15 GB changes in hard drive storage on Macbook Air using OS X 10.8.4

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Level 1

4 points

15 GB changes in hard drive storage on Macbook Air using OS X 10.8.4

I have a Macbook Air from mid 2011 running OS X 10.8.4 1.8 Ghz Core i7, with 256 GB hard drive. This is my primary computer and I am often moving files onto a separate back up drive to keep space open. I currently have about 15 GB free on my hard drive. While working (using Outlook, Excel, Mail, Safari), I am getting messages that the system no longer has the memory to keep my applications running. When I check disk utilities, I am showing less 500 MB of hard drive space remaining. When I restart the system, I am back up to 15 GB of free space but this only works for an hour or so.

I have checked for viruses and I have none (using most up to date virus definations with the ClamXav application). I have verfied and repaired disk and disk permissions (with no errors found). I have deleted unused apps in iTunes as well as podcasts and courses from iTunes U as I have found if left unchecked can eat up a lot of hard drive space.

I appreciate your time in helping me solve this issue. Thank you.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Jul 8, 2013 2:06 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 8, 2013 2:39 PM in response to Skiball7

When I check disk utilities, I am showing less 500 MB of hard drive space remaining. When I restart the system, I am back up to 15 GB of free space but this only works for an hour or so.

The startup disk may need repairing. (not the same as permissions)

Launch Disk Utility located in HD > Applications > Utilities

Sellect the startup disk on the left then select the First Aid tab.

While you have the Disk Utility window open, make sure S.M.A.R.T status says: Verified

Click: Veriify Disk

If DU reports errors, with Mountain Lion v10.8 installed, the only way to repair the starrtup disk is to restart your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys to access OS X: About OS X Recovery

From there you can repair the disk.

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Answer 2

Skiball7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 8, 2013 2:47 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Carolyn,

Thank you. Verify Disk came back with an "OK". While this was not the reason for the issue, I have a feeling your response will come in handy for the future. I appreciate your time. Thank you.

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Answer 3

Jul 8, 2013 2:49 PM in response to Skiball7

OK is good but make sure you see: Verified at the bottom of the window to the right of S.M.A.R.T status 🙂

Try here > OSX Tips The Storage Display

You're welcome.

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Answer 4

MadMacs0

Level 5

5,233 points

Jul 8, 2013 3:54 PM in response to Skiball7

Skiball7 wrote:

I have a Macbook Air from mid 2011 running OS X 10.8.4 1.8 Ghz Core i7, with 256 GB hard drive...I currently have about 15 GB free on my hard drive.

The rule of thumb is that you need about 20% of you hard drive free to accommodate temporary (including TimeMachine snapshots) and virtual memory files so 15 is insufficient. You need to either purchase a larger hard drive or off-load some large files to an external drive.

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Answer 5

Skiball7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 8, 2013 5:56 PM in response to MadMacs0

Thank you MadMac. Most of the time, I have had only 5GB free. In your opinion, what could cause these memory errors to start now with consistent apps from day one?

With that said, I don't need a lot reasons to get some new gear. I am waiting to see the new updates to the 13" macbook Pro with Retina Display.

I appreciate your help.

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