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I now have HD running Catalina and HD1 running Big Sur , both seem to have the same data files- except where I make changes or new files it is only on the one - but now the machine has double everything and is performing very very slowly.
container disk 2 is almost full and I am totally confused how or what to erase?
Thanks
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
If you want to restore the Fusion drive, see here: How to fix a split Fusion Drive - Apple Support
A Fusion drive combines the SSD and HDD into one virtual drive. All of the OS and files that need quicker access are stored on the SSD; other items are stored on the HDD. You don't have to do anything--it is all done magically behind the scenes.
As it notes, you will have to erase everything on both drives. Do you have a backup from which to restore (or do you have anything on it you need)? If you just got it from your nephew, you should probably erase it completely and reinstall the OS before you start using it.
If you don't mind having them split, you can run the installer and choose Macintosh HD as the destination. You may need to download the installer, again, but since you didn't install on the startup drive, it may still be in your Applications folder.
If you want to restore the Fusion drive, see here: How to fix a split Fusion Drive - Apple Support
A Fusion drive combines the SSD and HDD into one virtual drive. All of the OS and files that need quicker access are stored on the SSD; other items are stored on the HDD. You don't have to do anything--it is all done magically behind the scenes.
As it notes, you will have to erase everything on both drives. Do you have a backup from which to restore (or do you have anything on it you need)? If you just got it from your nephew, you should probably erase it completely and reinstall the OS before you start using it.
If you don't mind having them split, you can run the installer and choose Macintosh HD as the destination. You may need to download the installer, again, but since you didn't install on the startup drive, it may still be in your Applications folder.
Open Disk Utilities >> View and View ALL attached drives.
Perhaps a screen shot or iPhone picture uploaded using the "Insert Image " icon second to last on this site. will assist in answering previous postings question.
This looks like a Fusion drive with an Extra Volume housing the second Operating System ( OS ) installed in the extra volume.
Best leave this to more learned Contributor @ Barney -15E to sort this out..
Hello again,
Thank you for looking into this. I am still a bit confused though- Do I need to keep the fusion drive? I don't want them split if possible- If I reinstall will it remove from both drives or what ? Should I avoid Big Sur with such an old Imac (2014) or shall I continue an installation with that?
I have had the computer a while but most of my files are stored on virtual dosks so not too much to remove- just photos really.
With only 128GB SSD, I'd make it a Fusion drive.
Creating the Fusion drive will erase both drives.
I don't know whether you need Big Sur or not. You'd have to look at the features and decide whether you need it. Big Sur continues the integration with iOS making using both somewhat seamless. Catalina started some of that, but Big Sur made more strides. Monterey, even more.
I think with a Mac that old, I might just stick with Catalina unless I definitely need the features of Big Sur.
Hi, No I don't want two and I did not partition the drive. My nephew owned the machine before me and he said he didn't either. Does this help?either.
Did you want the two OSes?
Did you partition the drive or add a Volume to make HD1?
Help! I've installed big Sur on the wrong disk
