Sparse disc image bundle

[rogco]

Hi

What function does a sparse disc image bundle fulfill?

What happens if I delete it to create more disc space?

Thanks
Rogco

 

[Nermal]

You'll have to be more specific...

It sounds like you've obtained a sparse image from somewhere. As to whether it's safe to delete it, well, that depends on what's in it

 

[rogco]

Thanks for your reply

The Sparse folder only becomes visible via using Disc Inventory X.

In

HD/Users/.Myuser/Myuser.sparsebundle

Each of these files has identical disc space of 133gb.

Not sure of the function of the Sparse bundle but could do with the 133gb of space if it is of no use. ( I am thinking I might have created it by mistake while fiddling where I shouldn't have been.

Thanks
Rogco

 

[Nermal]

Do you use any encryption software (such as File Vault)? I don't have a sparse bundle in /Users on my machine, but it looks like it could be used for account security.

 

[rogco]

Yep - I do use File Vault, but didn't think it would duplicate user file. Do you think that is what has happened?

 

[Mal]

Do not delete that. That is the permanent copy of all of your files. If you delete that, you will lose everything, and have to restore from your backup (assuming you have one).

FileVault works by creating a disk image (the sparsebundle you found), and encrypting it. Everytime you log into your computer, it opens up that sparsebundle and you work from the files contained within (invisibly to you). When you log out, all those files are wrapped back up and are now inaccessible without your password.

Again, DO NOT DELETE THAT FILE.

jW

 

[rogco]

That explains the function and if I understand correctly it doesn't actually take up any extra space.
I'll leave it alone.
Thanks