I tried to install Big Sur but Mac reported insufficient space after startin installation. Now it appears I have neither OS and some strange things have happened, such as a bunch of emails from 5 to 20 years ago and loss of the dock. w

I tried to install Big Sur but my Mac reported insufficient space after starting installation. Now it appears I have neither OS and some strange things have happened, such as the appearance of a bunch of emails from 5 to 20 years ago and loss of the dock.

Posted on Feb 6, 2021 9:53 AM

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Posted on Feb 6, 2021 10:13 AM

First boot into Safe Mode by booting with the Shift key held down and check there to see if the problem persists.  Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


If still having problems boot into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down) and reinstall the system.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 6, 2021 10:13 AM in response to edgross208

First boot into Safe Mode by booting with the Shift key held down and check there to see if the problem persists.  Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


If still having problems boot into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down) and reinstall the system.


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I tried to install Big Sur but Mac reported insufficient space after startin installation. Now it appears I have neither OS and some strange things have happened, such as a bunch of emails from 5 to 20 years ago and loss of the dock. w

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