Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

What can I delete from Extensions and System folder?

I just installed System 10.4 bundled with Classic Mode on my eMac. There seemed to be a lot of things that got installed that I won't need, such as: printer drivers, iChat, Quicken and World Book Encyclopedia. What can I safely delete from the Extensions folder that will not affect the operating system, keeping in that want to run on programs in Classic Mode? Is there anything else I can delete along these lines that will free up hard drive space? Is there anything I can safely delete from the System Folder?


I chose the Archive and install for installation. It says it created a "Previous System Folder". Can I delete this Previous System Folder to make it run faster?

eMac G4-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Oct 7, 2012 1:59 PM

Reply
3 replies

Oct 7, 2012 7:15 PM in response to Ed Contaldi

A standard install loads you up with a pile of unneeded printer drivers, foreign fonts and foreign language support. Did you do the optional install that allows you to omit these space-eaters? If not, as this is a new install, you might consider reinstalling and exercising the optional or custom install options.


Back in the OS9 and earlier days when hard drives were tiny and RAM was expensive, it was a real help to rid one's self of the extra unused extensions. They had "open" and easily understood file names making it a no-brainer to drag those extensions to an "unused extension" folder outside the System folder.


Of all the eMacs made there were only two basic logic board architectures. The first would accommodate up to 1 GB RAM and the second could handle a total of 2GB RAM. Do "About this Mac" from your Apple menu and, in the resulting window, click the "More Info..." button to launch System Profiler.


In Profiler's first screen you can tell which architecture you have. The second line in OS 104 is "Machine Model" followed by a code:


code "PowerMac4,4" --the first architecture, with USB 1.1 and a max RAm of 1GB

code "PowerMac6,4 --that later and desirable USB 2.0 logic board that can do 2GB RAM.


If you have a 4,4 the RAM for that model is listed here:


http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=146&type=Memory


"PC-133" RAM is preferred in 4,4 eMacs for best function.


The same vendor has RAM for the 6,4 here:


http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=223&type=Memory


I've bought 90 percent of my RAM from this vendor for the last decade and can vouch for their product quality and customer service.


The point is that maxxing out your RAM is not expensive and saves you a lot of grief from deleting some file with a cryptic OSX name that the computer really needs.

Nov 25, 2012 12:09 PM in response to Allan Jones

Hi Allan,

I went into the Extewnsions Folder and as you predicted it was not easy to know what was what. I didn't feel comfortable deleting


Where does the pile of unneeded printer drivers, foreign fonts and foreign language support that you mentioned in your previous message reside? I saw things like this in the System Folder. Can fonts be safely deleted from the System Folder Printer Drivers? Languages?


It might be good to know what NOT to delete from the System Folder, Got any ideas?


This is all related to the problem I'm trying to solve in my other thread of measages with you, regarding running 9.2 software (educational) in Classic Mode; running inside 10.4.11. I wanted top free up hard drive space. I thought that the programs might use hard drive space for processing.


Thanks!!!!

Ed

What can I delete from Extensions and System folder?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.