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Norton Clean

I am running Norton Security v.8.7.1 on a Mac running OS Mojave (10.14.6) and am running out of hard disk space. Norton keeps asking me to run Norton Clean, however, previous posts here from 2018 say don't do it. Is that still the case? Does it work or will it create more nightmares than it is worth?

Posted on Dec 7, 2021 2:48 PM

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4 replies

Dec 7, 2021 3:21 PM in response to vasarely

I recommend you do not run it, and yes, it is still the case. Norton Security may free up some disk space, but the question is what is it going to remove from your drive to do it? It's very likely to try to eliminate files that the OS requires to do what it's supposed to do. Or it may remove files that contain metadata for your photos and videos or other files. The point is, you really have little control over what it will attempt to remove.


You are the best keeper of your Mac. Purchase an external drive and do the housekeeping yourself. Move your Photo library, your music and videos to the external drive, delete unused apps and app installers and downloads. Then delete those large files from your startup drive and empty the trash to free up the space your Mac needs for efficiency.


Use a second external drive to keep a Time Machine backup.

Dec 8, 2021 2:08 AM in response to vasarely

Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and may require a Reinstallation of the OS.


This includes AntiVirus, Disk Cleaners, Disk Optimizes, UnInstaller etc.


An Norton by any software usage on macOS is one of the worst apart from another called by acronym " CMM "




The The Built in Security  is all that is required.

Norton Clean

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