Hardrive

2013-08-02T19:03:14+01:00

Hello Folks, Even though there is 87 GBs of space left on my Mac, It says it does not have enough disk space to write files. Is this because the disk is spread all over rather than compacted into a neat order? So do I need a Mac version of something like disk defragmenter? If anybody can help or advise it would be very useful. Many thanks Graham

Re: Hardrive

2013-08-03T08:49:01+01:00

Fragmentation isn't usually a big problem on Macs (can't remember the technicalities though!). However, as a first step, I would recommend running a permissions repair using Disc Utility (you can find it in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder).

Re: Hardrive

2013-08-03T10:18:13+01:00

Hi Graham, Trevor probably meant check your drive data structure. 1. Hard drive data space 'Mis-Reporting': Most likely this is a "Catalogue B-tree error", and you should use Disk Utility to check your drive data structure [Verify Disk]. The Repair Disk option will be be greyed-out. If the Drive Check reveals a problem and you are running Lion/ Mountain Lion: restart your Mac while keeping the Option Key pressed from just before the chime. Your display will show available start-up drive icons. If using earlier OSX installations, start up from any external start-up disc or the grey discs that came with your Mac. Use the keyboard arrow keys** to select your Recovery Drive which is automatically installed on an invisible partition. Use this to start up and then go to Utilities > Disk Utility. **(If using an unmounted wireless mouse.) As the Recovery Drive partition is now running your Mac, your Disk Repair option will not be greyed-out. If the first recovery cycle doesn't work ("Disk Utility cannot repair this drive"), sometimes repeating Repair Disk will -- I once did this repair cycle about five times after which the drive repair was successful. If not, you may need heavy duty repair software. 2. Hard drive data space 'Disappearing': Time Machine may make temporary backups on your main drive if the designated T/Mc drive isn't mounted leading to your space disappearing before your eyes. See: About this Mac > More Info > System Report > Hardware> Storage.

Re: Hardrive

2013-08-03T19:20:58+01:00

Hello Euan, Further to this discussion I now have an external HD doing the same thing. It has 128 GBs spare but says it has run out of disk space to. I followed your advice and Trevors but it said the disk appeared to be ok? This on the Mac HD and the external HD. What have I done to get two HDs doing this. What can I do now please. Graham

Re: Hardrive

2013-08-03T22:31:07+01:00

couple of thoughts, are you using time machine? and if so, how often do you attach the time machine drive, because it is taking snapshots regularly and storing them until you attach a physical drive...... or are you brave enough to view hidden files and sort by size to see if there is an app (like final cut, or other pro apps) that stash huge temp files of many gigs that didnt terminate properly and are faking the file tables into thinking there is no space left. and finally when was the last time you emptied the trash from ALL your apps.? - just kidding, I'm sure you did this first.!! g

Re: Hardrive

2013-08-04T10:17:42+01:00

Yupp, Time machine: see the second suggestion in my post above :)

Re: Hardrive

2013-08-04T10:39:26+01:00

If you google "hard drive space disappearing Time Machine" < you will find more information, this post looks productive as it addresses Mail too. > http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2020387 < Hope this helps.