Where did all my disk space go.. Help!!!!!

Hey all! If anyone could help me with this problem, theres about 200gb of "Other" taking up my disk space, and while restoring is out of the question for me, I was wondering if anyone could help, Iv used various disk cleaning programs but nothing gets rid of it

SCREENSHOT: http://gyazo.com/4c356660d24904ad220e72f47d4eac95

Any help is appreciated

Vinnie

Find out for yourself what's taking up the space by downloading the free "Disk Inventory X" from here.

As well as that use a Duplicate Finder like GDuplicateFinder to find unwanted and not needed Duplicates. Or if you want to pay, try https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/gemini-the-duplicate-finder/id463541543?mt=12

Cheers

For the record: "Other" simply means "files that do not fit any of the categories already listed." On any system, you're going to see a lot of "other." The system, libraries, documents, etc.

Here's the profile of my drive, and I know every file that's on it:

vinnievman said:

I've used various disk cleaning programs but nothing gets rid of it

Click to expand...

That could be part of the problem. Uninstall those immediately! There are none that have been demonstrated to be of any benefit, and some cause all kinds of problems.

chas_m said:

For the record: "Other" simply means "files that do not fit any of the categories already listed." On any system, you're going to see a lot of "other." The system, libraries, documents, etc.

Here's the profile of my drive, and I know every file that's on it:

View attachment 19032

Click to expand...

Hi Chas_m et al since my question is general - from your disk usage diagram (and that of the OP), you have 7.6% 'free' space remaining - I've always tried to maintain at least 15% free space or more and believe that is the usual suggestion, just for disk maintenance, swap space, and other reasons?

Now, I'm coming from the PC world in the last month and maybe Apple's advice on 'free' disk space is different - not sure. But, I (and probably many other 'newbies' to OS X) would appreciate some advice and comments - my MBP has 256 GB - ALSO, does a SSD drive make a difference vs. a standard HD - sorry for the simple questions but still learning - Dave

The 15 percent thing is a decent rule of thumb, but I am personally of the belief that the actual amount of free space you "need" for the machine to operate at maximum efficiency varies depending on your workflow. So for example, little old lady who uses her Mac to surf, email and play card games probably doesn't need as much free space available* as someone who processes lots of pictures or video. In the latter case, 15 percent might not be enough.

*ironically it's the little old lady who's going to have 50 percent or more of her drive free at all times. Ay, there's the rub.

But yes, it's time for me to do some housecleaning.