Erase Free Space fail

Question

Level 1

8 points

Erase Free Space fail

I am using OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 Ever since the latest update OS X Yosemite Recovery Update Version 1.0 April 10, 2015 I am unable to complete Erase Free Space. I get an error message of "Secure Erase Free Space failed with the error: Couldn’t create temporary file." I've tried both a Fastest and a Most Secure erase with the same results. Prior to that update, Erase Free Space worked flawlessly on my iMac. Any suggestions? Is this a problem with the OS X Yosemite Recovery Update Version 1.0?

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Apr 14, 2015 8:52 AM

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Answer 1

jdavidbl

Level 1

0 points

Apr 25, 2015 7:51 AM in response to rdkhalsa45

I have the same issue. Apple said that it was because I FireVault on?

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Answer 2

rdkhalsa45 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 25, 2015 8:01 AM in response to jdavidbl

Thank you for your reply. I just checked my System Preferences for Security and Privacy and my FireVault is NOT on and never has been. That is not the reason I continue to have this issue.

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Answer 3

Apr 26, 2015 2:34 AM in response to rdkhalsa45

Hello,

I started having this issue too. I do have FileVault on, however, I've been running the Erase Free Space with FileVault on ever since I got this computer a year ago. It's part of my weekly cleanup and privacy sweep.

I would like to get this repaired.

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Answer 4

rdkhalsa45 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 26, 2015 9:56 AM in response to madmoose123

It is reassuring to know that others Mac users are experiencing the same problem. I hope somebody will soon post a solution here.

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Answer 5

Apr 26, 2015 11:31 AM in response to rdkhalsa45

Your problem with erase free space may not be tied to 10.10.3 update. I had somewhat similar problems erasing free space under Lion 10.7.5. the error message occurred at the very beginning of the erase process saying:

“Secure Erase Free Space failed with the error:

“Some information was unavailable during an internal lookup”

The error did not occur for every partition I tried to erase free space on, but when it did occur it repeated when I tried the same a second time.

You might try a) booting from a different startup partition, or try to apply the erase free space to a different HD to see if you get the same error.

Another time (also under Lion) I did a 3X erase free space with 133 GB free, and the temporary file it creates named com.apple.diskimage... grew to fill nearly all free space (it was down to 6 GB) so I had to abort that attempt. Doing a single 1X erase free space on the same disk worked fine. Obviously something strange going on with the temporary file it creates.

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Answer 6

nobleun

Level 1

0 points

Apr 28, 2015 1:49 AM in response to rdkhalsa45

I have the exact same problem since upgrading to 10.10.3. Filevault is turned off. A solution would be appreciated.

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Answer 7

rdkhalsa45 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 1, 2015 8:30 PM in response to nobleun

I went to https://www.piriform.com/mac/ccleaner and downloaded the free version of CCleaner for Mac. It works fine. Like all software that erases free space, it should only be used when you have no other need to use your computer for a while. I load CCleaner, then go to Tools, then go to Erase Free Space. I've used it a few times with no issues. I still hope that I get a reply that solves my problem using the Erase Free Space feature built into the OS for my Mac.

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Answer 8

May 1, 2015 8:33 PM in response to rdkhalsa45

Hello,

Thanks for the info. I already have that software, but I have yet to see if there was an issue using that. I would also like a reply solves our problem.

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Answer 9

May 3, 2015 11:29 PM in response to rdkhalsa45

I too have the same problem. Erase free space was working perfectly earlier in 10.10.1. Only now in 10.10.3, I am experiencing this issue. Any solutions ?

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Answer 10

May 16, 2015 2:40 PM in response to rdkhalsa45

I also have been having this same issue since the update.

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Answer 11

webgypsy

Level 1

8 points

May 31, 2015 5:39 PM in response to rdkhalsa45

Yep, I'm having the same issue on my iMac. I tried twice, but received the same error. I'm a little afraid of CC. Has anyone had any luck resolving this issue? Yosemite 10.10.3

Thanks in advance.

Bev

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Answer 12

Jun 6, 2015 12:06 PM in response to webgypsy

Still no response to this issue?

ETA: I just found this: OS X: About Disk Utility's erase free space feature - Apple Support It says the message is part of the process?😕

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Answer 13

Jun 9, 2015 6:20 AM in response to guapagirl

Nope - that's for a different error message. The problem remains (I have it too!) - and still there's no response from Apple.

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Answer 14

Eric Root

Level 10

685,293 points

Jun 9, 2015 2:15 PM in response to Community User

Apple doesn’t routinely monitor the discussions. These are mostly user to user discussions.

Send Apple feedback. They won't answer, but at least will know there is a problem. If enough people send feedback, it may get the problem solved sooner.

Feedback

Or you can use your Apple ID to register with this site and go the Apple BugReporter. Supposedly you will get an answer if you submit feedback.

Feedback via Apple Developer

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Answer 15

Jun 9, 2015 2:40 PM in response to Eric Root

Thanks Eric! I'll give the BugReporter a shot.

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