sherrykh

Q: I keep getting the Startup disc full warning when 21GB is available

I've tried all the solutions already posted from cleaning my mail app (which I don't use) to deleting old iTunes backups. I've repaired permissions, delete old messages, killed that mail thing listed in one discussion, and keep my trash empty. The desktop is even clean. I have 21 GB of free space of 500 GB. 200 GB is taken up by other. I have no clue what that could be. I use CleanMyMac to delete old cache files. I'm ONLY running Firefox when I get the warning. Soon after the warning, it freezes stone cold.  I'm running 10.9.4 because the last time I let the OS upgrade, half my graphics programs stopped working. I dare not do that again for fear of losing the rest.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4), 500 GB, 8 GB

Posted on Feb 23, 2016 7:47 PM

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Q: I keep getting the Startup disc full warning when 21GB is available

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  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Feb 23, 2016 8:49 PM in response to sherrykh
    Level 6 (15,448 points)
    Feb 23, 2016 8:49 PM in response to sherrykh

    Uninstall CleanMyMac.

     

    Here is an explanation of what "Other" is:

    OS X: What is "other" space in About This Mac? - Apple Support

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Feb 24, 2016 3:57 AM in response to sherrykh
    Level 8 (49,615 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 24, 2016 3:57 AM in response to sherrykh

    sherrykh wrote:

     

    ... I use CleanMyMac to delete old cache files.

     

    Please don't do that.

     


     

    To remove CleanMyMac 3 itself, use its Uninstaller module, followed by these additional steps:

     

    • Remove the file ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.macpaw.CleanMyMac3.Scheduler.plist

      • To navigate to that file, copy and paste the following line into the Finder's Go menu > Go To Folder...

    ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

      • Locate the following file and drag it to the Trash:

    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac3.Scheduler.plist

    • Then, open  (Apple menu) > System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
    • Select the item CleanMyMac3 Menu
    • Click the [—] (minus) button.
    • Restart your Mac.

     

    Beware that reinstalling OS X alone will have no effect on either removing CleanMyMac or reversing the damage it is capable of inflicting upon a system. To recover from the effects of having used it to modify OS X, the additional software you require and the essential files you need, follow the applicable recovery procedure below:

     

    • If you have a backup that you created prior to using CleanMyMac, now is the time to use it. For Time Machine, boot OS X Recovery, and at the Mac OS X Utilities screen, choose Restore from Time Machine Backup. Choose a date preceding the installation of CleanMyMac.
    • If you do not have a backup that predates the use of CleanMyMac, create one now. To do that read Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac.
      • The recovery procedure will require that you erase the Mac using OS X Recovery, and then create a new User Account whose contents will be empty. You will then be able to use Setup Assistant to migrate your essential documents including photos, music, work products and other essential files.
      • To erase and install OS X read How to reinstall OS X on your Mac.
        • Follow the instructions in that document under Erase your drive and install OS X.
        • Then, follow the procedure in Move your content to a new Mac.
        • When asked how you want to transfer your information, select Transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
        • Under Select the Information to Transfer, select only your previous User account and do not select "Applications", "Computer and Network Settings" or "Other files and folders". De-select those choices.
      • Subsequent to using Setup Assistant, you will need to reinstall the essential software you may require, once again remembering to install software only from their original sources, and omitting all non-essential software.
      • "Non-essential software" is a broad category that includes but is not limited to third party "cleaning", "maintenance", and "anti-virus" products.