Large hidden files are bloating my computer

Question

Level 1

8 points

Large hidden files are bloating my computer

I was just doing some backing up maintenance with Retrospect and noticed that 7 of the 10GB worth of stuff being backed up on my desktop were massive files that I couldn't see and have really long filenames consisting of letters and numbers like: ASZ1TY4KLDJ0087DLPRZX34SDJJKFJ or similar.

What are these and how can I safely get rid of them?

G5 DualCore 2.3 Ghz, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Apr 12, 2006 7:09 AM

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Answer 1

Rich74

Level 3

949 points

Apr 12, 2006 7:18 AM in response to BigBadB0

They might be temporary files associated with any video work you do (which I'm presuming from your Final Cut icon)

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Answer 2

REKramer

Level 4

2,475 points

Apr 12, 2006 9:10 AM in response to BigBadB0

Try this. WhatSize

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Answer 3

Apr 13, 2006 11:25 AM in response to REKramer

I must agree with the recommendation for WhatSize.

Also, specifically, look in /private/var/vm/swapfile. That is another issue. Question- how to stop the swapfile from being created?

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Answer 4

Apr 13, 2006 12:08 PM in response to Kirk Staley

The only safe way to eliminate swap files is to restrart, and the only way to keep them from being created is buy more RAM and/or have fewer programs running at once.
Francine

Francine
Schwieder

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