Does deleting a user also delete its files?

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Level 1

8 points

Does deleting a user also delete its files?

We have an imac 27inch, that the family uses all together. I am starting school so it is going to become my personal computer and I will be the only user. There are 2 users on the mac (myself, my dad, my mom). We all have the Adobe suite on our users along with songs in itunes and such. Weve already backed up all the data. If I just go and delete the other users, (my dad and mom) will all the data also be removed? Ill need the extra hard drive space, but I dont know if it will store the data somewhere else on the mac or not. Thanks.

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Nov 15, 2013 9:47 AM

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Answer 1

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mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Nov 15, 2013 9:50 AM in response to vinnylav

Welcome to Apple Support Communities

If you are using OS X Mavericks, the user files will be deleted. If you are using an older Mac OS X version like OS X Mountain Lion, System Preferences will let you choose if you want to keep the files or to remove them.

You can check which Mac OS X version you have got in  > About this Mac. OS X 10.9 is Mavericks

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Answer 2

vinnylav Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 15, 2013 9:59 AM in response to mende1

Thanks. Much appreciated.

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Answer 3

mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Nov 15, 2013 9:59 AM in response to vinnylav

You are welcome

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Answer 4

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Nov 15, 2013 11:46 AM in response to mende1

>>If you are using OS X Mavericks, the user files will be deleted. If you are using an older Mac OS X version like OS X Mountain Lion, System Preferences will let you choose if you want to keep the files or to remove them.

Above screenshot is from Mavericks

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Answer 5

vinnylav Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 15, 2013 9:49 PM in response to andyBall_uk

Why does it ask for home folder. How is that different?

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Answer 6

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Nov 16, 2013 5:14 AM in response to vinnylav

Different from what ?

Home folder just means the Macintosh HD/Users/SomeName folder & everything in it, for that particular user account. If that user installed software or placed files elsewhere, those won't be affected.

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