Can I delete this folder?

[roblyh]

Can I delete this hidden folder under /users/.(username)/(username).sparsebundle? It takes up 77GB of harddisk place. Also what is this folder all about?

 

[swiftaw]

Do you , or did you have File Vault active?

 

[roblyh]

Yes I do

 

[swiftaw]

That sparsebundle is the protected disk image that File Vault uses to keep all your user files encrypted.

 

[sjinsjca]

Yes I do

I recommend against FileVault, frankly. Unless you deal in state secrets, you might want to turn it off. It greatly complicates TimeMachine backups (basically, you can't get at individual files in your backup set easily) and it litters your disk with these sparsebundle files.

Voice of experience here. It seemed like a nifty feature, so I turned it on, then eventually went to the Apple Store to ask a Genius WTF about this very same issue.

 

[roblyh]

Thanks! So is it possible to delete it? I think I will turn off the file vault. It takes too much of my disk place.

 

[Darth.Titan]

Turn off FileVault and the .sparsebundle file should take care of itself.

Don't delete the file without turning off FileVault.

 

[miles01110]

I recommend against FileVault, frankly. Unless you deal in state secrets, you might want to turn it off.

And if you have state secrets on your personal computer, expect a fun visit from DSS if they ever find out.

 

[apfhex]

I think I will turn off the file vault. It takes too much of my disk place.

It contains the entire contents of your Home folder, which is why it takes up so much space. I don't think the File Vault disk image is any bigger than you Home folder would be otherwise?