400 GB of data in hidden files

[crovansco]

I have a 1TB iMac, for family use, and I found out it had 400GB in the hidden files. I can't find where they are, and I want to delete them, what can I do?

 

[crovansco]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/poxqli4df87rpel/Screenshot 2015-03-09 18.47.01.png?dl=0
Here's a Disk image, it is killing me not to know where all that is hidden!!
Could it be if another user has their Timemachine activated?

 

[chscag]

If you purchase a license for Daisy Disk it will break down what and where everything is located. Right now your Daisy Disk is in test mode. Either that or download the free Disk Inventory X from here.

 

[caribiner23]

Daisy Disk will tell you exactly where the files are located-- maybe because you're using the unpaid version it doesn't provide the detail. I have the paid version, and when I mouse over one of the colored semi-circles it tells me exactly what files are there and where they're located.

I'd advise you to buy Daisy Disk (totally worth it) or use a free tool like OmniDisk Sweeper. OmniDisk is not graphical but will tell you what's where.

Good luck!

 

[lclev]

If this is not a Time Machine back up - and if it is I recommend you change that to an external drive. Kinda defeats the purpose of a backup if it is on the same drive. But I will assume that it isn't?


Try rebooting your iMac by holding down the Command + R keys and run Disk Utility. In Disk Utility run disk repair and repair permissions of the main hard drive. The drive will be listed as Macintosh HD with another drive listed below that may also be called Macintosh HD - that is the one to click on. You want the Repair drive and Repair permissions to be available. Run repair drive first and then repair permissions. Although I am not sure it makes a difference it is just my preference.

Post back and let us know if that helps.

Lisa

 

[caribiner23]

If this is not a Time Machine back up - and if it is I recommend you change that to an external drive. Kinda defeats the purpose of a backup if it is on the same drive. But I will assume that it isn't?

I believe crovansco suspects another user kicked off TimeMachine and the computer is building local snapshots which are eating up the space.

Let us know what you find out!

 

[chscag]

I believe crovansco suspects another user kicked off TimeMachine and the computer is building local snapshots which are eating up the space.

Let us know what you find out!

Local snapshots do not occur on desktop Macs, only on portables. (He has an iMac.)

 

[ricardoRI]

hidden files

I have the same problem.

I have used Disksweeper, Whatsize (purchased version in Admin mode), "About Mac", Finder (showing all hidden files), and CCleaner. All are consistent - I have c. 150 GB of unidentified "other" files. I have read the Apple https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202867 which is mostly irrelevant.

I have found the caches (deleted them), swap files, hidden files,Trash, files from other users, V100 backups, etc., and STILL have a 150 GB discrepancy. Run Disk Permission, Disk Verify, rebooted in Safe Mode, cleaned out tons of various caches, re-indexed Spotlight, nothing makes a difference in the "other" files. It reduces my actual files, of course, so I have more user space.

In Finder with all files shown (and the other programs) the sum of the files and folders does not add up to the total, by 150 GB. Total disk size is correct (500GB SSD).

Any suggestions? Driving me crazy. It seems the space is not occupied by actual files, but is allocated to something else.

 

[cradom]

Are you by any chance using Disk Drill?

 

[bobtomay]

I have the same problem.

I... I have c. 150 GB of unidentified "other" files. ...e crazy. It seems the space is not occupied by actual files, but is allocated to something else.

The best advice I can provide, stop trying to figure out what all makes up that totally ridiculous and asinine "Other" category. That is really a waste of time and effort. Just quit looking at it.

I can tell you I have over 60 GBs of applications that don't appear in the total of "Apps".
There is no telling what all is in 'other'.
You're going down a hole from which their is no end.

If you are using any of the good programs that will actually show you what and where all your data is (WhatSize, Daisy Disk, etc.), that's all you need.