions with the new one re making sure the heat sink on the new processor is installed correctly.

PowerMac G4 (AGP) suddenly won't boot from its internal HDs

Hi, here's a description of a weird and sudden issue on my mac. Hope one of you out there has a cure.
The system: Powermac G4 (AGP) 450MHz, 512MB RAM, upgraded a couple of years ago with an 133 ATA controller card (Acard 6280M). The card controls my two internal HDs of 160GB, which are from two separate brands. Until 1 week ago I regularly booted from one HD with OS10.4.6 (let's call it hd_A), while used the other HD as a data backup space (hd_B).
The problem:
-1 week ago I upgraded hd_A to OS10.4.7 using the incremental package. The system restarted once without problems, but from the second time, all attempts failed. The startup screen showed the flashing question mark: a boot system could not be found.
-I thus booted from the install DVD (10.4) and installed OS10.4.0 into hd_B. The system was then able to boot from hd_B only on the first attempt. From the second, again flashing question mark. Note that on that single successful boot, I verified that hd_A was readable and apparently intact, plus ran DiskUtil which reported no problems on either HDs.
-Running DU from the Install DVD reports no problem on either HDs.
-Running Startup Disk from the Install DVD correctly reports bootable systems 10.4.7 on hd_A and 10.4.0 on hd_B, but attempting a restart from either of them leads to the flashing question mark.
-Resetting PRAM didn't help.
-Holding option during startup brings up the boot volume selection screen with the options of the Tiger install DVD or the 10.4.0 system on hd_B (note that 10.4.7 on hd_A is not shown). Selecting 10.4.0 on hd_B leads, after a delay of a few seconds with a blank screen to a sudden autonomous shutdown of the computer!
Other data:
-The battery reads 3.7V on a voltmeter, so it must be ok.
-Curiously, System Profiler run from the install dvd reports the two internal HDs as 'removable media'. Can's say how it reported them previous to the entire issue.
Thanks, Lo

You can't use the iBook installer on another model Mac. You need a retail version of Panther 10.3 or Tiger 10.4.
If you do a Google search for M9227LL/A (Panther 10.3 retail install CDs) or M9228LL/A (Family Pack), you may find a set. The CDs should be black with a white X.
After you install the base 10.3.x, update to the final Panther version 10.3.9. See Mac OS X 10.3.9 Update (Combo) http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2464
Tiger install DVDs are in short supply. Tiger is no longer available at the Apple Store but may be available for $129 by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). For other sources, do a Google search for MA453Z/A (10.4.6), MA190Z/A (10.4.3) and M9639Z/A (10.4) . Also look on eBay. Be sure & buy a retail version (black with silver X) and not a model specific version (gray). Expect to pay (possibly a lot) more than the Apple list price of $129.
Also check this web store http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/index.cgi?command=dispitem&type= sku&sku=19521
Possible Alternative if you are currently using Panther 10.3 – Do a Google search for Tiger 10.4 Upgrade DVD . It will upgrade your 10.3 to 10.4, but it doesn’t contain the full retail Tiger installer. Should be cheaper than the retail Tiger install DVD.
After you install the base 10.4.x, update to the final Tiger version 10.4.11. Here's the link for the 10.4.11 combo update http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24901?viewlocale=en_US
Look at this link Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger Installing Software Support Page
http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/install/
You can also download the Tiger Installation and Setup Guide
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/TigerInstall_SetupGuide.pdf
When you upgrade the OS, do it via Archive & Install. See About the Archive and Install feature http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710
Be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings. Also, repair permissions before and after the install.
 Cheers, Tom

Will Time Machine backup 2 internal HDs and put the data back into them when restoring?

Hello,
I am going to be doing a clean install of Snow Leopard. I have a machine that has 2 internal HDs. If they are backup up using Time Machine, when restoring, will it put those files exactly as they were?
Thanks!

Restore to a multiple disk setup should work fine. But there are as always some tricks to it.
See our expert Pondini's explaination and follow his links.. I suggest you actually spend some time understanding how TM works.
http://pondini.org/TM/32.html
I would also recommend spending a few dollars and buy CCC or superduper. Make a backup of each drive. These 3rd party backup programs are more flexible and you can create direct images of the drives. It makes recovery a much much easier process.
If it is a Mac Pro put in another disk for TM backups and use a USB or even esata card and external sata drive for backups using CCC. Doing it that way you can make a bootable image of your main drive.

Power save on individual internal HDs?

I have four internal HDs installed in a 2008 Mac Pro 3.1, on OS X 10.5.8.
I was wondering is there some way to manage individual HD spin-down to save power, since some disks I only need from time to time meanwhile others should never go off? The SysPref Energy Saver panel only gives the tickbox for all HDs and that won't do...
Thanks a lot!

If you are streaming audio to the drives then wouldn't it be best that they not ever spin down? Spin-downs could occur at undesirable times and affect the audio data stream.
All the drives in and out of my MP run continuously. I don't see this as a problem since the drives MTBF ratings are predicated on the drives being in service 24/7. I would expect that for a business you would want to use enterprise rated drives for their more rugged construction and longer MTBF ratings.

How can I make more room on external drive for Time Machine?

I now have Time Machine installed and in use on my external drive, which also still has my previous backup on it which used a different system (Dejavu). The external drive's capacity is 74 GB; 58.22GB are used, my iMac hard drive (backed up with TIme Machine) has 38.12 GB used, which by my calculation means about 20GB of the 58 on the external drive are the prior backup. Is there a way I can erase this prior backup, which now duplicates Time Machine, thereby making more room for Time Machine in the future? For instance, if need be, can I erase the whole thing and reinstall Time Machine on it? Thanks!

James, if you open your TM drive, I'm guessing you see the usual System, Library, Users, and Applications folder along with a folder labeled something like Backup.bkup. (I'm away from a TM backup and I can't exactly recall the name of the TM backup folder.)
The DejaVu backup is just a standard file backup using 'rsync' so you can delete whatever you want by simply dragging it to the trash and emptying the trash. If the drive is bootable, you may not want to lose that ability. But assuming there's nothing in your user folder on that backup that isn't also on your computer, you can delete just about everything in your User folder on that drive. You can delete selected applications too. And if you don't mind losing the ability to boot, you can drag everything but the TM backup folder.

How do I create more room on my MacBook Pro so I can install Snow Leopard? It says it needs 5GB and I have 4.something.

How do I create more room on my MacBook Pro so I can install Snow Leopard?
I've only got 4.something GB left and it says it needs 5 GB?
Which then begs the question, will I be able to do anything with the computer.
I think I need to get some stuff off, but do not know where to look up what is taking up the most room.
I have an extra hard drive.
I have iDisk.
I have a Time Machine, but it backs up one of my three Macs.
Thanks.

A utility like GrandPerspective is a good one for seeing what is taking up space on your hard drive.
Video and photo files tend to take up a lot of room.

Need more room! Internal HDs vs. External HDs

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