My disk filled up. Perhaps an unattended update? Regardless, the 2006 iMac will no longer boot - full hang.
I can get into single user mode, but can't delete any files. When I try to run fsck -fy. It just fails because the disk is full.
Any ideas?
iMac (20-inch Late 2006), Mac OS X (10.7)
You'll have to use Single User Mode & the dangerous rm command to delete some big files, or if you have another Mac with Firewire, we could use Target mode.
I tried that, but it appears that in single user mode I don't have rights to remove obvious big files (movies). I tried to chmod without luck and can't seem to use su either.
Mac OS X: Starting up in Safe Mode - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1455
What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? (Mac OS X) - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
Safe Boot takes longer than normal startup - http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1884
Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 - Computer shuts down during Safe Boot - http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24054
Safe boot mode runs a directory check command similar to that used by Disk Utility's repair. In OSX 10.4 and later it ignores some stored information (cache) that is normally read that speeds up the boot process, and it moves some caches to the trash. It also uses only System fonts and disables all Startup Items, third party items, and any Login Items. Networking and some video components may also be disabled.
Safe mode bombs out too. Gets part way into the boot cycle and boom - power down.
Install SL or Lion onto an ext FWHD, setup the new user to match the one on the full boot volume, and use it to delete items. There should not be any issues with permissions.
Sounds like more than just full drive. Safe mode clears caches which usually gives you just enough leeway to get in and delete files before caches fill up again. It could be filling the drive corrupted the directory at the same time and fsk is not good at taking care of all woes. You'll have to start working with alternative boot methods and possibly stronger direcotry repair tools such as Diskwarrior.
What do I do when fsck fails because the disk is full?
