accessing private folders

[mikeydoo2]

Hey guys!

I'm a newbie in the forum...

I'm trying to delete a bunch of unwanted files that take up a lot of space, and I'm finding this file that is 2 gigs, which labeled:

private/var/vm/sleepimage

but I can't access the file or delete it.

(i'm using a program called GrandPerspective which visually represents how memory is being used)

any hints?

thanks

 

[GGJstudios]

Don't delete it! It is used by Mac OS X for its "Safe Sleep" feature, and is approximately as large as the amount of RAM you have installed. Unless you KNOW what you're doing, deleting things without understanding what they're used for is a good way to turn your Mac into a paperweight!

 

[mikeydoo2]

eek!

ok I def won't!

i assume everything else in the private folder has a good use too?

I just won't touch that one.

-mk

 

[GGJstudios]

eek!
ok I def won't!
i assume everything else in the private folder has a good use too?
I just won't touch that one.
-mk

I wouldn't try deleting anything outside your own User folder, and even then, you can screw things up if you don't know what you're doing.

 

[angelwatt]

It is possible to "turn off" that file. Check out this article from Mac World on how to do so and what it means. You can then decide for yourself if you want to proceed or not. I don't do it myself, but have a co-worker who does so he can have that space back.