fire vault encryption

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Level 1

5 points

fire vault encryption

I have an older I Mac (2012) but need to turn fire vault. All systems are up to date. How long does it usually take? The time states more than a day?

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012)

Posted on Jan 25, 2018 9:38 AM

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Answer 1

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rjzak

Level 1

29 points

Jan 25, 2018 10:49 AM in response to melnwezn2

If it were me, I'd turn on File Vault, and let the computer run until it's finished. You can continue using the computer while it's busy. Use FileVault to encrypt the startup disk on your Mac - Apple Support

Encryption occurs in the background as you use your Mac, and only while your Mac is awake and plugged in to AC power. You can check progress in the FileVault section of Security & Privacy preferences.

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Answer 2

Jan 25, 2018 9:49 AM in response to melnwezn2

Impossible to answer with information provided.

For starters it is not Fire Vault, it is called Filevault.

What version of macOS is running on your Mac?

How much disk space does your Mac have?

How much disk space is currently in use?

Do you have a backup?

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Answer 3

melnwezn2 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 25, 2018 10:07 AM in response to melnwezn2

That makes sense. I was told I need it when I bought my MacBook Pro for my business. Since I will use my I Mac for business I thought I needed to turn it on as well.

Interestingly enough The MacBook Pro with macOS 10.13.3 and 220.59GB still free is saying "more than a day" for the last 24 hours . . . .

The I Mac is on macOS 10.13.2 and has 809GB free.

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Answer 4

melnwezn2 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 25, 2018 9:48 AM in response to Allan Eckert

thanks anyway. I guess I don't know enough to ask the right question. I was just surprised by the estimated time remaining being "more than one day."

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Answer 5

melnwezn2 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 25, 2018 12:09 PM in response to melnwezn2

Thanks so much!

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Answer 6

Jan 25, 2018 9:52 AM in response to melnwezn2

The less free space available, the longer the encryption will take.

Why do you wish to encrypt your iMac?

Encryption is usually recommended for portable computer. Those which are not usually moved around are usually not encrypted unless there are other extenuating circumstances.

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