Eliminate old files after a full Time Machine restore

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Eliminate old files after a full Time Machine restore

I had a software issue and tried a full restore within my MacBook Air solid state drive. The restore recopied about 80GB of files which filled up much of my remaining solid state drive space. Is there a way to eliminate the image of the old version of the files? Will Time Machine eventually delete the old version? I'm looking for a way to buy back the disk space that the restore filled up. Thanks in advance for your help.

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Mar 8, 2014 6:23 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 8, 2014 6:44 AM in response to MacUser_Air

Welcome to Apple Discussions

TimeMachine is supposed to begin deleting "old" files when a SSD or HD reaches ~80% full. Also if TimeMachine is on when you are away from your backup drive for long periods it stores "cached local backup files"

It is essential to keep 10% free space minimum, 15-20% empty space ideal (more doesn't hurt) on your boot drive to keep your machine performing well.

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Answer 2

LowLuster

Level 6

12,105 points

Mar 8, 2014 7:07 AM in response to MacUser_Air

That is because you used the Time Machine App found in the Utilities folder in Applications.

If you want to Restore your Air from your Time Machine backup drive you need to boot to the Recovery HD and then use Disk Utility to Erase the drive and then select Restore from Time Machine backup.

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