07-27-2006, 10:54 AM

Hi all, first post here... I have a question pertaining to File Vault on the latest version of Mac OS X.

About 3 weeks ago I decided to enable File Vault because I was heading to a conference, and well wanted some form of file protection and knew AES 128 was a good way to go.

I'm now interested in removing/disabling File Vault, but when attempting to do so I get an error that states I don't have enough space to disable File Vault. Ok, so I did some research, and I realize I'm required to have enough space on the drive to rewrite the profile - I don't.

My question is if I archive the files on an external disk/HD can I bring them back at a later date. Meaning, can I move all my doc's, pic's, and music to a external HD, disable Fire Vault and then bring the files back over. My fear is I can't... I'm looking for a little guidence here.

Best,
Appleseed.

07-27-2006, 02:40 PM

You should be able to without any problems... but my advice would be as follows:

Make a backup of your current system (it never hurts)... and then just get rid of your space-gobbling iLife apps temporarily...

Deleting Garageband & iDVD alone can save you around 5 Gigs.
Keynote is another GB and so on...

Just delete them temporarily and you can easily restore them off the included system discs after you've turned off file vault. (Btw - most people don't use filevault, as it does seem to have a few issues...).